Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 21, 2002 Volume 38—Number 42 Pages 1751–1811 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Communications to Federal Agencies— See also Bill Signings; Meetings With Foreign Continued Leaders Notification to the Congress of Trade Florida, Read-Pattillo Elementary School in Negotiation, memorandum—1783 New Smyrna Beach—1790 Interviews With the News Media Georgia, gubernatorial candidate Sonny Exchanges with reporters Perdue and senatorial candidate Saxby Oval Office—1779 Chambliss in Atlanta—1785 South Lawn—1754 Indonesia, terrorist attack—1754 Joint Statements Michigan United States of America and Israel—1782 Community in Waterford—1758 Meetings With Foreign Leaders Departure for Waterford—1754 Dinner for congressional candidate Israel, Prime Minister Sharon—1779 Thaddeus McCotter in Dearborn—1766 Notices Minnesota, Rochester Community and Continuation of the National Emergency With Technical College in Rochester—1803 Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Missouri, Southwestern Missouri State Centered in Colombia—1783 University in Springfield—1797 Proclamations Radio address—1753 National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week— U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce—1795 1751 White House Conference on Minority National School Lunch Week—1751 Homeownership—1772 White Cane Safety Day—1752 Bill Signings Year of Clean Water—1796 Authorization for Use of Military Force Statements by the President Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 See also Bill Signings Remarks—1777 Congressional action Statement—1779 Defense appropriations legislation—1782 Election reform legislation—1782 Communications to Congress Indonesia, terrorist attack—1754 Colombia, national emergency with respect to Northern Ireland—1765 significant narcotics traffickers Supplementary Materials Message on continuation—1784 Acts approved by the President—1811 Message transmitting report—1785 Checklist of White House press releases— Communications to Federal Agencies 1811 FY 2003 Refugee Admissions Numbers and Digest of other White House Authorizations of In-Country Refugee announcements—1809 Status, memorandum—1782 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1810

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on October 18, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments. Week Ending Friday, October 18, 2002

Proclamation 7608—National Cystic prove the quality of life of those stricken with Fibrosis Awareness Week, 2002 this grave disease. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, October 11, 2002 President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by By the President of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United of America States, do hereby proclaim October 13 through October 19, 2002, as National Cystic A Proclamation Fibrosis Awareness Week. I call upon all Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common Americans to observe this week with appro- fatal genetic diseases in the United States. priate programs, ceremonies, and activities. During this week, we renew our commitment In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set to fighting this deadly disease that affects an my hand this eleventh day of October, in the estimated 30,000 American men, women, year of our Lord two thousand two, and of and children. the Independence of the United States of Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can America the two hundred and twenty-sev- be passed on directly from parents to chil- enth. dren. Millions of Americans are unknowing, George W. Bush symptom-free carriers of the defective gene that can cause this disease. When both par- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ents are carriers of the abnormal gene, their 8:45 a.m., October 16, 2002] children have a 1 in 4 chance of being born NOTE: This proclamation was published in the with the disorder. Individuals who suffer Federal Register on October 17. This item was from cystic fibrosis experience frequent lung not received in time for publication in the appro- infections and digestive problems caused by priate issue. cell disorders in the lining of the lungs, small intestines, sweat glands, and pancreas. Though there is as yet no known cure for Proclamation 7609—National School cystic fibrosis, scientists and researchers have Lunch Week, 2002 made great progress in understanding and October 11, 2002 treating this disease. Thanks to these efforts, the average life expectancy for people with By the President of the United States cystic fibrosis has increased significantly in of America recent decades, and it is now approximately 30 years. In addition, advances in antibiotic A Proclamation therapy and the management of lung and di- The future success of our Nation depends gestive problems have improved the quality on our children’s healthy development. Since of life for these individuals. 1946, the National School Lunch Program Recent genetic research may also accel- (NSLP) has made important contributions to erate the discovery of a cure. To help ad- the well-being of our school children. As part vance the work to end cystic fibrosis, my Ad- of the NSLP, more than 96,000 schools and ministration is dedicated to increasing Fed- residential childcare institutions serve more eral funding for medical research at the Na- than 27 million children each day. In addition tional Institutes of Health. Until cystic fibro- to providing young people with nutritious sis is eliminated, we are hopeful that our re- meals, this program supports the academic search efforts will continue to extend and im- mission of our schools and helps to ensure 1751 1752 Oct. 11 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 that all our Nation’s children reach their full as amended, has designated the week begin- potential. ning on the second Sunday in October of To avoid the formation of poor eating hab- each year as ‘‘National School Lunch Week’’ its, which are generally established during and has requested the President to issue a childhood, we must encourage positive proclamation in observance of this week. choices that fulfill dietary recommendations. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, It is critical that our children eat sufficient President of the United States of America, amounts of fruits and vegetables, reduce fat do hereby proclaim October 13 through Oc- in their diets, and consume essential nutri- tober 19, 2002, as National School Lunch ents in an overall diet with appropriate cal- Week. I call upon all Americans to join the ories. By making modest improvements to dedicated individuals who administer the Na- their diets and increasing physical activities, tional School Lunch Program at the State children can dramatically improve their over- and local levels in appropriate activities and all health. celebrations that promote all programs that To help meet this goal, the Department support the health and well-being of our Na- of Agriculture launched the School Meals tion’s children. Initiative for Healthy Children. This plan In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set empowers schools to serve ‘‘kid-friendly’’ my hand this eleventh day of October, in the meals that meet the recommendations de- year of our Lord two thousand two, and of fined in the Dietary Guidelines for Ameri- the Independence of the United States of cans and the Food Guide Pyramid. Through America the two hundred and twenty-sev- Team Nutrition, a comprehensive, behavior- enth. based plan, the USDA assists schools by sup- George W. Bush porting food service personnel with impor- tant training. New recipes are now created [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, by teams of dietitians and chefs, and then 8:45 a.m., October 16, 2002] taste-tested by children. As a result, more children are enjoying lunches that are lower NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 17. This item was in fat, saturated fat, and sodium. not received in time for publication in the appro- To motivate children to make sound priate issue. choices, Team Nutrition also educates them about the benefits of healthy eating. State and local governments are supplementing Proclamation 7610—White Cane these programs through innovative partner- Safety Day, 2002 ships with educators, school administrators, October 11, 2002 community organizations, the food industry, and others. Through these cooperative ef- By the President of the United States forts we are addressing solutions to health of America problems, such as the increasing incidence of childhood obesity, and we are enhancing A Proclamation access to nutrition programs for needy chil- The white cane is a powerful symbol of dren. independence and opportunity for visually During National School Lunch Week, we impaired persons. It is also an essential tool recognize the hard work and dedication of for increasing mobility and productivity for the thousands of food service professionals those who are blind as well as those who suf- who plan and prepare meals, and provide fer from severe visual impairment. On White vital nutritional education to our young peo- Cane Safety Day, our Nation renews its dedi- ple. cation to eliminating barriers for every dis- In recognition of the contributions of the abled American, especially the blind and vis- National School Lunch Program to the ually impaired. health, education, and well-being of our Na- My Administration seeks to ensure that all tion’s children, the Congress, by joint resolu- Americans enjoy full access to employment, tion of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87–780), education, and all the blessings of freedom. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 12 1753

Through my ‘‘New Freedom Initiative,’’ we Congress are now united in purpose. Amer- are working to provide people with disabil- ica is speaking with one voice: Iraq must dis- ities more employment opportunities and in- arm and comply with all existing U.N. resolu- creased access to new technologies for inde- tions, or it will be forced to comply. pendent living. My 2003 budget for this ini- Confronting Iraq is an urgent matter of tiative proposes $145 million for alternative national security. America’s economic secu- transportation and innovative transportation rity, especially the creation of good jobs, is grants that will improve accessibility to vital also an urgent matter requiring Presidential aspects of society including schools, jobs, and and congressional action. For that reason, I places of worship. By implementing these acted on Tuesday to reopen our Pacific coast and other important reforms, we can make ports which had been shut down for more great progress towards an America where in- than a week due to a labor dispute. The crisis dividuals are celebrated for their talents and in the western ports was costing our economy abilities, not judged by their limitations and up to a billion dollars a day in lost business disabilities. and lost jobs, hurting truckers and rail opera- The Congress, by joint resolution (Public tors who transport goods across America, Law 88–628) approved on October 6, 1964, workers on assembly lines, cashiers in retail as amended, has designated October 15 of stores, and manufacturers and farmers who each year as ‘‘White Cane Safety Day.’’ sell across the world. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, An auto plant in Fremont, California was President of the United States of America, forced to shut down its assembly line for 2 do hereby proclaim October 15, 2002, as days, keeping about 5,100 employees off the White Cane Safety Day. I call upon public job after it ran out of parts. A company that officials, educators, librarians, and all the manufactures televisions and VCRs had to people of the United States to join with me stop production and lay off 150 workers in in ensuring that all the benefits and privileges Vancouver, Washington. Produce from of life in our great Nation are available to America’s farms was stuck on docks, unable blind and visually impaired individuals, and to be sold overseas. Retailers across the coun- to observe this day with appropriate cere- try were worried about having enough mer- monies, activities, and programs. chandise for the holiday season. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set The American people have been working my hand this eleventh day of October, in the hard to bring our economy back from reces- year of our Lord two thousand two, and of sion. We simply cannot afford to have hun- the Independence of the United States of dreds of billions of dollars a year in potential America the two hundred and twenty-sev- manufacturing and agricultural trade sitting enth. idle. The action I took this week will help George W. Bush keep our economy moving and allow labor and management more time to resolve their [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, differences. I expect the port operators and 8:45 a.m., October 16, 2002] worker representatives to bargain in good faith and reach a final agreement as quickly NOTE: This proclamation was published in the as possible. Reopening the ports got people Federal Register on October 17. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- back to work. priate issue. Another important step in putting Amer- ica’s hardhats back on the job is passing a terrorism insurance bill. Congress is close to The President’s Radio Address a final agreement. And I look forward to sign- October 12, 2002 ing this good piece of legislation if and when it gets to my desk. Good morning. This week, both the House After September the 11th, many insurance and Senate passed strong bipartisan meas- companies stopped covering builders and ures authorizing the use of force in Iraq if real estate owners against the risk of terrorist it becomes necessary. Our country and our attack. The lack of terrorism insurance has 1754 Oct. 12 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 hurt the growth of this economy and cost all the murder victims from numerous coun- American jobs. The lack of terrorism insur- tries and our wish for the swift and complete ance has delayed or canceled more then $15 recovery of those injured in this attack. billion in real estate transactions. The $15 I offer our sympathy to our friends, the billion worth of delay has cost 300,000 jobs— people of Indonesia, for this terrible tragedy. jobs to carpenters and joiners, bricklayers, Our prayers are also with our friends and al- plumbers, and other hard-working Ameri- lies, the people of Australia, who are suf- cans. fering a grievous personal and national loss. This terrorism insurance legislation will The world must confront this global men- cost us nothing if we experience no further ace terrorism. We must together challenge attacks. Yet it will mean thousands of new and defeat the idea that the wanton killing jobs for America’s hardhats and billions in of innocents advances any cause or supports new investment. And if we do face another any aspirations. And we must call this des- attack, we’ll be able to compensate victims picable act by its rightful name murder. quickly and limit the economic damage to The United States has offered its assist- America. ance to the government of Indonesia to help This week, leaders of Congress put par- bring these murderers to justice. tisan differences aside to confront a grave George W. Bush danger to our country. Clearly, we’re able to get things done in Washington when we NOTE: An original was not available for focus on getting results, rather than scoring verification of the content of this statement. political points. For the good of the economy, for the good of workers who needs jobs, Sen- ators should again put politics aside and take Remarks on Departure for one last step to reach a final agreement on Waterford, Michigan, and an terrorism insurance. Exchange With Reporters Congress is still in session next week. October 14, 2002 There’s still time to reach an agreement. Our workers have waited a year. It’s past time Terrorist Attack in Indonesia for Congress to finish the job. The President. Last night I called Prime Thank you for listening. Minister Howard of Australia to express our country’s deepest sympathies to the citizens NOTE: The address was recorded at 2:10 p.m. on of that good country who lost their lives, to October 11 in the Cabinet Room at the White the families who mourn and cry. I send the House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October 12. same sympathies and prayers to the family The transcript was made available by the Office of the U.S. citizen—or citizens—as well as of the Press Secretary on October 11 but was em- bargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office citizens from around the world. The murder of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- which took place in Bali reminds us that this guage transcript of this address. war against terror continues. I’ve constantly told the American people that the struggle against terror is going to Statement on the Terrorist Attack in be a long and difficult struggle, that we’re Indonesia dealing with coldblooded killers, that the October 13, 2002 enemy does not value innocent life like we do, and that we must continue to pursue the Terrorists have once again targeted inno- enemy before they hurt us again. cents this time in Indonesia. At least 182 in- I believe that the attacks on the French nocent men and women have been murdered vessel in Yemen is connected with this type and hundreds injured in a cowardly act de- of terror, that they’re related. I believe that signed to create terror and chaos. the attack on our marines in Kuwait reflect On behalf of the people of the United the international nature of these cells, these States, I condemn this heinous act. I offer killer cells. We’ve got to continue to work our heartfelt condolences to the families of together. Those of us who love freedom must Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1755 work together to do everything we can to dis- The President. Yes. Well, first, I—we’re rupt, deny, and bring to justice these people making great progress in the war against ter- who have no soul, no conscience, people who ror. But as I told our citizens, and have been hate freedom. repeatedly telling our citizens, this is a long I told the Prime Minister and I told Prime war. And it’s going to take a while to fully Minister Blair—the Prime Minister of Aus- rout Al Qaida. We don’t know whether bin tralia—and I told Prime Minister Blair this Laden is alive or dead. You know, they keep morning that I’m absolutely