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Guinn of and his wife, Dema; Representa- bers from the congressional delegation who tive Trent Franks of Arizona and his wife, Jose- are here. You’ve sent some fine people from phine; and Darlene Ensign, wife of Senator John Nevada to Washington, DC, starting with Ensign of Nevada. The Office of the Press Sec- Congressman Jim Gibbons. Jim, I thank you, retary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks. appreciate you. Dawn is with him. Congress- man Jon Porter, appreciate you coming, Jon. Laurie is with Jon. Remarks at a Bush-Cheney Nevada is such a powerful attraction for Luncheon in people around the country that you’ve been November 25, 2003 able to attract some people from the House of Representatives who aren’t Thanks for coming. Go ahead and please from your great State. [Laughter] Trent be seated. I appreciate you coming. Thanks Franks and Josie Franks came over from the for the warm welcome. It’s great to be in State of Arizona. I want to thank Congress- one of America’s greatest cities, Las Vegas. man Franks for joining us today. Frank The Governor was saying, ‘‘Don’t you want LoBiondo from New Jersey is with us. I’m to spend a little time here, a little quality honored that Frank is with us. Thank you time?’’ And I said, ‘‘Well, I’m on Govern- for coming, Frank. I told old Frank, I said, ment pay’’—[laughter]—if you know what I ‘‘Gosh, it’s great to see you. Thanks for com- mean. But this is a dynamic part of our coun- ing to see me.’’ He said, ‘‘I didn’t come to try. The growth is amazing. The spirit is see you.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘I came to be with my great. It’s such an honor to be here. We did fiancee, Tina.’’ [Laughter] Happens to live really well in the year 2000 here in Nevada. here in Las Vegas. We’re going to do great in 2004 too. I’m honored that the Lieutenant Governor I appreciate you coming. As the Governor is here, Lorrie Hunt—Lorraine Hunt. I ap- said, this is a successful fundraiser. I’ll tell preciate you coming, Lorraine. The chairman you what we’re doing: We’re laying the foun- of the campaign, chairman of the Bush-Che- dation for what is going to be a great national ney ’04 campaign, is your great attorney gen- victory in November 2004. I’m loosening up. eral, . Thanks for coming, I’m getting ready. But politics will come in Brian. I’m honored that Secretary of State its own time. See, I’ve got a job to do. I want is with us today. Dean, thank you to tell your fellow citizens, this President you for coming. I appreciate you being here. is going to work on behalf of everybody to State Comptroller Kathy Augustine is with keep this country safe and secure, prosperous us. Thank you for coming, Kathy. Got a lot and free. of other State and local officials. I’m grateful I appreciate Kenny, who’s a good friend, you’re here. I appreciate your service to your and Dema. They’ve been friends of Laura State and to your county and to your city. and mine for a while. We both married above I’m honored that my friend Mercer Rey- ourselves. [Laughter] Dema is doing a great nolds, who’s the national finance chairman, job as the first lady of this State. Laura is is with us. He’s from Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s doing a great job as the First Lady of our a business person taking time out of his life country. She sends her best. I left her this to help make sure this campaign is ade- morning in Crawford. We went for about a quately funded. He’s doing a really good job, 31⁄2 mile walk together across the country- thanks to you all. Larry and Camille Ruvo side, had a little time to visit outside the bub- have done—a lot to do with this event. I’m ble in Washington, DC, and we’re going to honored you all are here. Thank you. Appre- spend Thanksgiving together. She’s a great ciate you, Larry. wife, a wonderful mother, and I’m really I want to thank all the grassroots activists proud of the tone she has set and the job who are here with us today. See, it’s impor- she’s doing as our Nation’s First Lady. tant to make sure that we’re well funded. It’s Darlene Ensign is here. I’m proud to call also important to make sure people get on , Senator John Ensign, a friend the phones and put up the signs and go to and an ally. I appreciate so very much mem- the coffee shops and put out the word that

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this is an optimistic and hopeful administra- single person has a chance to realize the tion who’s getting the job done for the Amer- American Dream. ican people. This economy of ours is reacting to our In the last 3 years, our Nation has acted policy. The American economy is strong, and decisively to confront great challenges. I it is getting stronger. The third quarter fig- came to this office to solve problems instead ures were just revised upward to 8.2 percent, of passing them on to future Presidents and the fastest pace in nearly 20 years. Produc- future generations. I came to seize opportu- tivity is high. Business investment is rising. nities instead of letting them slip away. This Housing construction is strong. The job base administration is meeting the tests of our is expanding. The tax relief we passed is time. working. Declare—terrorists declared war on the Three years ago there was a lot of talk United States of America, and war is what about education reform, but there wasn’t they got. We’ve captured or killed many of much action. So I acted. I called for and the the key leaders of the Al Qaida network, and the rest of them know we’re on their trail. Congress passed the No Child Left Behind In Afghanistan and Iraq, we gave ultimatums Act. With a solid bipartisan majority, we de- to terror regimes. Those regimes chose defi- livered the most dramatic education reforms ance, and those regimes are no