determined to floating supposed letters and—or radio continue to lead the coalition. They recog- broadcasts. We do know that Al Qaida is still nize the need for us to continue to work to- dangerous. And while we’ve made good gether. And it’s a sad day for a lot of people progress, there’s a lot more work to do. around the world, and—but it also is a day As I’ve repeatedly said, our thoughts about in which we’ve got to realize that we’ve got Iraq relate to the war on terror and that deal- a long way to go to make the world more ing with—or getting Saddam Hussein to dis- secure and more peaceful. arm is all part of making the world more I’ll answer a couple of questions. Ron [Ron peaceful. And it’s all part of the war against Fournier, Associated Press]. terror. Q. Sir, how does this emphasize the risk that we have in this country—— Yes, John [John Roberts, CBS News]. The President. Yes—— Q. ——and does this improve your ability Usama bin Laden/Al Qaida to put together a coalition and a resolution Q. Mr. President, do you—on that point, in the U.N.? on Usama bin Laden, do you have a response The President. Well, I think that the free to the letter that was put out today, allegedly world is—must recognize that no one is safe, under his name, praising the killing of the that if you embrace freedom, you’re not safe American marine in Kuwait? And do you from terrorism. And clearly, the attacks in share the concerns of Senator Richard Shel- Bali—I think we have to assume it’s Al Qaida. by, who believes that this is, in fact, a new We’re beginning to hear some reports that’s Al Qaida offensive? more definitive than that, but I wait for our The President. Well, I—first, I don’t own analysis. But clearly it’s a deliberate at- know whether bin Laden is alive or dead. tack on citizens who love freedom, citizens I—you know, I do know Al Qaida is ex- from countries which embrace freedom. tremely dangerous. I do know that there are They’re trying to intimidate us, and we won’t be intimidated. still some of his top lieutenants roaming I’m concerned about our homeland. Obvi- around and that we’re doing everything we ously, if I knew of a specific piece of intel- can to bring them to justice. ligence that would indicate a moment or a John, I also know that the enemy still place in which the enemy would attack, we’d wants to hit us and that the—as I mentioned do a lot about it. But that’s why we’re still earlier, that I believe the attack on the working with our authorities, the different— French vessel was a terrorist attack. Obvi- taking the intelligence as we know it and re- ously, the attack on our marines in Kuwait sponding. was a terrorist attack. The attack in Bali ap- Here at home we’re not immune from pears to be an Al-Qaida-type terrorist—defi- these kinds of attacks, and I’m concerned nitely a terrorist attack, whether it’s Al- about it. Qaida-related or not—I would assume it is. Yes, Steve [Steve Holland, Reuters]. And therefore, it does look like a pattern of attacks that the enemy, albeit on the run, is Al Qaida/Iraq trying to once again frighten and kill free- Q. Mr. President, does this mean now that dom-loving people. And we’ve just got to un- Al Qaida has reconstituted itself, and do you derstand, we are in a long struggle. think—how does this play on your policy on And I am absolutely determined now, as Iraq? I was a year ago, to continue to rout out these 1756 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 people, to find them, to use the best intel- knew, how we’re helping, what we’re doing. ligence we can, and to bring them to justice. But it’s obviously a terrible, terrible situation. And we will continue to pursue. And I pray for the—I pray for the families who grieve and suffer. And I worry about Travel by U.S. Citizens a society where moms can’t take their kids Q. With the alert that the State Depart- to school. And obviously, we’re going to do ment put out last week and now the decision everything we can to help the local authori- to bring home American family—Embassy ties bring these people to justice. families, and urging travelers to come home from Indonesia, does this appear to be a time U.N. Resolution on Iraq in which Americans worldwide ought to stay Q. Mr. President, on the U.N. resolu- closer to home, if this is part of a new wave tion—could I have a second one, sir? of terrorism? The President. It’s the new me. I’m an- The President. I think that all depends swering all kinds of questions. [Laughter] where, and I think they ought to take guid- Q. Are you prepared to meet the French ance from the State Department. But clearly, halfway on their concerns on the trigger of the State Department is reacting to this at- the use of force? Specifically, are you willing tack and reacted to some intelligence before. to drop the language that specifies the use As you know, we’re constantly putting out of any and all means to—— alerts when we get some kind of data that The President. John, I think what’s im- indicates our people overseas are at risk. portant is that, first of all, we are working Yes. with all parties to get a resolution done. I talked about it again—I talked to Tony Blair Washington Area Sniper about that subject. What I’m interested in Q. What about concerns of the last—[in- is making sure that Saddam Hussein is dis- audible]—sniper attack—— armed. He said he wouldn’t have weapons The President. The sniper attacks—first of mass destruction. It is in our national in- of all, I’m just sick, sick to my stomach to terest that he not have weapons of mass de- think that there is a coldblooded killer at struction. And anything we do must make it home taking innocent life. I weep for those very clear that Saddam must disarm, or there who’ve lost their loved ones. I am—the idea will be consequences. And how that language of moms taking their kids to school and shel- is worked out is up to the diplomats. tering them from a potential sniper attack But I am very firm in my desire to make is not the America I know. And therefore, sure that Saddam is disarmed. Hopefully, we we’re lending all the resources of the Federal can do this peacefully. The use of the military Government, all that have been required, to is my last choice, is my last desire. But doing do everything we can to assist the local law nothing, allowing the status quo to go on, authorities to find this—whoever it is. is unacceptable, particularly since we’ve got Q. [Inaudible]. a new war on terror that we’ve—that was The President. First of all, it is a form launched on September the 11th, 2001, par- of terrorism, but in terms of the terrorism ticularly since oceans no longer protect that we think of, we have no evidence one America from people who hate us. way or the other, obviously. But anytime any- And so we’ll see how it plays out. But I’m body is randomly shooting, randomly killing, anxious to work with the international com- randomly taking life, it’s coldblooded mur- munity. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have gone to der, and it’s—it’s a sick mind who obviously the United Nations. loves terrorizing society. And we’re doing ev- Q. Are you willing to be a little more ob- erything we can to capture whoever that lique about that particular part of the lan- might be and bring them to justice. And the guage? Federal Government—I’ve been—I get The President. Well, we’ll just see how briefed on it every morning. Bob Mueller, it comes. What I’m not—what I want is a the head of the FBI, was in this morning firm resolution that says, ‘‘You disarm,’’ and and gave me a full briefing on what the FBI an inspection regime that is there not for the Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1757 sake of inspectors but is there to achieve the Legislative Agenda objective of disarming Mr. Saddam Hussein. Q. Congress is about to go out, sir. What’s It’s his choice to make. And in order to make the bare minimum you expect—— sure the resolution has got any kind of cre- The President. When Congress goes out? dence with Mr. Hussein, there has to be a Well, they—there’s a lot of talk about job consequence. creation, and there should be. So what they Randy [Randall Mikkelsen, Reuters]. ought to do is pass some bills that will help with jobs, like the terrorism insurance bill. Indonesian Cooperation on Terrorism There has been a lot of talking here in Wash- ington on issues such as terrorism insurance, Q. Mr. President, are you satisfied with which clearly will help create the job base, the cooperation you’ve gotten from Indo- expand the job base. And yet, with a couple nesia up until now in fighting terrorism? of days to go, it’s hard to tell whether or not The President. I will speak to Ms. they’re going to get a bill to my desk. Megawati soon. She is in Bali right now, and The energy bill will be good for jobs. she is obviously grieving for her citizens that There ought to be an energy bill on my desk. lost their lives. And I’m going to make it clear And so I think—I think before they go home, to her that we need to work together to find I hope they recognize they can make a dif- those who murdered all those innocent peo- ference in job creation. They’ve also got to ple and bring them to justice. And I hope make sure they don’t overspend. They need I hear the resolve of a leader that recognizes to make sure we have fiscal discipline. On that anytime terrorists take hold in the coun- the way out of town, if they have to do a try, it’s going to weaken the country, itself. CR, it ought to be a clean CR, and then if And there has to be a firm and deliberate they feel like they need to come back, they desire to find out—find the killers before can come back and deal with the appropria- they kill somebody else. tions process. See, these are the kinds of people that, I’d also like to get the defense appropria- if they go unchallenged and don’t feel like tions bill—it passed the House; it looks like there’s going to be any consequences, they it’s going to pass the Senate soon, which is will continue to kill. These are nothing but a very good sign. But you know, in 4 days coldblooded killers. They do not value life time, no telling what’s going to happen up the way we value life in the civilized world. here. Let’s hope they get some constructive They take no care for innocent life. They just things done in terms of jobs. blow up in the name of a religion which does Listen, thank you all. not preach this kind of hatred or violence. And the war we fight is a different kind Al Qaida/President Saddam Hussein of of war. There will be times in which people Iraq settle in and say, ‘‘Well, gosh, there’s nothing Q. Sir, could we ask you one more ques- going on in the war,’’ and then something tion, sir? Senator Graham last week said that like this happens, and it’s a reminder about the number one threat to this Nation still how dangerous the world can be if these Al remains Al Qaida and questioned the wisdom Qaida are free to roam. about going after Saddam Hussein while Al And so we’re chasing them, and we’re de- Qaida remains the number one threat. Based nying them sanctuary. We’ve made great on what’s happened for the last week in progress in the war against terror. We’ve terms of Yemen, Kuwait, and Bali, does it hauled in and/or killed a bunch of their lead- suggest that that argument does hold some ers. There are still more out there. There water? are—the training camps that they have been The President. I think they’re both equal- using have been disrupted. We’re doing a ly important, and they’re both dangerous. better job of cutting off their money. We’ve And as I said in my speech in Cincinnati, got them on the run, and we intend to keep we will fight, if need be, the war on terror them on the run. They are still lethal, and on two fronts. We’ve got plenty of capacity they are still dangerous. to do so. And I also mentioned the fact that 1758 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 there is a connection between Al Qaida and The President. Glad I came. I want to Saddam Hussein. The war on terror—Iraq thank you all for coming. I particularly want is a part on the war on terror. And he must to thank you all for bringing—if you have disarm. children, thanks for bringing them. I appre- And so I—I respect the opinion of a lot ciate the chance to remind our youngsters of people, and I respect his opinion. But if what a great country we have. I appreciate we don’t deal with Saddam Hussein and dis- the chance—I appreciate the chance to re- arm him—hopefully, it will be done peace- mind them that although we’ve got some fully—he becomes more and more dan- issues and we’ve got some challenges, there’s gerous. And someday we don’t want to step no doubt in my mind this great Nation you back and say, ‘‘Where was the United States call home can accomplish anything—I mean Government? How come we didn’t act?’’ anything—we set our mind to. And we’ve got plenty of capacity to fight the So thanks for coming. I appreciate your war against Al Qaida, which is going to take interest in your State and in the political a while. We just learned a lesson this week- process of your State. I’ve come back to end: It’s going to take a while to succeed. Michigan because I know that Dick And at the same time, the United Nations Posthumus will make a great Governor of hopefully will pass—will show their strong Michigan. And I’m here to ask you to help desire to disarm Saddam, and we can get him get elected. I’m here to ask you to go after it, get him disarmed before he hurts to your coffee shops or your houses of wor- America. And I’m absolutely confident we ship or your neighborhood community cen- can achieve both objectives, John. ters and talk it up about this good man; to Listen, thank you all. tell the people in your community, whether Q. Does this constitute a press con- they be Republican, Democrat, inde- ference? pendent—don’t care—that when it comes to The President. Absolutely. The difference running the State of Michigan, he’s got what between this news conference and the one it takes. He’s got the character; he’s got the in the East Room is, you didn’t get to put leadership capacity. makeup on. [Laughter] And just like me, he married well. I know Q. You didn’t—— that Pam Posthumus will be a fine first lady. The President. Of course I didn’t. But— Speaking about fine First Ladies—yes, she’s that was an unnecessary cheap shot. I apolo- doing fine. She sends her best to the good gize. It’s a Columbus Day cheap shot. folks of Michigan. I saw her waving from the [Laughter] See you all. balcony when I choppered out of the White House grounds. She’s doing just great. I can’t tell you how proud I am of Laura. NOTE: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, You might remember the story—when I he referred to Prime Minister John Howard of asked her to marry me, she was a public Australia; Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United school librarian. Truth of the matter is, she Kingdom; Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al didn’t particularly care for politics—[laugh- Qaida terrorist organization; and President ter]—didn’t like politicians. [Laughter] Now, Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia. here she is—[laughter]—the First Lady. What a fabulous job she’s done. She’s brought great dignity and calm and class to Remarks to the Community in the White House. Waterford, Michigan I love her a lot. I love her a lot, and she’s October 14, 2002 doing just great. People now understand why I asked her to marry me. A lot of her friends The President. Thank you all very much. are wondering why in the heck she said yes. Thanks for coming today. I want to thank [Laughter] But we’re doing great. you all for—— I want to thank many of you for your pray- Audience member. We love you! We love ers. I appreciate that a lot. It’s a huge honor you! We love you! to be the President of a country that prays Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1759 for the President and the First Lady. We feel Senate. Hey, Rocky, good luck to you. You the prayers, and we appreciate them. should never count out a guy named Rocky. I also want to urge you all to make sure I also want to thank my friend Brooks Pat- that the United States Congress stays in terson. Brooksie is from—been in politics friendly hands, that Denny Hastert is the quite a while. I got to know him in the 1988 Speaker, a Congress with which I can work. campaign. I liked him then; I still like him And that means sending Thaddeus McCotter now. And I appreciate him coming to say to the United States Congress. It means hello. sending Candice Miller to the United States I want to thank all the grassroots activists, Congress. It means making sure a fine sitting the people who are manning the phone Congressman, Joe Knollenberg, gets sent banks, the people who do the jobs that no- back to the United States Congress. body thanks you for doing. Well, I’m here I appreciate Joe’s leadership, and I know to thank you. I appreciate your hard work, that Thaddeus and Candice will do a fine job and I appreciate your love for your country. on behalf of all the people of Michigan, not I want to thank those who are seeking of- just a few but everybody. And that’s what’s fice, like Loren Bennett and Terri Lynn Land important. When you’re looking at these peo- and Mike Cox, all fine candidates, to make ple running for office, you’ve got—you’ve got sure this Republican ticket—[applause]. to understand that our jobs are not to rep- Let me tell you why it’s important to have resent a small segment of society. We’re to a Governor who knows what he’s doing. I lay out our principles and our values and rep- know something about being a Governor. resent everybody. And that’s what I like The most important job for a Governor is about these candidates. to make sure every single child gets a good I’m also proud to be traveling with a education. That’s what Dick Posthumus un- former United States Senator, now a mem- derstands. ber of my Cabinet, and that would be Spence But it takes a certain kind of attitude to Abraham. Spence, thank you for coming. You make sure every child gets a good education. know, it’s a sad day when he lost for the Sen- It starts with understanding that every child ate. It hurt Michigan—it gave me a chance can learn, and to have leadership willing to to put somebody good in the Cabinet. challenge what I call the soft bigotry of low [Laughter] And he’s doing a fine job working expectations. You see, if you believe certain on an incredibly important issue, about kids can’t learn and you have low standards, which I’ll speak in a second, and that’s en- then you’re going to get lousy results. You’ve ergy. got to understand every child can learn. You But let me tell you one thing. If we had better make sure your Governor understands him in the Senate, if we had people like every child can learn. And then you’d better Spence in the Senate, there would be no make sure the Governor trusts the local peo- question today about my judges getting con- ple, all around Michigan, to chart the path firmed. for excellence. One size doesn’t fit all when The Senate is doing a lousy job on my it comes to running the Michigan schools. judge nominations. They’re treating this like One of the things that’s really important, it’s politics, not what’s good for the country. if you believe every child can learn, then you You see, we need judges who will serve, not want to ask the question, is every child learn- to write legislation. We’ve got plenty of legis- ing? If you believe every child can learn to lators. We need judges who will strictly inter- read and write and add and subtract, then pret the Constitution of the United States you want to know that. And as a State, I hope sitting on our benches. you’ll have a Governor who is willing to ask No, I heard a lot of reasons why we need that question and holding the people ac- to change the Senate, but one of them is to count. make sure that the Federal bench represents You see, the worst thing that can happen the way you want them to serve their jobs. is for people to believe every child can’t We need a Senate change, and that’s why learn, and they just shuffle them through the you’ve got to put Rocky in the United States system. ‘‘Let’s just move them on. Certain 1760 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 kids can’t learn’’—any city—‘‘Inner-city okay to mistreat employee and shareholder kids,’’ they say, ‘‘might be too tough to edu- alike. Those days are gone from America. cate. We’ll just move them along. Children Corporate malfeance has had an effect on whose parents don’t speak English as a first our economy, and we need to do something language, they’re tough to educate. We’ll just about it. That’s why I was honored to sign move them along.’’ We can’t accept that in the most comprehensive corporate reform Michigan. We can’t accept that anywhere in legislation since Franklin Roosevelt was the America. You must measure in this State. President. The message is clear now. The You must have strong accountability systems message is clear to people who should know to test whether or not the curriculum is work- better. If you think you’re going to find easy ing, to test whether the teachers are teaching. money in this country, you’re wrong. What You must understand that you’ve got to you’re going to find is hard time if you cheat measure to make sure not one child gets left the people. behind. But there are some things Congress can And when you find children in schools that do before they go home to help the working won’t teach and won’t change, you better people of this country. See, they’re fixing to have you a Governor who is willing to chal- go home. But they need to act. One of the lenge the status quo, for the sake of the chil- things you’ll find about Washington—or at dren. And that Governor is Dick Posthumus. least I found about it—there’s a lot of good Not only—listen, we’re worried about peo- talkers—[laughter]—and not enough good ple who can’t find work. At least I am, and doers. I know Dick is as well. Anytime we’ve got They’re talking a good game up there. anybody in Michigan or anywhere in America They’re worried about the jobs, and so am looking for work and can’t find work, it’s a I. So in order to make sure people can find problem, and we have to deal with it. And work, there are some practical things Con- that makes sure—that means you’ve got to gress can do. And let me give you a couple make sure you’ve got a Governor who under- of suggestions. One is, is that there’s a lot stands the role of Government is not to cre- of hardhats not working because the people ate wealth but an environment in which the can’t find terrorism insurance. If you want small business can grow to be a big business, to build a big project and you can’t get insur- in which the entrepreneurs can find the en- ance because of what the terrorists have done trepreneurial spirit. for America, you’re going to put the project And that’s why it’s so important to have aside. a Governor who is willing to hold the taxes There’s over $15 billion of construction down in order to make sure businesses can projects which are on hold, which aren’t grow, so people can find work. going forward, which means there’s over No, you’ve got the right man in Dick 300,000 jobs that would be in place or soon Posthumus. He knows what he’s doing. He’s to be in place that aren’t in place. And so going to make a fine Governor for the State in my judgment, is—what Congress ought to of Michigan. do is, they ought to pass legislation to serve I want to share with you some of my con- as a backdrop for terrorist insurance. They cerns about our country. The character of ought to serve as a backstop. If the terrorist our country doesn’t concern me. The ability don’t attack, it hasn’t cost anybody anything. for our country to solve problems doesn’t If the terrorists attack, it’ll help our economy concern me. But I am concerned about an recover quicker. economy not doing as good as we want it For the sake of jobs, however, they need to do. I am concerned about an economy that to get moving. There’s too much talk in was in recession, that got affected by the ter- Washington, DC. rorist attack. I am concerned about a society And one of the stumbling blocks is wheth- in which some of the members of our society er or not they care more about the hardhat thought it was okay to fudge the numbers, or the trial lawyer. We stand on the side of thought it was okay not to tell the truth when the hardhats in America, the hard-working it came to profits and losses, thought it was people. And therefore, get me a terrorism Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1761 insurance bill that recognizes their hard work it was. It’s hard to plan that way. If you’re and the need to get these people back to a small-business owner, you need to have work. certainty in the Tax Code. If you’re some- We need an energy bill in America. We body who is going to risk capital, you need need an energy bill. Spence has been work- to have certainty in the Tax Code. For the ing on one, a balanced, comprehensive ap- sake of economic growth, for the sake of job proach that says we need to do a better job creation, the United States Congress must of conserving energy; we need to unleash make the tax cuts permanent. new technologies to make sure that we be- I made a decision the other day to help come less dependent on foreign sources of Michigan workers and help workers all across crude. But we need to explore in an environ- the country by invoking Taft-Hartley to open mentally friendly way here at home. Listen, up the ports on our west coast. They couldn’t the less energy we use from countries that get together; workers couldn’t get together, may not like us, the more secure we are na- and the shippers couldn’t get together. And tionally. An energy bill will be good for jobs. their ship—they were locking down the An energy bill is important for our national ports. And that hurt manufacturers here in security. They’ve been talking about that en- Michigan, and it hurt Michigan farmers, and ergy bill up there now for about a year. Be- it’s going to hurt Michigan’s consumers if it fore they go home, they need to get the en- went on too long. For the sake of jobs, for ergy bill to my desk. the sake of job creation, I put the—I said, Let me tell you what else the Congress ‘‘Get back to work for 80 days, and come needs to do. The Congress needs to under- together, for the sake of our country, during stand that when a person has more money these tough economic times. We expect you in their pocket, they’re likely to demand a to resolve your differences so people in other good or service. And when they demand a parts of the country won’t suffer.’’ good or a service, in this society, somebody Until I’m satisfied that people can find is likely to produce the good or a service. work, I’m going to stay on the economy. I’m And when somebody produces a good or a going to keep working with Congress, if need service, somebody is more likely to find work. be, working with the American people, to do The tax relief plan which we passed everything we can to keep our economy through the United States Congress came at going. We’ve got good—we’ve got the foun- the right time in American economic history. dation for growth, by the way. Interest rates When your economy is slow, you let people are low. Inflation is low. We’ve got the best keep more of their own money. That’s the workers in the world. We’ve got the highest opposite of what some of them think up productivity in the world. The foundation for there. You see, they have—when they want growth is strong. We’ve just got to keep to have a summit—you know what the sum- working until we’re satisfied that people can mit means to me? It means after the elec- find work. tions, they’re going to figure out a way to And my biggest preoccupation, my biggest raise your taxes; that’s what a summit means worry is that there’s still an enemy out there to me. And so, therefore, if Congress really which hates America, an enemy which still wants to make sure the job base continues wants to take innocent life. Recently we’ve to expand, what they’ll do is make the tax seen what I’m talking about, in Bali. There cuts permanent. Now, that’s already—you was a coldblooded attack. Innocent people, say, ‘‘Well, Mr. President, aren’t they already from all around the world, by the way—an permanent?’’ No. Here’s what happened. American, at least we know of one or two In the United States Senate, they have a Americans, many Australians, English—in- rule that says on the one hand, we giveth, nocent people, enjoying themselves at a re- and on the other hand, we taketh away. sort. And a bunch of coldblooded killers de- [Laughter] It’s hard to explain, but that’s just cided to take life, to take innocent life, just what happened. Which means that the tax like they did on September the 11th, 2001. relief plan we passed—and it’s phased in over It’s a stark reminder that there’s an enemy 10 years—after 10 years goes back to the way which hates freedom-loving countries, an 1762 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 enemy which does not value human life like determine whether somebody is trying to we value human life here in America. See, sneak a weapon of mass destruction into in this country, every life is precious; every- America. The leadership of that particular body has got meaning; everybody has got group of people said, ‘‘No way. We need to worth. have a collective bargaining session over No, the attack on the French boat, which whether or not our people should be made was, I believe, a terrorist attack, the attack to wear these devices.’’ And that could take at the resort, the attack on our marines in a long period of time. We don’t have time, Kuwait shows that there’s still an enemy when it comes to an enemy. We need to have which is active out there. And therefore, my the flexibility to run this Department so I biggest worry is to make sure we do every- can assure you. thing we can to continue to protect America, But the best way to protect the homeland to save innocent life. is to hunt these killers down, one at a time, And so therefore, I’ve asked Congress to and bring them to justice. And that’s what join me in developing a Department of we’re going to do. That’s exactly what we’re Homeland Security, a Department which going to do. You know, they—I don’t know will take the agencies involved with pro- what went through their minds when they tecting the homeland security, putting them hit us. They probably thought after Sep- under one umbrella so that the focus will be tember the 11th, 2001, we’d take a step back your protection, so that the number one pri- and file a lawsuit or two. [Laughter] See, they ority will be the protection of the American didn’t understand about America. They don’t people. We made progress in the House, but understand that we love freedom. We don’t we’re stuck in the Senate. We’re stuck in the embrace freedom; we love freedom, and no- Senate because some Senators want there to body is going to take our freedoms away from be a big, thick book of bureaucratic regula- us. tions to tell this administration and future ad- ministrations how to run the Department. No, they probably thought that we were I’ll give you an example. On the border, so selfish and self-absorbed and materialistic we need to know who is coming in and what that after they hit us, we would try to under- they’re bringing when they come in and stand them—[laughter]—take a step back, whether or not they’re leaving when they say and maybe get them some therapy. [Laugh- they’re going to leave. And yet we’ve got ter] As we’ve seen this weekend, as we’ve three different agencies on the border, full seen in the past, there’s only one therapy, of fine people, by the way. You’ve got your and that’s to bring them to justice, which is Customs and INS and the Border Patrol. Yet exactly what the United States is going to in some sectors, they’ve got different strate- do. gies. They wear different uniforms. They’ve This is a different kind of war; it’s a dif- got different tasks. For the sake of homeland ferent kind of war. In the old days, you could security, any administration ought to have the measure progress based upon the number of flexibility to put the agencies together or to tanks destroyed or aircraft shot out of the put the right people at the right place at the sky or ships that were sunk. This is a different right time to protect the American people. kind of war. We face a shadowy enemy. The Senate version doesn’t let me do that. They’re real. They’re tough. They are deter- People ought to be able to organize if they mined. But their leaders will hide in caves want to organize. There ought to be collec- and send their young warriors to their suici- tive bargaining, and that’s fine with me. But dal death. It’s a different kind of enemy we for the sake of national security, I ought to face. have the capacity, on a limited basis, to say And sometimes you’ll see progress on your our national security is more important than TV screens, and sometimes you’re just not some collective bargaining rights. going to see what’s happening. A different And I’ll give you an example. Let me give kind of battle we face. But you’ve got to know you an example. Our Customs, they ought we’re making progress. We’re making steady to be wearing radiation detection devices to progress. I bet you we have hauled in—I say Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1763

‘‘we,’’ by the way, the doctrine that says, ‘‘Ei- other threats to our country with which we ther you’re with them, or you’re with us,’’ must deal. And that means—and one place still stands. Either you’re with the United is Iraq. I want to—let me share with you States of America, or you’re with the enemy. some thoughts, a serious, serious, subject. It’s And we’re making progress. A couple of one that’s got a lot of folks debating in the thousand have been hauled in. Slowly but coffee shops or in the homes about Iraq. I surely, we’re dismantling this terrorist net- want to remind you of a couple of things. work. Sure, they’re still out there, but they’re First of all, 11 years ago this leader of Iraq, not nearly as strong as they were a year ago. the dictator of Iraq, made a pledge that he Slowly but surely, we’re hauling them in. And would not have weapons of mass destruction. a like number weren’t as lucky as those who He promised the world after he got whipped were captured; like number met their justice that he wouldn’t have weapons of mass de- a different way. And we’re still on them. We struction. And the Security Council of the will continue to deny them training bases. United Nations passed a resolution which We will continue to try to deny them sanc- said, ‘‘You won’t have weapons of mass de- tuary anywhere. We’re going to keep getting struction.’’ Since that time, he has lied; he them on the run. Slowly but surely, no matter has deceived; he has not listened to the U.N. how long it takes, my fellow Americans, we Security Council resolutions. Since that time, will do what it takes to make the homeland we now recognize as a country that oceans secure and to free the American people from no longer protect us like they used to. A new terror. reality set in, in America. It used to be we And that’s why I sent to Congress a signifi- could kind of sit back and look at a threat cant increase in our defense spending, and from afar and say, ‘‘Well, that may affect I want to explain why. Any time we put one somebody else, but it doesn’t affect us.’’ of our youngsters into harm’s way, they de- Prior to September the 11th, we had the serve the best pay, the best training, and the comfort of realizing or looking back in history best possible equipment. and saying that we’re pretty safe here in We owe that to our soldiers. We owe that America. Others may be threatened—after to the loved ones of our soldiers. And if there all, he attacked two in his neighborhood; he are any loved ones out there, I can’t tell you gassed his own people—but not us. Sep- how proud I am of our military, how con- tember the 11th changed the equation, fident I am of my military, and how good changed our thinking. It also changed our our military is. Thank you for coming. thinking when we began to realize that one I also asked for a big increase in defense of the most dangerous things that can happen spending because I wanted to send a message in the modern era is for a deceiving dictator to our friend and to our foe that we ain’t who has gassed his own people, who has quitting. We’re just not going to quit when weapons of mass destruction, to team up with it comes to defending America. It doesn’t an organization like Al Qaida. matter how long it takes. We don’t have a As I said—I was a little more diplomatic calendar on my desk—there’s not a calendar in my speech, but we need to think about on my desk in the great Oval Office that flips Saddam Hussein using Al Qaida to do his to, you know, flip it one day and it says, oh, dirty work, to not leave fingerprints behind. it’s time to quit. That’s just not the way we I went to the United Nations. I did so be- think in America. We understand the task. cause I wanted to challenge that body. Six- We understand it’s a different kind of war. teen resolutions, sixteen defiances: They We understand it requires patience and to passed resolution after resolution after reso- be steadfast in purpose, and that’s exactly the lution, and 16 times Saddam Hussein has de- way this Nation is going to remain. We will fied those resolutions. For the sake of keep- pursue the enemy no matter where he tries ing peace, it’s important that there be an to hide, no matter what cave he’s in, no mat- international body that has backbone, that ter what city he hides in, until justice is done. can work to keep the peace in this new era And the war on terror is just not Al Qaida. we’re in. And now is the time for choice. There are other terrorists around. There are The United Nations can decide whether it’s 1764 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 the League of Nations or whether or not it we all hurt in this country. But I’m absolutely is a United Nations capable of keeping the convinced that as a nation we can rise up, peace. not only to keep the peace and make it secure There is universal agreement that Saddam but rise up to make America a better place, Hussein poses a serious threat. He’s a threat a more hopeful place, a place of love and to the neighborhood. He’s a threat to our compassion. If you want to help, if you want allies. There is universal understanding that to help in the war against terror, if you want right after the Gulf war he was close to hav- to fight evil, love your neighbor like you’d ing a nuclear weapon. He still wants to have like to be loved yourself. a nuclear weapon. For the sake of peace, for There are things Government can do to the sake of our security, now is the time to help people, to empower people. Govern- make sure that Saddam says what he said he ment needs to trust citizens. It starts with would do. He must disarm. It’s his choice making sure everybody has a good education. to make. He said he would disarm. He must We need to also make sure our medical sys- disarm. The U.N. said he must disarm. They tems are modern. Listen, Medicare is an in- can disarm him. credibly important program. Medicine has But for the sake of security of our coun- changed. Medicare hasn’t. Medicine is mod- try—their choice to make—I hope it’s done ern. Medicare isn’t. For the sake of our sen- peacefully. I hope we never use a military— iors, for the sake of a better life in America, one military troop in Iraq. But for the sake our seniors need to have a Medicare program of the peace and security of the United that gives them choices and gives them pre- States, Saddam Hussein must disarm, or the scription drug benefits. United States with friends and allies will dis- We need to make sure, as we authorize arm him. welfare, to understand the whole—the rea- I say that because I want there to be peace. son welfare works, the reason welfare reform I speak as a man who has a goal for the world, and that’s peace. I believe out of the evil works is because we help people find work. done to America can come a peaceful world. Work is the backbone of the welfare system. There’ll be some tough times, no question It ought to remain the backbone of a good about it. But if we remain strong and re- welfare system. People get dignity when they solved, if we hold dear to the principles, the find work. They’re less dependent on a Gov- God-given principles and values that we hold ernment that can sap their soul and drain dear to our hearts—the principle of freedom, their spirit. that every life counts, that people should be There are things Government can do to free—if we hold that dear and remain strong, make America a better place but not nearly we can achieve peace, and I hope we do. as importantly as what our fellow Americans That’s my goal. The enemy thinks that they can do to make America a better place. Gov- can cause America to retreat from our obliga- ernment can hand out money, but what Gov- tions. We’re not. They believe we’ll cower ernment cannot do is put hope in people’s in the face of their coldblooded murder. We hearts or a sense of purpose in people’s lives. won’t. That’s up to our fellow Americans. And out of the evil done to this great coun- Today we’ve got with us Lenny Compton. try and now out of the evil being done else- Lenny is in his second year—right here, where, we can achieve peace. We’ve been Lenny—he’s in his second year as given an opportunity to lead the world to AmeriCorps. Let me tell you about him. You peace. know what he does? He mentors a child. He And at home, we can have a better Amer- mentors kids in the first, second, and third ica, too. We can have a better America. grade. He understands one person can’t do There are people who hurt in America. everything to change America, but one per- There are pockets of despair and loneliness, son can do something. One person can help people who are addicted, people who wonder change America, one heart, one soul, one whether or not the American Dream is conscience at a time. I want to thank you, meant for them. So long as some of us hurt, Lenny. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1765

And that’s what we need to do to show Americans understood that being a patriot the enemy the true nature of America. Each was to serve something greater than yourself of us can be that one person, helping some- in life. body in need. It doesn’t require a lot. Listen, No, the American spirit is strong and alive. walking across the street to a shut-in, saying There’s no doubt in my mind, my friends and ‘‘I love you’’ on a regular basis, is what I’m fellow Americans, no doubt in my mind that talking about. Running a Boy Scout troop is we can achieve peace, no doubt in my mind what I’m talking about. Being involved with that we can secure our homeland. There is a Girl—Girls Clubs and Boys Clubs, going no doubt in my mind that we can educate to your church or your synagogue or your our children and provide a hopeful future mosque and helping feed the hungry and for everybody who is living here in America. find shelter for the homeless. It’s all a part And the reason I say that is because I say of the great fabric of America. In order to with the utmost of confidence that this is the fight evil, do some good—do some good. finest nation, full of the finest people, on the One of the things that’s happening in face of the Earth. America as a result of the attack by the May God bless you all, and may God bless enemy is that people are taking a good, hard America. look at what’s important in life. We’re begin- ning to have a cultural shift, it seems like NOTE: The President spoke at 3:49 p.m. at Oak- to me. I want to be a part of that shift. It’s land County International Airport. In his remarks, a shift away from a culture that has said, ‘‘If he referred to gubernatorial candidate Dick it feels good, just go ahead and do it, and Posthumus; Thaddeus McCotter, candidate for if you’ve got a problem, blame somebody Michigan’s 11th Congressional District; Candice else,’’ to a new era that says, ‘‘Each of us Miller, candidate for Michigan’s 10th Congres- are responsible for the decisions we make sional District; senatorial candidate Andrew in life.’’ ‘‘Rocky’’ Raczkowski; L. Brooks Patterson, Oak- If you are a mom or a dad, if you’re lucky land County Executive; Loren Bennett and Terri Lynn Land, candidates for Michigan secretary of enough to be a mom or a dad, you’re respon- state; Mike Cox, candidate for Michigan attorney sible for loving that child with all your heart general; and President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. and all your soul. If you’re living in Oakland County, you’re responsible for the quality of education. If you’re dissatisfied with the Statement on Northern Ireland quality of education, do something about it. October 14, 2002 If you’re satisfied, go hug a teacher, and thank him or her for doing such an important I support the difficult but necessary deci- job. sion today by British Prime Minister Tony No, I think it’s happening. I think people Blair to suspend the Northern Ireland Exec- are beginning to understand that being a pa- utive and Assembly. I welcome the commit- triot is more than just putting your hand over ment of Prime Minister Blair and Irish Prime your heart. Being a patriot is working to make Minister Bertie Ahern to restore confidence America a more compassionate and decent between the parties and peoples of Northern and hopeful place. Ireland, hold elections, and reinstate No, I think it’s happening. I remember powersharing as soon as is possible. and will never forget what took place on I join their condemnation of sectarianism Flight 93. We had average citizens flying and violence and echo their call for all parties across the country. All of a sudden they be- to make unequivocal their commitment to came aware of the new reality, that America exclusively peaceful and democratic means was under attack. They were on the phones for pursuing their interests. There is simply to their loved ones. The word ‘‘love’’ was no place for paramilitaries in a democratic used a lot. They said goodbye. They said a society. I also applaud the two Governments’ prayer. They asked for blessing from an Al- recognition of the central importance of po- mighty. A guy said, ‘‘Let’s roll.’’ They took licing and the need for continued policing the plane into the ground to save life. These reform. 1766 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

I welcome the continued close cooperation Thanks for your care about your State and of the British and Irish Governments as they your country. work toward the full implementation of the I’m so grateful that my buddy the Gov- Good Friday agreement. The United States ernor of Michigan is here, John Engler. I ap- stands ready to assist their efforts. I appeal preciate his strong service to Michigan. We to everyone in Northern Ireland to recognize both did a very smart thing: We both married the great benefits that the agreement has al- girls from Texas. [Laughter] We both mar- ready secured. The Good Friday agreement ried above ourselves. [Laughter] And speak- remains the best framework for a lasting ing about girls from Texas, Laura sends her peace in Northern Ireland. love to many of you here that we got to know during the course of our campaign. She’s doing great. She’s strong, and she’s calm Remarks at a Dinner for when she needs to be calm. She’s a fabulous Congressional Candidate Thaddeus wife, a great mother, and she’s doing a won- McCotter in Dearborn, Michigan derful job as our First Lady. I’m really proud October 14, 2002 of her. I want to thank the Members from the Thank you all. Congressman, thank you. U.S. Congress who are here with us today. I appreciate you all coming. I’m here to help I particularly want to thank Mike Rogers for the Republican Party. I’m here to help Dick working hard to make sure this event was Posthumus get elected. I’m here to make it successful. Mike, thanks for your hard work, clear that Thaddeus McCotter needs to be thanks for your support. I think Peter Hoek- the next Congressman from this district. stra is here somewhere. I don’t know if they Anybody who would name his son let people in from the western part of the George—[laughter]—in this case, George State or not? [Laughter] Where are you, T.—I appreciate the chance to meet the fam- Peter? Good to see you, Congressman. ily. I want to thank the McCotters for com- Thanks for coming—a fine U.S. Congress- ing. He’s got a great wife and three wonder- man. I know Vern Ehlers is here. Vern, I’m ful children. I appreciate a man who has got honored you’re here. Thanks for coming. I his priorities straight, and that is his faith and appreciate—good to see you, sir. I think Joe his family and his country. And I appreciate Knollenberg is still here. I hope he is. Hey, you all coming to help him. Joe, thanks. I appreciate you, Congressman. We had a big rally earlier today, and Thad- Dave Camp, Congressman Camp is with us deus was there and so was the next Governor today, I think. Oh, hi, Dave. Thanks for com- of the State of Michigan, Dick Posthumus. ing. I told the folks in—I mean, there was a cou- I think that’s all the members of the con- ple of thousand people there, and I told them gressional team from Michigan that are here. that it’s important to do what they are good I’ve got to tell you, they’re fine Members of at doing, which is put signs in the ground the Congress. I appreciate their friendship. and dial the phones and put out the mailers. I appreciate their strong support on key We’re getting close to grassroots politics issues. We’ve had great success in the House time. of Representatives and a lot of it had to do For those of you who are involved in the with the leadership of the folks from Michi- grassroots of Michigan politics, I want to gan. You’re well represented. My call is to thank you for what you’re going to do, not make sure they go back. only what you have done but what’s going My call is to make sure we continue to to take place over the next couple of weeks, hold the House. My call is to remind you and that is to work hard to turn out a big it’s important to have a Speaker like Denny vote. To turn out a vote for the next Gov- Hastert, who will make a huge difference for ernor, the next Congressman is really impor- the people of Michigan and the people of tant. There’s no doubt in my mind these two our country. And one way to do it is to not men are going to win, and they’re only going only reelect those who have already won but to win with your help. So thanks for coming. to make sure Thad McCotter gets elected Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1767 to the United States House as well—and or service, somebody is more likely to find Candice Miller. work’’—if you’re interested in jobs. I know the speaker of the house is here. The tax relief plan we passed in Wash- I want to thank Rick Johnson for coming. ington came at the—exactly the right time. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your coming. In The country was in recession. We needed to the limousine on the way here, the next Gov- stimulate the economy. We needed to get ernor and I were talking about how the house the economics of the country on the right races look great here in Michigan and that track. We needed people to be able to find he looks forward to working with you, Mr. work. Tax relief was vital. Not only was the Speaker, and a good, solid Republican major- tax relief plan good for the creation of small ity to do what’s right for the people of Michi- business and the enhancement of the entre- gan. preneurial spirit, the tax relief plan also rec- I’m also honored that Betsy DeVos is here. ognized that we want to encourage marriage Betsy, I appreciate your tireless work on be- in families through the Tax Code, not dis- half of the Republican Party. I appreciate you courage it, and we slashed the marriage pen- coming. Michael Kojaian, he’s a wonderful alty in the tax relief. friend and a good man who has been a hard We also did one other thing that was help- worker to make sure events such as these ful to the farmers of Michigan, the ranchers are successful. And Michael, I appreciate you all across the country, the small-business owners, the entrepreneurs, the first time cap- coming. italists, and that is, we put the death tax on We’ve got a lot of work to do in Wash- the way to extinction. ington, DC. And that’s why I’m so—want to But we’re still having to talk about the be involved with these House races. We’ve issue because the rules of the United States got to make sure the country is a stronger Senate are such that the tax relief plan that— country and a safer country and a better it lasts for 10 years. And after 10 years, it country. And to make sure America is a reverts to—back to the way it was. And yes, stronger country, we’ve got to work to make 2001, it’s like the Senate giveth, and the Sen- sure that people can find a job. You know, ate taketh away. That’s a hard one to explain anytime there’s a place where somebody is in Crawford, Texas, or anywhere else, for that looking for work and can’t find work, it is matter. a problem, and we’ve got to deal with it. And so the issue really is, and Thaddeus But the best way to deal with it is to elect understands this, for the sake of job creation, people to Congress who understand the role we need certainty in the Tax Code. For the of Government. The role of Government is sake of an expanding economy, we need to not to try to create wealth; the role of Gov- make sure that our entrepreneurs under- ernment is to create an environment in which stand what’s happening. For the sake of fami- the entrepreneur can flourish, in which small lies, we need permanency. For the sake of businesses can grow to be big businesses, in people being able to pass their assets on to which people feel comfortable risking capital. whom they want, we need permanency. The The people in the U.S. Congress from Michi- Congress needs to make the tax cuts perma- gan understand that. Thaddeus understands nent. that. It’s important to get him elected. There are some other things that need to You hear a lot of talk about tax relief. happen in Congress to make sure people can Here’s the page of the textbook that we’ve find work. We’re debating a terrorism insur- been reading in Washington, at least those ance bill. I’m not debating it. I’m watching of us who agreed with the tax relief plan. the debate. I’m amazed that the debate is It says this: ‘‘If you let a person keep more still going on. There are $15 billion of con- of their own money, they’re likely to demand struction projects which have been put on a good or a service. And when they demand hold because people can’t get terrorism in- a good or a service in the marketplace, some- surance. The terrorists hit us; they raised the body is likely to produce the good or a serv- price of insurance. They made it basically ex- ice. And when somebody produces the good tinct. And what the Congress needs to do 1768 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 is serve as a backstop and serve as a guarantor And this Senate has done a lousy job with for terrorism insurance to get these projects my nominees. The percentage of people con- moving again. firmed is way below those confirmed under If the enemy doesn’t attack, it doesn’t cost President Clinton or President Bush or Presi- anything. If the enemy does attack, it’ll help dent Reagan. They’re playing politics. I keep order in our economy. It makes sense. named good, strong people up there, and There are 300,000 hardhats’ jobs waiting to they distort their records. The American peo- go forward. For the sake of job creation, for ple deserve better. The nominees for the the sake of getting good people to work, we bench I’ve named deserve