more. Fifty in a generation. We’re now bringing high million people in those two countries once standards and strong accountability measures lived under tyranny, and now they live in to every public school in America. We’ve in- freedom. creased the education budgets at the Federal Three years ago, our military was not re- level. But for the first time in our Nation’s ceiving the resources it needed, and morale history, we now expect results in return for was beginning to suffer. So we increased the the increased funding. This administration is defense budgets to prepare for the threats challenging the soft bigotry of low expecta- of a new era, and today, no one in the world tions. We’re raising the bar. We’re raising the can question the skill and the strength and standards, because we believe every child can the spirit of the United States military. learn, and we expect every school to teach, Three years ago, this economy of ours was so not one single child is left behind in Amer- in trouble, and a recession was beginning. ica. And then our country was attacked, and we We reorganized this Government of ours had scandals in corporate America as well to create the Department of Homeland Se- as the war to make America more secure and curity, safeguard the borders and ports of the world more peaceful. All of that affected America, and to better protect the American the people’s confidence, but we acted. We people. We passed trade promotion authority passed tough new laws to hold corporate to open up new markets for our country’s criminals to account. And to get this economy entrepreneurs and farmers and ranchers. We going again, I have twice led the United passed budget agreements to bring much- States Congress to pass historic tax relief for needed spending discipline to Washington, the American people. DC. On issue after issue, this administration I believe that when Americans have more take-home pay to spend, to save, or invest, has acted on principle, has kept its word, and the whole economy grows, and people are has made progress for the American people. more likely to find a job. And so we’re return- The deserves a lot ing more money to the people, returning of the credit. I appreciate working with money to help them raise their families. Speaker Denny Hastert, Senate Majority We’ve reduced taxes on dividends and capital Leader Bill Frist, the good folks from Nevada gains to encourage investment. We’ve given who are working with this administration. small businesses incentives to expand and to You see, what we’re doing in Washington, hire new people. With all these actions, we’re DC, is we’re trying to change the tone of laying the foundation for greater prosperity the Nation’s Capital. There’s too much need- and more jobs across America, so that every less backbiting and endless politics. Instead

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of focusing on political process, we’re focus- not easy tasks, but they are essential tasks. ing on the people’s business by focusing on The United States of America will finish what results. we have begun, and we will win this essential And those are the kind of people I’ve as- victory in the war on terror. sembled in my administration. I’ve put to- Our greatest security comes from the ad- gether one of the greatest teams ever to serve vance of human liberty, because free nations the American people. We’ve got people from do not support terror. Free nations do not all walks of life, strong, dedicated, honorable attack their neighbors. Free nations do not Americans who have come to Washington, threaten the world with weapons of mass ter- DC, to serve the people of this country. Our ror. Americans believe that freedom is the country has had no finer Vice President than deepest need and hope of every human Dick Cheney. Mother may have a different heart. We believe that freedom is the future opinion. [Laughter] of every nation. And we know that freedom In 3 years, we have come far, but our work is not America’s gift to the world; freedom is only beginning. I’ve set great goals worthy is the Almighty’s—God’s gift to every person of this great Nation. First, America is com- who lives in the world. mitted to expanding the realm of freedom Also understand that unprecedented influ- and peace for our own security and for the ence brings tremendous responsibilities. We benefit of the world. And second, in our own have duties in this world, and when we see country, we must work for a society of pros- disease and starvation and hopeless poverty, perity and compassion so that every citizen we will not turn away. On the continent of has a chance to work and to succeed and Africa, America is now committed to bring- to realize the promise of America. ing the healing power of medicine to millions It is clear that the future of freedom and of men and women and children suffering peace depend on the actions of America. This from AIDS. This great, strong, compas- Nation is freedom’s home and freedom’s de- sionate land is leading the world in this in- fender. We welcome this charge of history, credibly important work of human rescue. and we are keeping it. The war on terror con- We’ve got challenges here at home as well, tinues. The enemies of freedom are not idle, and we’re equal to those challenges. I just and neither are we. This country will not rest; mentioned some nice economic numbers, we will not tire; we will not stop until this but we’re going to stay focused on a pro- danger to civilization is removed. growth economic agenda until everyone who We are confronting that danger in Iraq, wants to work can find a job. And we’re keep- where Saddam holdouts and foreign terror- ing our commitment to America’s seniors. ists are desperately trying to throw Iraq into Today the joined the chaos by attacking coalition forces and aid House of Representatives and passed strong workers and innocent Iraqi citizens. You see, reform that will modernize and strengthen they know that the advance of freedom in Medicare. Iraq would be a major defeat for their cause For years, seniors have called for a modern of terror. A collection of killers is trying to Medicare system that provides coverage for shake the will of the United States. The prescription drugs and more health care United States of America will never be in- choices. For years, Washington simply lis- timidated by a bunch of thugs. We’re on the tened and did nothing. Finally, the House offensive. We’re aggressively striking the ter- and the Senate have acted. This historic legis- rorists in Iraq. We will defeat them there so lation is the greatest improvement in senior we do not have to face them in our own coun- health care coverage since the enactment of try. Medicare in 1965. And I look forward to Other nations are helping. They’re helping signing this important piece of legislation. to build a free country, because they under- For the sake of our health care system, stand a free Iraq will make us all more se- we need to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits cure. We’re standing with the Iraqi people which increase the cost of medicine. People as they assume more of their own defense who have been harmed by a bad doctor de- and move toward self-government. These are serve their day in court, yet the system

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should not reward lawyers who are simply serve their communities and our country. fishing for a rich settlement. Frivolous law- Both Houses should reach agreement on my suits drive up the cost of health care, and Faith-Based Initiative to support the armies they therefore affect the Federal budget. of compassion that are mentoring our chil- Medical liability reform is a national issue dren and caring for the homeless and offer- that requires a national solution. I have pro- ing hope to the addicted. One of the great posed such a solution. I proposed such a solu- strengths of our country, the people of faith tion, and the U.S. House of Representatives, from all religions—people have heard a uni- thanks to the Members here, voted for med- versal call to help somebody in need. This ical liability reform. The bill is stuck in the Government of ours must not fear faith, but Senate. It is time for your Senator to under- it must welcome the good works of our faith- stand that no one has ever been healed by based institutions as we reach out as a society a frivolous lawsuit. We need medical liability to heal broken hearts, to help the lonely, to reform now. say to somebody who wonders about the fu- I have a responsibility as the President to ture of this country, ‘‘I love you.’’ make sure the judicial system runs well, and A compassionate society must also pro- I have met that duty. I have nominated su- mote opportunity for all of us, and that perb men and women for the Federal courts, means the independence and dignity that people who will interpret the law, not legis- come from ownership. You see, this adminis- late from the bench. Some Members of the tration is working for and will constantly Senate are trying to keep my nominees off strive to promote an ownership society in the bench by blocking up-or-down votes. America. We want more people owning their Every judicial nominee deserves a fair hear- own home. We’ve got a minority home- ing and an up-or-down vote on the Senate ownership gap in America. I presented a plan floor. It is time for some of the Members to Congress to close that gap. We want peo- of the United States Senate to stop playing ple owning and managing their own retire- politics with American justice. ment accounts, owning and managing their The Congress needs to complete work on own health care accounts. We want more a comprehensive energy plan. Our Nation must promote energy efficiency and con- people owning their own small business in servation. We must work to develop cleaner America, because we understand that when technologies. We must explore for energy in a person owns something, he or she has a environmentally sensitive ways. For the sake vital stake in the future of our country. of our economic security and for the sake A compassionate society is one in which of national security, this country must be- people respect one another and take respon- come less dependent on foreign sources of sibility for the decisions they make in life. energy. The culture of America is changing from one A strong and prosperous nation must also that has said, ‘‘If it feels good, do it,’’ and be a compassionate nation. I’m going to con- ‘‘If you’ve got a problem, blame somebody tinue to advance our agenda of compas- else,’’ to one in which each of us understands sionate conservatism, which means we’ll we’re responsible for the decisions we make apply the best and most innovative ideas to in life. If you’re fortunate enough to be a the task of helping our fellow citizens in mother or a father, you’re responsible for lov- need. There’s still millions of men and ing your child with all your heart. If you’re women who want to end their dependence worried about the quality of the education on Government and become independent in the community in which you live, you’re through hard work. The Congress must work responsible for doing something about it. If with the administration to continue to build you’re a CEO in corporate America, you are on the success of welfare reform, to bring responsible for telling the truth to your work and dignity into the lives of more of shareholders and your employees. And in a our citizens. responsibility society, each of us is respon- The Congress should complete the ‘‘Cit- sible for loving our neighbor just like we’d izen Service Act’’ so more Americans can like to be loved ourself.