better. For the need a terrorism insurance bill. We need a sake of a good, sound judiciary, we need to bill that rewards the hardhats and not the change the United States Senate. trial lawyers of America. Congress is fixing to leave town, and the Traveling with me today is one of my finest Senate doesn’t have a budget. One of the Cabinet Secretaries—perhaps it’s because he things that can serve as an anchor to eco- cut his teeth in Michigan politics—and that’s nomic vitality is if the Congress overspends. Spence Abraham. I appreciate Spence com- They need to be mindful about whose money ing. He’s somewhere around. There he is, they spend in Washington. They’re not and Jane is with him, too, who’s a fine, fine spending the Government’s money. They’re soul. Thanks for coming, Jane. spending your money. The Members of the House of Representatives who are with us The reason I bring up Spence is because, tonight and Thaddeus understands that, that one, I want to brag on him, what a good job they spend the people’s money, that we’ve he’s doing. But also a job bill is an energy got to set priorities, be wise about how we bill. A good energy bill will help with jobs. use the people’s money. Spence has been working hard to get the Listen, without a budget, there’s no telling Congress to come together to get an energy what’s going to happen in Washington, DC. bill out that encourages conservation, en- Every idea up there sounds like a brilliant courages the use of renewables, that fires up idea. The problem is, every brilliant idea new technologies necessary to achieve na- costs billions of dollars. For the sake of job tional objectives, which is less dependence creation, for the sake of economic security on foreign sources of crude and cleaner air— in this country, the United States Congress things we believe can happen. must be wise with the people’s money. They But he and I also agree we need to be— must fund the priorities, and they must not explore for more energy at home. And yet, overspend. there’s talk—just like the terrorism insurance I want you all to know, I look forward to bill—all they’re doing is talking. They need working with the Congress to get some things to get the bill to my desk for the sake of done. I hope the Congress responds. They’ve jobs and for the sake of national security. We got 4 days before they go home. They can need to have an energy bill in America. And help with the jobs. And I won’t rest so long Spence, I want to thank you for your hard as people are looking for work. I’m an opti- work. mistic fellow because I know that the fun- By the way, looking at Spence or just damentals are strong. Interest rates are low. thinking about Spence—looking at him too— Inflation is low. We’ve got the highest pro- reminds me of why we need to take the Sen- ductivity rates in a long time. We’ve got great ate back. I’ve named really good people to workers. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong. the bench. One of my most awesome respon- But there are people who hurt. And so long sibilities and important responsibilities is to as people hurt, I’m going to be—I’m going find good, honorable Americans who will to be paying attention to the economy and serve as Federal judges, people who will use doing anything I can to help people find the bench to strictly interpret the Constitu- work. tion, people who will not use the bench to We did make a great stride, by the way, rewrite law. We’ve got plenty of legislators toward increasing confidence in our econ- in Washington. omy. You know, we had a recession, and then Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1769 we had the enemy attack. And then we had You need to know, there’s a lot of really one other attack on the confidence of the good folks at the Federal level who are doing American people. We had some citizens in just that, and good folks at the State and local our country who felt like they didn’t need level as well. I mean, anytime we’re getting to tell the truth when it came to corporate a hint, we’re moving on it. Anytime we’re numbers. We had some people who forgot getting a suggestion that somebody might be the awesome responsibility of being a chief thinking about doing something to America, executive officer or a chief financial officer. we’re responding, within the U.S. Constitu- I worked with Members of the House in both tion. We hold that document sacred. political parties. I had the honor of signing But we’re responding. We’re disrupting. the most comprehensive corporate reform We’re denying. We’re sharing intelligence bill—corporate reform legislation since better than ever before. The doctrine that Franklin Roosevelt was the President. says, ‘‘You’re either with the United States, And the message is pretty simple and very or you’re against us,’’ still stands. It’s a doc- profound. If you find yourself in a position trine which is even more important today, of responsibility, we expect you to tell the perhaps, than right after September the 11th, truth. We expect you to treat your employees because the attacks go on. We cannot do this and your shareholders with respect. If you war alone. We constantly remind other na- think you’re going to find easy money in the tions that if they love freedom like we love American system, all you’re going to end up freedom, they’ll be under attack. doing is finding hard time. I went to the United States Congress to The other thing I’m going to think about— ask them to help me create a Department I think about a lot, constantly about, and that of Homeland Security. I did so because I Thaddeus and I and other Members will be want to be in a position where I can assure working on, is how to secure the homeland the American people, we’re doing everything of America. The enemy is active, and they in our power to protect America. The House hate. The attacks in Indonesia that needlessly responded quickly. After a good, solid de- killed hundreds of people serve as a stark bate, the House came with a really good reminder that there’s still an enemy which piece of legislation. kills with impunity, an enemy which does not The Senate is stuck. The Senate is stuck value innocent life. The attacks on the because some Members feel like it’s the Sen- French vessel in Yemen shows there’s an ate duty to micromanage the process. They enemy willing to use any kind of device to have passed a law that—or they think they’re attack those of us who love freedom. They’re going to pass a law—they won’t, but they’re active. They’re resilient, and they continue trying to pass the law—it’s why the President to hate. has a veto pen—that will have a thick book And they hate because of what we love. of bureaucratic regulations and hamstringing We love freedom. We love the fact that in the capacity of this administration and future this great country people can worship an al- administrations to respond to potential ter- mighty God any way they see fit. We love rorist threats. that. We love the fact that people can have I’ll give you two examples of what I’m talk- honest, open political discourse in a free soci- ing about, so you’ll understand the debate. ety. We love free press. We love everything One, customs agents ought to be wearing ra- about freedom, and we’re not changing. diological detection devices. They ought to And so long as we love freedom, as much wear those, so that if somebody is trying to as we love freedom, the enemy will try to sneak a weapons of mass destruction into the hurt America and hurt our friends and hurt country, somebody on duty will have a device our allies. And so our biggest job is to secure indicating that a weapon of mass destruction the homeland. It’s to do everything we can, is coming in. We proposed that. The union to use every resource at our fingertips to pro- representing the workers said, ‘‘No, we’re not tect the American people from potential going to have that. You can’t have mandatory harm. use of a radiological detection device. It must 1770 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 be voluntary, otherwise we’re going to take values, and we hold those—of America, and you to collective bargaining.’’ hold them dear to our heart. We don’t have time to bargain collectively We’re making progress. We are. We’ve over an issue like that. I believe in collective done a heck of a lot of work, made good bargaining for people. I believe they ought progress at dismantling the Al Qaida terrorist to be able to go to unions if they want to. network. After all, they used to run a country. But for the sake of national security, some We liberated that country. We freed a coun- of these rules need to be put aside. Some try from the clutches of one of the most bar- of the work rules that will make it difficult baric regimes in the history of mankind. And for us to be able to protect the American thanks to the United States and our friends people. and allies—and thanks to the United States Every President since Jimmy Carter has and friends and allies, many young girls now the capacity to suspend collective bargaining go to school for the first time. for national security purposes. And yet, here I remind you of that because our country we are at war, and the Senate is debating never has the intention of conquering any- a bill, and they now want to take that power body. We believe in freedom for all people. away from this President. And that’s not We believe in freeing people, if possible. So right. I need to be able to put the right peo- we’re liberators in this case, and we’ll always ple at the right place with the right equip- be liberators. Because our coalition is strong, ment at the right time to protect America. I would say we’ve hauled in—arrested or And the Senate must understand that. however you want to put it—a couple of I hope we get a good bill. They’re going thousand of Al Qaida. Some of them are home in 4 days. I expect there to be a bill. former leaders. Abu Zubaydah was one of I look forward to continuing to work, but I the top three leaders in the organization. want you to know that I’m not only speaking Like number weren’t as lucky; they met a for this administration, I’m speaking for fu- different kind of fate. But they’re no longer ture administrations. It doesn’t make any a problem. sense for the Department of Homeland Se- We’re slowly but surely rounding them up. curity not to have that—for me to have the The other day we got this guy, bin al-Shibh. capacity to deal with the home—the Depart- He popped his head up. [Laughter] He’s not ment of Homeland Security in the same way a problem. Slowly but surely—and I’m not that I can deal with the Department of Agri- giving up. There’s not a calendar on my desk culture. And so I expect the Senate to finish that says, okay, on this day, you quit. That’s the debate and get a bill. Hopefully we can just not the way I think. I understand the get it out of conference before you go home. task. I know the threats. The threats should It’s important. be vivid in everybody’s mind when you see The best way to protect the homeland is the pictures of the devastation, the size of to find this enemy, wherever he hides, and the bomb crater, the absolute needless mur- bring him to justice, to hunt them down one der that took place in Indonesia. by one. I say ‘‘hunt them down one by one’’ I asked Congress for a significant increase because that’s the nature of the war we’re in defense spending. I appreciate that. I ap- in. In the old days you’d go after platoons preciate the fact that the House voted on it. or battalions or aircraft or fleets. They don’t The Senate voted on it. They need to get have fleets. They don’t have battalions. that to my desk. The House voted on the They’ve got coldblooded killers who hide in conference. The Senate needs to get it to caves. They hijack a wonderful religion, and my desk before they go home. they send youngsters to their suicidal deaths. And the reason I did is because I feel But you’ve got to know, there’s not a cave strongly about this. Any time we put our kids deep enough for the justice of America. into harm’s way, they’ve got to have the best There’s not a corner of the world in which pay, the best training, and the best possible we’re not going to shine light, because we equipment. I also wanted to send a message love our freedom, because we believe in the to friend and foe that we’re in this deal for Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 14 1771 the long pull, that when it comes to defend- that we must deal with for the sake of peace, ing our freedom, it doesn’t matter how long for the sake of our children’s peace. it takes. When it comes to protecting Amer- Military option is my last choice. It’s not ica and innocent life, there is no timeline, my—it’s the last thing I want to do, is commit friends, that there’s just not a quitting date our military. My first choice is for Saddam until I’m absolutely certain that America is Hussein to do what he said he would do, secure. and after 11 years, disarm. I doubt he’s going I believe the enemy, they just didn’t know to do that, but it’s his choice to make. See, what they were up to when they hit us. They he gets to make the choice. The United Na- probably—guys sitting there, saying, tions needs to make a choice, whether it will ‘‘They’re so materialistic, so self-absorbed, so be the League of Nations or the United Na- selfish that they might file a lawsuit or two.’’ tions, whether it will be an empty debating [Laughter] They didn’t understand America. society or a group of countries who have got They just don’t understand what we’re made the capacity and the will and the backbone out of. They don’t understand our fiber. They to help keep the peace. Their choice to make. don’t understand our courage. They don’t I hope this happens peacefully. I hope he understand what we love. disarms. But for the sake of our future, for My job is not only to protect America the sake of peace itself, if need be, the today but to anticipate problems as well. And United States will lead a strong coalition of obviously I started a significant and impor- freedom-loving nations and disarm Saddam tant debate about Iraq. I did because I—be- Hussein. cause I understand the threat of Iraq. This At the same time that we work to make is a country that said he would have no weap- America stronger and safer, we’ve got to ons of mass destruction, and he does. This make sure we work to make America better. is a country that has defied the United Na- We have an opportunity to challenge some tions 11 straight years, 16 different resolu- of the problems that we face in our society. tions. He’s completely ignored the inter- First, it starts with making sure every child national body. This is a country who has gets educated. I appreciate Thaddeus’ and made it clear, he’d like to have a nuclear your next Governor’s focus on education. I weapon. And when our inspectors—or the mean every child, not just a few, not just a inspectors went into the country right after handful, not just those in nice districts— the Gulf war, it was estimated that they were every single child. months away from having a nuclear weapon. I believe every child can learn. I hope you This is a country that hates America, hates believe every child can learn. And then to- the people in the neighborhood. This is a gether we can challenge what I call the soft country which has invaded two countries, bigotry of low expectations. See, when you unprovoked. This is a country, the leadership lower the bar, when you think certain kids of which has actually used weapons of mass can’t learn, you’re going to get lousy results. destruction on its own people, on citizens I also strongly believe that in return for Fed- who disagreed with him. This is a country eral money, you need to show us whether who gassed its neighbors. This is a dangerous or not the children are learning. You need man. to show us whether a child can read and write Prior to September the 11th, 2001, we and add and subtract. And if so, we’ll praise thought two oceans would protect us. We the teachers and thank them. We need to thought we could kind of step back, and say, thank our teachers. But when we find chil- ‘‘This may be somebody else’s problem, in dren trapped in schools which will not teach another part of the world, and we may or and schools which will not change, you better may not deal with it.’’ After September the have you a President and a Governor who’s 11th, we’ve entered into a new era and a new willing to challenge the status quo. No child war. This is a man that we know has had should be left behind in America. connections with Al Qaida. This is a man I want to work with Thaddeus to make who, in my judgment, would like to use Al sure that some of our promises are kept, par- Qaida as a forward army. And this is a man ticularly those to our seniors. Medicine is 1772 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 modern. Medicare is not modern. Medicine ones goodbye. They said a prayer. A guy said, has changed. Medicare hasn’t changed. And ‘‘Let’s roll,’’ and they drove the plane in the for the sake of our seniors, we need to change ground to serve something greater than Medicare so it’s modern and includes pre- themselves. scription drugs. And I look forward to work- No, the American spirit is alive, and it’s ing with the members of the Congress. strong. And as a result, we will overcome the Oh, there’s some things Congress can do evil done to America. No, the enemy hit us, to make America a better place, but the most but they didn’t know who they were hitting. powerful instrument for change, the best way They hit a nation which is more committed to make America a better place is to unleash to peace than ever before and a nation which the great strength of our country. And the is committed to making sure this country is great strength of America is the hearts and hopeful and optimistic and bright for every souls of the American people. If you want citizen who is fortunate enough to live in this to fight evil in America, love your neighbor great land. just like you’d like to be loved yourself. If I want to thank you all for coming. You you want to help change the country, if you just need to know this about me: I believe want to be a part of eliminating the pockets there’s any—we can accomplish anything set of despair and loneliness, put your arm before us, because I know this is the finest around somebody who hurts, and say, ‘‘I love country, full of the greatest people on the you.’’ face of the Earth. Today we welcomed a young kid, a 22- May God bless you all, and may God bless year-old boy there at the rally, who was a America. mentor. He is a part of the army of compas- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:01 p.m. in the sion in America. He is doing his part to Presidential Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. change America one heart, one conscience, In his remarks, he referred to Rita McCotter, wife one soul at a time. of candidate Thaddeus McCotter, and their chil- You see, one of the things I appreciate dren, George, Timothy, and Emilia; dinner chairs about our political party is, we understand Betsy DeVos and Michael Kojaian; Jane Abraham, the limitations of Government. Government wife of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham; can hand out money, but Government cannot Ramzi bin al-Shibh, an Al Qaida operative sus- put hope in people’s hearts. Government pected of helping to plan the September 11, 2001, cannot put a sense of purpose in people’s terrorist attacks, who was captured in Karachi, Pakistan; President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and lives. That happens when loving soul inter- volunteer Lenwood ‘‘Lenny’’ Compton, Jr. Can- faces with loving soul. didate Thaddeus McCotter introduced the Presi- The enemy hit us, but out of the evil done dent. to America is coming a—is coming the re- vival of an American spirit, which under- stands—where we all understand serving Remarks at the White House something greater than ourself in life is a part Conference on Minority of being an American, that being a patriot Homeownership is more than just putting your hand over your October 15, 2002 heart, being a patriot is helping somebody in need. We can change America one soul Well, thanks for the warm welcome. Thank at a time, we can, as our fellow Americans you for being here today. I appreciate your do their duty, to find the new patriotism. attendance to this very important conference. Perhaps the greatest example of what I’m You see, we want everybody in America to talking about and the most vivid example and own their own home. That’s what we want. an example which I think will last through This is—an ownership society is a compas- the ages, is what happened on Flight 93. The sionate society. guy was on a plane ride, flying across the More and more people own their homes country. Their loved ones tell them the plane in America today. Two-thirds of all Ameri- is being used as a weapon. They recognize cans own their homes. Yet, we have a prob- what must happen. They told their loved lem here in America because fewer than half Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 15 1773 of the Hispanics and half the African Ameri- I knew that he was educated in Texas. cans own the home. That’s a homeownership [Laughter] gap. It’s a gap that we’ve got to work together Finally, Kim Berry from New York is here. to close for the good of our country, for the She’s a single mom. You’re not going to be- sake of a more hopeful future. We’ve got to lieve this, but her son is 18 years old. [Laugh- work to knock down the barriers that have ter] She barely looked like she was 18 to me. created a homeownership gap. Being a single mom is the hardest job in I set an ambitious goal. It’s one that I be- America. And the idea of this fine American lieve we can achieve. It’s a clear goal, that working hard to provide for her child, at the by the end of this decade we’ll increase the same time working hard to realize her dream, number of minority homeowners by at least which is owning a home on Long Island, is 51⁄2 million families. Some may think that’s really a special tribute to the character of this a stretch. I don’t think it is. I think it is real- particular person and to the character of a istic. I know we’re going to have to work to- lot of Americans. And so we’re honored to gether to achieve it. But when we do, our have you here, Kim, and thanks for being communities will be stronger and so will our such a good mom and a fine American. economy. I told Mel Martinez I was serious about Achieving the goal is going to require some this initiative. We started talking about it, and good policies out of Washington. And it’s I said, ‘‘Well, you know, I’m the kind of fel- going to require a strong commitment from low, I don’t like to lay out a goal and don’t those of you involved in the housing industry. mean it.’’ I think it’s not—I don’t think it’s Just by showing up at the conference, you fair for the American people to be—to have show your commitment. And together—to- a President or anybody else, for that matter, gether we will work over the next decade to lay out a goal and just kind of say it but don’t enable millions of our fellow Americans to mean it. I mean it. And the good news is, own a piece of their own property, and that’s Mel Martinez believes it and means it as well. their home. He’s doing a fine job of running HUD, and I appreciate so very much the homeowners I’m glad he has joined my Cabinet. And I who are with us today. The Arias family, picked a pretty spunky Deputy as well, newly arrived from Peru, they live in Balti- Alphonso Jackson, my fellow Texan. I call more. Thanks to the Association of Real Es- him A.J. tate Brokers, the help of some good folks in I appreciate the Secretary of Agriculture Baltimore, they figured out how to purchase being here. She’s got a lot of money having their own home. Imagine to be coming to to do with rural housing. I appreciate Ann’s our country without a home, with a simple commitment to rural America. And I’m really dream. And now they’re on stage here at this proud of the job she’s doing as well for the conference, being one of the new home- American people, serving in my Cabinet. owners in the greatest land on the face of Thanks for coming, Ann. the Earth. I appreciate the Arias family com- I’ve got some others in my administration, ing. as I look around. I see Rosario Marin, who’s We’ve got the Horton family from Little the Treasurer of the United States. Rosario Rock, Arkansas, here today. Actually, it’s not used to be a mayor. Thank you for coming, Little Rock; it’s North Little Rock, Arkansas. Madam Mayor. She understands how impor- I was corrected. [Laughter] I appreciate so tant housing is. I see other mayors around very much these good folks coming all the here, and I want to thank the mayors for way up from the South. They were helped coming. After all, it’s in your interest that by HUD. They were helped by Freddie Mac. this project succeed. Obviously, they’ve got a young family. And I know we’ve got some folks from the faith- when we start talking about owning a home, based community here. Luis Cortes from a smile spread right across the face of the Philadelphia is here and my friend Kirbyjon dad that could have lit up the entire town Caldwell from Houston, Texas. Kirbyjon, I of Washington, DC. I appreciate you all com- had breakfast with him this morning. He told ing. Thanks for coming. He had to make sure me he was going to have to leave before my 1774 Oct. 15 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 speech. He’s a wise man, that Kirbyjon they would tell you that the downpayment Caldwell. [Laughter] But he has gone back is the hurdle that they can’t cross. And one home to Texas. way to address that is to have the Federal I appreciate Margaret Spellings and her Government participate. staff. Margaret is the Domestic Policy Ad- And so we’ve called upon Congress to set viser to the President, and I want to thank up what’s called the American Dream Down you for putting on this conference, Margaret. Payment Fund, which will provide financial All of us here in America should believe, grants to local governments to help first-time and I think we do, that we should be, as I homebuyers who qualify to make the down- mentioned, a nation of owners. Owning payment on their home. If a downpayment something is freedom, as far as I’m con- is a problem, there’s a way we can address cerned. It’s part of a free society, and owner- that. And when Congress funds the program, ship of a home helps bring stability to neigh- this should help 200,000 new families over borhoods. You own your home in a neighbor- the next 5 years become first-time home- hood, you have more interest in how your buyers. neighborhood feels, looks, whether it’s safe Secondly, affordable housing is a problem or not. It brings pride to people. It’s a part in many neighborhoods, particularly inner- of an asset-based society. It helps people city neighborhoods. You may—we may have build up their own individual portfolio, pro- qualified homebuyers, but if there’s no home vides an opportunity, if need be, for a mom to buy, this initiative isn’t going anywhere. or a dad to leave something to their child. And so one of the things that we’re going It’s a part of—it’s a part of being a—it’s a to—that I’m doing is proposing a single-fam- part of—an important part of America. ily affordable housing credit to encourage the Homeownership is also an important part construction of single-family homes in neigh- of our economic vitality. If—when we meet borhoods where affordable housing is scarce. this project, this goal, according to our Sec- Over the next 5 years the initiative will pro- retary of Housing and Urban Development, vide homebuilders and therefore home- we will have added an additional $256 billion buyers with—homebuilders with $2 billion in to the economy by encouraging 5.5 million tax credits to bring affordable homes and new homeowners in America. The activity— therefore provide an additional supply for the economic activity stimulated with the ad- homebuyers. It’s really important for us to ditional purchasers, the additional buyers, understand that we can provide incentive for the additional demand will be upwards of people to build homes where there’s a lack $256 billion. And that’s important because of affordable housing. And we’ve got to set it will help people find work. priorities, and one of the key priorities is Low interest rates, low inflation are very going to be inner-city America. Good schools important foundations for economic growth. and affordable housing will help revitalize The idea of encouraging new homeowner- our inner cities. ship and the money that will be circulated Another obstacle to minority homeowner- as a result of people purchasing homes will ship is the lack of information. You know, mean people are more likely to find a job getting into your own home can be com- in America. This project not only is good for plicated. It can be a difficult process. I had the soul of the country; it’s good for the pock- that very same problem. [Laughter] etbook of the country as well. Every homebuyer has responsibilities and To open up the doors of homeownership rights that need to be understood clearly. there are some barriers, and I want to talk And yet when you look at some of the con- about four that need to be overcome. tracts, there’s a lot of small print. And you First, downpayments—a lot of folks can’t can imagine somebody newly arrived from make a downpayment. They may be quali- Peru looking at all that print and saying, ‘‘I’m fied. They may desire to buy a home, but not sure I can possibly understand that. Why they don’t have the money to make a down- do I want to buy a home?’’ There’s an edu- payment. I think if you were to talk to a lot cational process that needs to go on, not only of families that are—desire to have a home, to explain the contract, explain obligation, Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 15 1775 but also to explain financing options, to help Last June, I issued a challenge to everyone people understand the complexities of a involved in the housing industry to help in- homeownership market, and also at the same crease the number of minority families to be time to protect people from unscrupulous homeowners. And what I’m talking about, lenders, people who would take advantage I’m talking about your bankers and your bro- of a good-hearted soul who is trying to realize kers and developers as well as members of their dream. faith-based community and community pro- Homeownership education is critical. And grams. And the response to the homeowners so today I’m pleased to announce that challenge has been very strong and very through Mel’s office, we’re going to dis- gratifying. tribute $35 million in 2003 to more than 100 Twenty-two public and private partners national, State, and local organizations that have signed up to help meet our national promote homeownership through buyer edu- goal. Partners in the mortgage finance indus- cation. try are encouraging homeownership by pur- And of course, one of the larger obstacles chasing more loans made by banks to African to minority homeownership is financing, is the ability to have their dream financed. Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities. Right now we have a program that all of you Representatives of the real estate and home- all are familiar with—maybe our fellow building industries, through their nationwide Americans aren’t—and that’s what they call networks or affiliates, are committed to a Section 8 housing program, that provides broadening homeownership. They made the billions of dollars in vouchers to help low- commitment to help meet the national goal income Americans with their rent. It encour- we set. ages leasing. We think it’s important that we Freddie Mae—Fannie Mae and Freddie use those vouchers, that Federal money, to Mac—I see the heads who are here; I want help low-income Americans go from being to thank you all for coming—[laughter]— somebody who leases to somebody who have committed to provide more money for owns; that we use the Section 8 program to lenders. They’ve committed to help meet the not only help with downpayment but to help shortage of capital available for minority with continuing monthly mortgage payments homebuyers. after they’re into their new home. It is a way Fannie Mae recently announced a $50 mil- to help us meet this dream of 51⁄2 million lion program to develop 600 homes for the additional families owning their home. Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Franklin, I I’m also going to encourage the lending appreciate that commitment. They also an- industry to develop a mortgage market so nounced $12.7 million investment in the con- that this script, these vouchers, can regularly dominium project in Harlem. It’s the begin- be used as a source of payment to provide nings of a series of initiatives to help meet more capital to lenders, who can then help the goal of 51⁄2 million families. Franklin told more families move from rental housing into me at the meeting where we kicked this off, houses of their own. he said, ‘‘I promise you, we will help,’’ and These are some of the barriers that home- he has, like many others in this room have owners face—potential homeowners face, and this is what we intend to do about it. done. But like in a lot of our life, Government can’t Freddie Mac recently began 25 initiatives do everything. It’s impossible to provide around the country to dismantle barriers and every aspect of a national strategy, particu- create greater opportunities for homeowner- larly in this case. And that’s why we need ship. One of the programs is designed to help the help of private and nonprofit sectors in deserving families who have bad credit his- our country to help play a vital role in helping tories to qualify for homeownership loans. to meet the goal. Many of you here represent Freddie Mac is also working with the Depart- the nonprofit as well as the private sectors ment of Defense to promote construction of our economy and our country, and I want and financing for housing for men and to thank you for your commitment. women in the military. 1776 Oct. 15 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

There’s all kinds of ways that we can work a lousy home for first-time homebuyers. If together to meet the goal. Corporate Amer- you put your mind to it, the first-time home- ica has a responsibility to work to make buyer, the low-income homebuyer can have America a compassionate place. Corporate just as nice a house as anybody else. And America has responded. As an example— I know Kirbyjon. He is what I call a social only one of many examples—the good folks entrepreneur who is using his platform as a at Sears and Roebuck have responded by Methodist preacher to improve the neighbor- making a 5-year, $100 million commitment hood and the community in which he lives. to making homeownership and home mainte- And so is Luis Cortes, who represents nance possible for millions of Americans. Nueva Esperanza in Philadelphia. I went to There have been other steps that are being see Luis one time in the inner-city Philadel- taken to close the homeownership gap. And phia. Luis is—at least he was; he’s probably you’ve heard some of the stories here today, still there—in what one would call a tough people much more eloquent than me to talk neighborhood. There’s a lot of abandoned about what’s taking place on the frontline of buildings, and I mean, beautiful old struc- meeting this national goal. tures just empty. Luis had a dream to revi- The nonprofit groups are bringing home- talize his neighborhood, starting with a good ownership to some of our most troubled charter school, one that would work, one that communities. And as you know, I’m a strong would teach kids how to read and write and advocate of what I call the Faith-Based Ini- add and subtract. But he also understood that tiative. And the reason I am is because I un- a homeownership program is incredibly im- derstand the universal call to love a neighbor portant to revitalize this neighborhood that like you’d like to be loved yourself, and that a lot of folks had already quit on. I suspect includes helping somebody find a home. one day we’ll all go back to Luis’ neighbor- One such example is the Enterprise Foun- hood, and we’ll find first-time homeowners dation, a national nonprofit organization that there and a good education system. And this provides assistance to grassroots homeowner- will be the beginning of a neighborhood revi- ship organizations. Because of their work, as talization in that part of Philadelphia, be- one example, 185 affordable homes will be cause there was vision and drive and hope available in a Baltimore neighborhood that for our fellow citizens. was once so crime-ridden that people had So I want to thank you all for coming. I written it off. Revitalizing neighborhoods is want to thank you for your determination to a real possibility if people put their mind to help close the minority homeownership gap. it. And at the same time, you’re helping peo- It’s an incredibly important initiative for this ple own a home in America. country. See, America is a good and generous And the faith-based community is doing country. It’s a great place. Part of it is to some fantastic work when it comes to en- make sure that the dream, the American couraging homeownership, whether it be fi- Dream, the ability to come from anywhere nancial counseling or job training or other in our society and say, ‘‘I own this home,’’ outreach services to help people understand is a reality—can be achievable for anybody, what it takes to buy a home. regardless of their status, regardless of And then there’s my friend Kirbyjon their—of whether or not they think the Caldwell. He not only provides counseling dream is meant for them. I mean, we can and job training; he actually decided to en- put light where there’s darkness and hope courage a development of homes in the where there’s despondency in this country, Houston area. People—low-income people and part of it is working together as a nation are going to be able to more afford a home to encourage folks to own their own home. in Texas because of Kirbyjon’s vision and Again, I want to tell you, this is an initia- work. He’s answered the call of faith to help tive—as Mel will tell you—it’s an initiative people help themselves and to help them re- that we take very seriously. We’re going to alize dreams. stay on it until we’re—until we achieve the The other thing Kirbyjon told me, which goal. And as we all achieve the goal, we can I really appreciate, is you don’t have to have look back and say, ‘‘America is a better place Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 16 1777 for our hard work, our efforts, and our de- solve, our determination, they would be un- sires for our fellow Americans to realize the wise to test it. greatness of our country.’’ The Iraqi regime is a serious and growing Thank you for coming. May God bless your threat to peace. On the commands of a dic- vision. May God bless America. tator, the regime is armed with biological and chemical weapons, possesses ballistic mis- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. in the siles, promotes international terror, and seeks Jack Morton Auditorium in the Media and Public nuclear weapons. The same dictator has a Affairs Building at George Washington University. In his remarks, he referred to Franklin D. Raines, history of mass murder, of striking other na- chairman and chief executive officer, Fannie Mae. tions without warning, of intense hatred for The Office of the Press Secretary also released America, and of contempt for the demands a Spanish language transcript of these remarks. of the civilized world. If Iraq gains even greater destructive power, nations in the Middle East would face Remarks on Signing the blackmail, intimidation, or attack. Chaos in Authorization for Use of Military that region would be felt in Europe and be- Force Against Iraq Resolution of yond. And Iraq’s combination of weapons of 2002 mass destruction and ties to terrorist groups October 16, 2002 and ballistic missiles would threaten the peace and security of many nations. Those Thank you all. Please be seated. Good who choose to live in denial may eventually morning. Welcome to the White House. I be forced to live in fear. want to thank the members of my Cabinet Every nation that shares in the benefits who have joined us. I want to thank the of peace also shares in the duty of defending Members of Congress who are here on the the peace. The time has arrived once again stage. I want to thank the Members of Con- for the United Nations to live up to the pur- gress who are here in the audience. I’m hon- poses of its founding to protect our common ored to have you here. security. The time has arrived once again for The resolution I’m about to sign symbol- free nations to face up to our global respon- izes the united purpose of our Nation, ex- sibilities and confront a gathering danger. presses the considered judgment of the Con- In 1991, Iraq was given 15 days to fully gress, and marks an important event in the disclose all weapons of mass destruction. The life of America. The 107th Congress is one dictator has successfully defied that obliga- of the few called by history to authorize mili- tion for 4,199 days. The dictator has—and tary action to defend our country and the during this 11-year period of his dictatorship, cause of peace. the regime has become highly skilled in the This is among the most serious and dif- techniques of deception. It has blocked ef- ficult decisions a legislator can face. Mem- fective inspections of so-called Presidential bers of both Houses, both political parties, sites—actually 12 square miles with hun- have deliberated with care, and they have dreds of structures where sensitive materials spoken with clarity on behalf of the American could be hidden. The regime has forged doc- people. We will face our dangers squarely, uments, disabled surveillance cameras, and and we will face them unafraid. developed mobile weapons facilities to keep With this resolution, Congress has now au- ahead of any inspector. thorized the use of force. I have not ordered The Iraqi regime has frustrated the work the use of force. I hope the use of force will of international inspectors by firing warning not become necessary. Yet, confronting the shots, by tapping their telephones, confis- threat posed by Iraq is necessary, by what- cating their documents, blocking aerial in- ever means that requires. Either the Iraqi spection flights, and barring access to sites regime will give up its weapons of mass de- for hours while evidence is carried away. At struction, or for the sake of peace, the United one location, inspectors actually witnessed States will lead a global coalition to disarm Iraqi guards moving files, burning docu- that regime. If any doubt our Nation’s re- ments, and then dumping the ashes in a river. 1778 Oct. 16 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

Aboard U.N. helicopters, Iraqi escorts have sonnel, including an American pilot whose physically struggled with inspectors to keep fate is still unknown. them from approaching certain areas. The United States takes the resolutions of For Iraq, the old weapons inspection proc- the Security Council seriously. We urge ess was little more than a game in which other nations to do the same. We’re working cheating was never punished. And that game to build the broadest possible coalition to en- is over. The ploys and promises of the Iraqi force the demands of the world on the Iraqi regime no longer matter. The regime is free regime. I’ve told all the members of the to continue saying whatever it chooses. Its United Nations, America will play its historic fate depends entirely on what it actually does. role in defeating aggressive tyranny. Our goal is not merely to limit Iraq’s viola- I hope the good people of Iraq will re- tions of Security Council resolutions or to member our history and not pay attention slow down its weapons program. Our goal to the hateful propaganda of their Govern- is to fully and finally remove a real threat ment. America has never sought to dominate, to world peace and to America. Hopefully, has never sought to conquer. We’ve always this can be done peacefully. Hopefully, we sought to liberate and to free. Our desire is can do this without any military action. Yet, to help Iraqi citizens find the blessings of if Iraq is to avoid military action by the inter- liberty within their own culture and their national community, it has the obligation to own traditions. The Iraqi people cannot flourish under a dictator that oppresses them prove compliance with all the world’s de- and threatens them. Gifted people of Iraq mands. It’s the obligation of Iraq. will flourish if and when oppression is lifted. Compliance will begin with a accurate and When Iraq has a government committed full and complete accounting for all chem- to the freedom and well-being of its people, ical, biological, and nuclear weapons mate- America, along with many other nations, will rials, as well as missiles and other means of share a responsibility to help Iraq reform and delivery anywhere in Iraq. Failure to make prosper. And we will meet our responsibil- such an accounting would be a further indi- ities. That’s our pledge to the Iraqi people. cation of the regime’s bad faith and aggres- Like the Members of Congress here today, sive intent. Inspectors must have access to I’ve carefully weighed the human cost of any site in Iraq at any time, without every option before us. If we go into battle, preclearance, without delay, without excep- as a last resort, we will confront an enemy tions. Inspectors must be permitted to oper- capable of irrational miscalculations, capable ate under new, effective rules. And the Iraqi of terrible deeds. As the Commander in regime must accept those rules without qual- Chief, I know the risks to our country. I’m ification or negotiation. fully responsible to the young men and To ensure that we learn the truth, the re- women in uniform who may face these risks. gime must allow witnesses to its illegal activi- Yet those risks only increase with time, and ties to be interviewed outside of the country. the costs could be immeasurably higher in These witnesses must be free to bring their years to come. To shrink from this threat entire families with them, so they’re beyond would bring a false sense of temporary peace, the reach of Saddam Hussein’s terror, Sad- leading to a future in which millions live or dam Hussein’s torture, Saddam Hussein’s die at the discretion of a brutal dictator. murder. That’s not true peace, and we won’t accept In addition to declaring and destroying all it. of its weapons of mass destruction, Iraq, in The terrorist attacks of last year put our accordance with U.N. Security Council de- country on notice. We’re not immune from mands, must end its support for terrorism. the dangers and hatreds of the world. In the As the U.N. demands, Iraq must cease the events of September the 11th, we resolved persecution of its civilian population. As the as a nation to oppose every threat from any U.N. demands, Iraq must stop all illicit trade source that could bring sudden tragedy to outside the oil-for-food program. Iraq must the American people. This Nation will not also release or account for all Gulf war per- live at the mercy of any foreign power or Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 16 1779 plot. Confronting grave dangers is the surest essary. While I appreciate receiving that sup- path to peace and security. This is the expec- port, my request for it did not, and my sign- tation of the American people and the deci- ing this resolution does not, constitute any sion of their elected representatives. change in the long-standing positions of the I thank the Congress for a thorough debate executive branch on either the President’s and an overwhelming statement of support. constitutional authority to use force to deter, The broad resolve of our Government is now prevent, or respond to aggression or other clear to all, clear to everyone to see: We will threats to U.S. interests or on the constitu- defend our Nation and lead others in defend- tionality of the War Powers Resolution. On ing the peace. the important question of the threat posed May God bless your work. by Iraq, however, the views and goals of the Congress, as expressed in H.J. Res. 114 and NOTE: The President spoke at 11:17 a.m. in the previous congressional resolutions and enact- East Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; ments, and those of the President are the and missing American pilot Lt. Comdr. Michael same. S. Speicher, USN. H.J. Res. 114, approved Octo- Throughout the past months, I have had ber 16, was assigned Public Law No. 107–243. extensive consultations with the Congress, and I look forward to continuing close con- sultation in the months ahead. In addition, Statement on Signing the in accordance with section 4 of H.J. Res. 114, Authorization for Use of Military I intend to submit written reports to the Con- Force Against Iraq Resolution of gress on matters relevant to this resolution 2002 every 60 days. To the extent possible, I in- October 16, 2002 tend to consolidate information in these re- ports with the information concerning Iraq Today I have signed into law H.J. Res. 114, submitted to the Congress pursuant to pre- a resolution ‘‘To authorize the use of United vious, related resolutions. States Armed Forces against Iraq.’’ By pass- The United States is committed to a world ing H.J. Res. 114, the Congress has dem- in which the people of all nations can live onstrated that the United States speaks with in freedom, peace, and security. Enactment one voice on the threat to international peace of H.J. Res. 114 is an important step on the and security posed by Iraq. It has also clearly road toward such a world. communicated to the international commu- nity, to the United Nations Security Council, George W. Bush and, above all, to Iraq’s tyrannical regime a The White House, powerful and important message: the days of October 16, 2002. Iraq flouting the will of the world, brutalizing its own people, and terrorizing its neighbors NOTE: H.J. Res. 114, approved October 16, was must—and will—end. Iraq will either comply assigned Public Law No. 107–243. with all U.N. resolutions, rid itself of weap- ons of mass destruction, and in its support for terrorists, or it will be compelled to do Remarks Following Discussions With so. I hope that Iraq will choose compliance Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel and peace, and I believe passage of this reso- and an Exchange With Reporters lution makes that choice more likely. October 16, 2002 The debate over this resolution in the Con- gress was in the finest traditions of American The President. So here’s what’s going to democracy. There is no social or political happen. I’m going to have an opening state- force greater than a free people united in ment; the Prime Minister will make an open- a common and compelling objective. It is for ing statement. I will call on a person; he will that reason that I sought an additional resolu- call—the Press Secretary will call on a per- tion of support from the Congress to use son. I will call another; he will. And that’s force against Iraq, should force become nec- it—two questions a side. 1780 Oct. 16 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

It’s my honor to welcome the Prime Min- And we will continue to defend our citizens. ister of our close friend to—back to the In the same time, we’ll take all the necessary White House. We’ve just had a good discus- steps to move forward the political process. sion about peace and security, about pros- And I believe the day will come, and we’ll perity. I first want to say that I understand have peace. that—what terror has done to economy. Ter- We discussed—we had interesting discus- ror has affected our economy. Terror has af- sions here, very important. I would like to fected the Israeli economy, but we’ve got thank you, Mr. President, for the friendship great confidence in the Israeli economy. and cooperation. And as far as I remember, We’ve got great confidence in the Israeli peo- as we look back towards many years now, ple. The greatest asset Israel has is the brain- I think that we never had such relations with power and ingenuity of her people. And I’m any President of the United States as we have convinced that the economy will be strong. with you, and we never had such cooperation I appreciate so very much the fact that the in everything as we have with the current Prime Minister is committed to working with administration. I would like to thank you for his Cabinet to move some of the Palestinian money to the Palestinian people, that he that, and we are looking forward for better cares about the human condition of the Pal- future for all of us. estinians, and that under a monitoring system The President. Thank you, sir. to make sure that the money being sent back Barry [Barry Schweid] of AP. to the Palestinian people will not be used for terrorist activities, that he is willing to Situation in Iraq work with his Cabinet to do just that. I be- Q. Mr. President, are you asking the Prime lieve that’s important. Minister, have you asked the Prime Minister We talked about the framework for peace, not to respond if Iraq attacks? And Mr. the idea of working toward peace, the idea Prime Minister, have you any concrete offers of two states living side by side in peace as a part of our vision. And to this end, Bill of help from the administration to reduce the Burns, Ambassador from the State Depart- risk of an Iraqi attack? ment, is going back to the Middle East to The President. Well, first of all, I have continue to work on the process, continue told the Prime Minister that my hope is, is to work toward achieving concrete, real, ob- that we could achieve a disarmament of the jective, and measurable reforms, so that Iraqi regime peacefully. I haven’t given up there’s a peaceful future for the region. on the fact that we can achieve it peacefully. So, Mr. Prime Minister, thanks for coming. We have no plans to use our military until— It’s good to welcome you. I appreciate you unless we need to. I explained to the Prime being here. Minister, just like I explain to every citizen Prime Minister Sharon. I would like to who is interested in this, the military is my thank you, Mr. President, for having us again last choice, not my first choice. here. I would like to express our deep appre- So we talked about the desire to—for the ciation to your leadership facing the world U.N. Security Council to be strong and for terror. We regard terror as the most dan- the nations that care about peace to see that gerous thing, and seeing the terror spread Saddam is disarmed. And he’s got to disarm now, seeing that your leadership—under himself. That’s what we talked about. your leadership the world will be able to face Q. If I could ask for the Prime Minister’s the terror and contain terror and stop terror. response, please. We have been facing terror for over 120 The President. He’s trying to do the two years, and we still face terror. But we believe question thing. [Laughter] the day will come, and I hope it will be soon, Q. Two leaders, two questions. that we’ll be able to start peace negotiations. I believe that Jews and Arabs will be able The President. Wait a minute, Barry. He’s to live together. And we, on one hand, are an old pro. taking all the necessary steps against terror. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 16 1781