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The culture of service and responsibility Remarks at the Los Olivos Senior is strong in this country. It’s truly one of the Center in Phoenix, Arizona strengths of America. You know, I started November 25, 2003 what’s called the USA Freedom Corps to en- courage Americans to extend a compas- Thanks for coming. I’m thrilled to be at sionate hand to neighbors in need, and the Los Olivos Center. You’re kind to have me. response has been strong. A lot of people And I’m here to talk about some issues facing are interested in helping, helping our country our Nation, probably an issue you’d like to by helping somebody who hurts. Our char- hear about, which is Medicare. I think you ities are strong, and thank you for helping probably have heard of Medicare. [Laughter] them. Our faith-based organizations are vi- I think you probably recognize that Medicare brant. needs to be modernized and reformed so it Policemen and firefighters and people who works better for you. wear this country’s uniform are reminding us The United States House of Representa- what it means to sacrifice for something tives, the United States Senate recently took greater than ourself in life. Once again, the historic action to modernize and to strength- children of America believe in heroes, be- en the Medicare system so it works for you. cause they see them every day. In these chal- I’m here to tell you, I look forward to signing lenging times, the world has seen the resolve a good piece of legislation which says that our country will keep our commitment to to- and the courage of America. And I’ve been day’s seniors and prepare to receive tomor- privileged to see the compassion and the row’s seniors into Medicare—people like character of the American people. me—[laughter]—with a system that’s mod- All the tests of the last 3 years have come ern and strong. to the right nation. We’re a strong country, You know, our job in Washington is to and we use that strength to defend the peace. tackle problems when we see them, not to We’re an optimistic country, confident in pass them on to future Congresses or future ourselves and in ideals bigger than ourselves. Presidents or future generations. I want to Abroad, we seek to lift up whole nations by thank the Members of Congress for taking spreading freedom. At home, we seek to lift on this very difficult issue. I appreciate them up lives by spreading opportunity to every for their hard work. Medicare has worked corner of America. This is the work that his- for many people. It got a little old. It got tory has set before us. We welcome it, and a little tired. It needed to be changed. We we know that for our country, the best days changed it, and the system is better for it. lie ahead. The Members of Congress who are here, Thank you for coming, and may God bless I appreciate them coming. Senator Jon Kyl America. Thank you all. is one of the fine Members of the United States Senate. Congressman , he’s from the north; Trent Franks is from the NOTE: The President spoke at 12:20 p.m. at the north—Congressman Franks, and Josie, his Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. In his remarks, wife, is with him; J.D. Hayworth—I don’t he referred to Gov. Kenny C. Guinn of Nevada and his wife, Dema; Darlene Ensign, wife of Sen- know if you’ve ever heard of J.D., but—[ap- ator John Ensign; Dawn Gibbons, wife of Rep- plause]. They’re fixing to call J.D. ‘‘Slim,’’ resentative Jim Gibbons; Josie Franks, wife of ‘‘Slim’’ Hayworth. [Laughter] Jeff Flake is Representative Trent Franks; Brian Sandoval, Ne- with us. Jeff, I’m honored you’re here. Con- vada campaign chairman, Mercer Reynolds, na- gressman Jim Kolbe from Tucson, Arizona, tional finance chairman, and Larry Ruvo, Nevada is with us. I’m honored. These are all fine finance chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; and Mr. Members of the United States Congress. I’ve Ruvo’s wife, Camille. enjoyed working with them all. They’re good,

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