Possible Iraqi Attack on Israel there to be consequences should he not dis- Q. Mr. President, I would like to complete arm. And therefore, we’re working closely my colleague’s question. If an Iraqi missile with the Perm Five as well as others on the lands in Tel Aviv, killing tens of people—— Security Council to reach this resolution. The President. You mean an unprovoked I am a patient man. I think it’s important. attack—if tomorrow an Iraqi missile lands? I made the decision to go to the U.N., and Q. Theoretically, and it can be practically. therefore, we’re willing to work with the The President. If Iraq were to attack U.N. If the U.N. can’t act, however, if they’re Israel tomorrow, I’m sure there would be an unable to act, if once again after 11 years appropriate response. and 16 resolutions they cannot bring them- Q. How should Israel respond? How selves together to disarm Saddam Hussein, should you respond—— then we will lead a coalition to do just that. The President. If Iraq attacks Israel to- But in the meantime, we’re giving the U.N. morrow, I would assume the Prime Minister time to listen to the arguments and to, hope- would respond. He’s got—he’s got a desire fully, come together soon to get a resolution to defend himself. which will achieve the objectives. Our hope is that the Iraqi regime will dis- Q. Mr. President—— arm peacefully. But I can’t—maybe—maybe The President. Yes. The Prime Minister Saddam will attack tomorrow. He’s certainly is looking for a question or two. [Laughter] a dangerous man. And he’s got to understand Q. If you will allow me, I will ask him that the international community won’t tol- about—— erate an unprovoked attack on Israel or any- The President. No, I’m sorry, strict guide- body else, for that matter. Of course, he’s lines. We must be disciplined. done it in the past. That’s what I’ve explained Possible Terrorist Attacks on Israel to the American people. He’s attacked two nations. He’s gassed his own people. He’s a Q. Mr. President, the Hezbollah is threat- dangerous man. That’s why he must be dis- ening to escalate the situation in the Israeli armed, and that’s why the international com- northern border, and Israel has intelligence munity must work to disarm him. information that Palestinian terror organiza- Patsy [Patricia Wilson, Reuters]. tions are also planning to escalate and have more terror attacks because the United U.N. Resolution on Iraq States might attack Iraq to disarm Saddam Q. Thank you, sir. It’s been more than a Hussein. Is there any limitations on Israel month since you said you expected the to defend itself? Did you ask the Prime Min- United Nations to act in days or weeks on ister not to do certain—not to take certain a new Iraq resolution. How much longer are measures if he’s attacked by Hezbollah or by you prepared to wait, and why aren’t you los- the terror organizations, the Palestinian ter- ing patience? ror organizations? The President. Because I’m a patient The President. We certainly want to work man. [Laughter] My mother and wife think with Israel, and we’ll make it clear to that’s hysterical when I say that, of course. Hezbollah, nations housing Hezbollah, [Laughter] whether in the context of Iraq or not, we Let’s see, because it takes a while to get expect there to be no attacks. This is terrorist things done in the U.N., I guess is the an- activity, and we will fight terror wherever ter- swer. I mean, we will—I’ve made the com- ror exists. mitment to go to the U.N.; I’ve asked the I find it—the doctrine that says ‘‘if you har- U.N. to act. We have got to deal with mem- bor a terrorist’’ still exists. And we expect— bers of the Security Council. There are dif- again, apart from Iraq, we expect Hezbollah fering opinions on members of the Security not to attack our friend. And so we will work Council. And we’ve got to work hard to reach with Israel and work with other nations, mak- a consensus, a resolution that will, on the one ing it clear to them our position on harboring hand, do everything it can to disarm Saddam terrorist activities. Hussein and also has got the capacity for Thank you all. 1782 Oct. 16 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

NOTE: The President spoke at 3:24 p.m. in the equipment, and the best possible training. It Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, also sends an important signal that we are he referred to Assistant Secretary of State for Near committed to defending freedom and defeat- Eastern Affairs William J. Burns; and President ing terror. The Congress acted responsibly Saddam Hussein of Iraq. in passing the defense appropriations bill first, and I look forward to signing it. Joint Statement Between the United States of America and Israel Memorandum on FY 2003 Refugee October 16, 2002 Admissions Numbers and As part of the effort to further Palestinian Authorizations of In-Country reform, the President of the United States Refugee Status and the Prime Minister of Israel agreed that October 16, 2002 the Government of Israel would consider fa- vorably the gradual return and scheduled Presidential Determination No. 2003–02 transfer of all PA tax funds collected by Israel on the unequivocal condition that there Memorandum for the Secretary of State would be full U.S.-led monitoring to ensure Subject: Presidential Determination on FY that these funds will only be used for the 2003 Refugee Admissions Numbers and economic and civil activities of the Pales- Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status tinian community and to prevent the use of these funds for terrorist activity of any kind. In accordance with section 207 of the Im- migration and Nationality Act (the ‘‘Act’’) (8 NOTE: An original was not available for U.S.C. 1157), as amended, and after appro- verification of the content of this joint statement. priate consultations with the Congress, I hereby make the following determinations and authorize the following actions: Statement on Congressional Action The admission of up to 70,000 refugees on Election Reform Legislation to the United States during FY 2003 is justi- October 16, 2002 fied by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest; provided, however, The right to vote is the foundation of our that this number shall be understood as in- democracy. I commend the House and Sen- cluding persons admitted to the United ate for passing legislation to improve our States during FY 2003 with Federal refugee election process. The legislation is consistent resettlement assistance under the Amerasian with the principles outlined by the bipartisan immigrant admissions program, as provided Ford-Carter Commission that respect the below. primacy of State and local governments and The 70,000 admissions numbers shall be envision a limited but responsible role for allocated among refugees of special humani- the Federal Government. I look forward to tarian concern to the United States in accord- signing these important election reforms into ance with the following regional allocations; law. provided, however, that the number allo- cated to the East Asia region shall include persons admitted to the United States during Statement on Congressional Action FY 2003 with Federal refugee resettlement on Defense Appropriations assistance under section 584 of the Foreign Legislation Operations, Export Financing, and Related October 16, 2002 Programs Appropriations Act of 1988, as con- tained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100– I commend the House and Senate for re- 202 (Amerasian immigrants and their family sponding to my call to pass the defense ap- members); provided further that the number propriations bill. This defense budget will allocated to the former Soviet Union shall provide our troops with the best pay, the best include persons admitted who were nationals Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 16 1783 of the former Soviet Union, or in the case c. Persons in the former Soviet Union of persons having no nationality, who were You are authorized and directed to report habitual residents of the former Soviet this determination to the Congress imme- Union, prior to September 2, 1991: diately and to publish it in the Federal Reg- Africa ...... 20,000 ister. East Asia ...... 4,000 George W. Bush Eastern Europe ...... 2,500 Former Soviet Union ...... 14,000 Latin America/Caribbean ...... 2,500 Memorandum on Notification to the Near East/South Asia ...... 7,000 Congress of Trade Negotiation Unallocated Reserve ...... 20,000 October 16, 2002 The 20,000 unallocated numbers shall be allocated as needed to regional ceilings Memorandum for the United States Trade where shortfalls develop. Unused admissions Representative numbers allocated to a particular region may Subject: Notification to the Congress of be transferred to one or more other regions Trade Negotiation if there is an overriding need for greater numbers for the region or regions to which You are authorized and directed to notify the numbers are being transferred. You are the Congress, pursuant to section 2104(a)(1) hereby authorized and directed to consult of the Trade Act of 2002 (19 U.S.C. with the Judiciary Committees of the Con- 3804(a)(1)), of my intention to enter into ne- gress prior to any such use of the unallocated gotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with numbers or reallocation of numbers from the five member countries of the Southern one region to another. African Customs Union (Botswana, Lesotho, Pursuant to section 2(b)(2) of the Migra- Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland). tion and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as You are authorized and directed to publish amended, I hereby determine that assistance this memorandum in the Federal Register. to or on behalf of persons applying for admis- George W. Bush sion to the United States as part of the over- seas refugee admissions program will con- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, tribute to the foreign policy interests of the 11:01 a.m., October 17, 2002] United States and designate such persons for NOTE: This memorandum was published in the this purpose. Federal Register on October 18. An additional 10,000 refugee admissions numbers shall be made available during FY 2003 for the adjustment to permanent resi- Notice—Continuation of the dent status under section 209(b) of the Immi- National Emergency With Respect to gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Significant Narcotics Traffickers 1159(b)) of aliens who have been granted Centered in Colombia asylum in the United States under section October 16, 2002 208 of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1158), as this is justi- fied by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise On October 21, 1995, by Executive Order in the national interest. 12978, the President declared a national In accordance with section 101(a)(42) of emergency pursuant to the International the Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)) and after ap- Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. propriate consultation with the Congress, I 1701–1706) to deal with the unusual and ex- also specify that, for FY 2003, the following traordinary threat to the national security, persons may, if otherwise qualified, be con- foreign policy, and economy of the United sidered refugees for the purpose of admis- States constituted by the actions of signifi- sion to the United States within their coun- cant narcotics traffickers centered in Colom- tries of nationality or habitual residence: bia, and the unparalleled violence, corrup- a. Persons in Vietnam tion, and harm such actions cause in the b. Persons in Cuba United States and abroad. 1784 Oct. 16 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

The order blocks all property and interests Message to the Congress on in property that are in the United States or Continuation of the National within the possession or control of United Emergency With Respect to States persons or foreign persons listed in an Significant Narcotics Traffickers annex to the order, as well as of foreign per- Centered in Colombia sons determined to play a significant role in international narcotics trafficking centered in October 16, 2002 Colombia. The order similarly blocks all property and interests in property of foreign To the Congress of the United States: persons determined to materially assist in, or Section 202(d) of the National Emer- provide financial or technological support for gencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d) provides for or goods or services in support of, the nar- the automatic termination of a national emer- cotics trafficking activities of persons des- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date ignated in or pursuant to the order, or per- of its declaration, the President publishes in sons determined to be owned or controlled the Federal Register and transmits to the by, or to act for or on behalf of, persons des- Congress a notice stating that the emergency ignated in or pursuant to the order. The is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- order also prohibits any transaction or deal- sary date. In accordance with this provision, ing by United States persons or within the I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that United States in such property or interests the emergency declared with respect to sig- in property. nificant narcotics traffickers centered in Co- Because the actions of significant narcotics lombia is to continue in effect beyond Octo- traffickers centered in Colombia continue to ber 21, 2002, to the Federal Register for pub- threaten the national security, foreign policy, lication. The most recent notice continuing and economy of the United States and to this emergency was published in the Federal Register Fed. Reg. cause unparalleled violence, corruption, and on October 19, 2001 (66 3073). harm in the United States and abroad, the national emergency declared on October 21, The circumstances that led to the declara- 1995, and the measures adopted pursuant tion on October 21, 1995, of a national emer- gency have not been resolved. The actions thereto to deal with that emergency, must of significant narcotics traffickers centered in continue in effect beyond October 21, 2002. Colombia continue to pose an unusual and Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) extraordinary threat to the national security, of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. foreign policy, and economy of the United 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the na- States and to cause unparalleled violence, tional emergency with respect to significant corruption, and harm in the United States narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia. and abroad. For these reasons, I have deter- This notice shall be published in the Federal mined that it is necessary to maintain eco- Register and transmitted to the Congress. nomic pressure on significant narcotics traf- fickers centered in Colombia by blocking George W. Bush their property or interests in property that The White House, are in the United States or within the posses- sion or control of United States persons and October 16, 2002. by depriving them of access to the United States market and financial system. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 17, 2002] George W. Bush

NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal The White House, Register on October 18. October 16, 2002. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1785

Message to the Congress your places of worship, the community cen- Transmitting a Report on the ters, and let good people of Georgia under- National Emergency With Respect to stand that when you find two good ones, two Significant Narcotics Traffickers good candidates like these two, they’ve got Centered in Colombia to work and vote on their behalf. Grassroots politics is going to win this election. October 16, 2002 And there’s another secret weapon in the To the Congress of the United States: case of these two men’s campaign, that’s their As required by section 401(c) of the Na- wives. They both married well. Like me, they tional Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), married above themselves. [Laughter] I’m so and 204(c) of the International Emergency proud that Julianne Chambliss is with— Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c), I standing by Saxby’s side. She’s a great mom. transmit herewith a 6-month periodic report She’s going to be a fabulous Senate wife. And that my Administration has prepared on the I’ve got to tell you, I’m real proud of Mary national emergency with respect to signifi- as well. Mom and grandmom—she’s going cant narcotics traffickers centered in Colom- to be a great first lady for Georgia. bia that was declared in Executive Order You drew the short straw; Laura’s in Mo- 12978 of October 21, 1995. bile, Alabama. [Laughter] But she sends her George W. Bush very best. She’s doing great, by the way. You know, I like to remind people that when I The White House, married her, she was a public school librarian October 16, 2002. in Texas. She didn’t like politics. She didn’t care for politicians. [Laughter] Now she’s the Remarks at a Luncheon for First Lady of the United States and doing Gubernatorial Candidate Sonny a magnificent job. Perdue and Senatorial Candidate I appreciate members of the congressional Saxby Chambliss in Atlanta, Georgia delegation. All but one decided they wanted to fly on Air Force One, so I had coffee with October 17, 2002 them this morning. [Laughter] But it’s a fine Thank you all for coming. I’m glad you group of individuals representing Georgia in all are here. Thanks for coming, and thanks the United States Congress: Congressman for such a generous Georgia welcome. Jack Kingston, Matt Collins, Johnny Isakson, You know, coming down on the airplane Bob Barr, Nathan Deal, Charlie Norwood today, we were visiting about the politics and John Linder. here in Georgia, and a couple of the citizens I’m proud of that delegation, and I hope from this great State told me my picture and I feel like the good folks around Georgia seems to be on the TV screen a lot—[laugh- will be wise to add to the delegation, starting ter]—that a lot of people are using my image with Phil Gingrey from the 11th congres- during the campaign. Well, I’m here to clar- sional district. Clay Cox is running for Con- ify a few things. The voters shouldn’t be con- gress. We need to get Clay in there. I’m real fused. For the sake of Georgia, for the sake proud of the chairman of the Georgia Repub- of the United States, Saxby Chambliss needs lican Party, my longtime friend Ralph Reed. to be the next United States Senator. I want to thank Ralph for his leadership. Alec No, the voters shouldn’t be confused. For Poitevint is the national committeeman. He the sake of Georgia and for the sake of a also is a longtime friend. My friend Fred great public school system, Sonny Perdue Cooper and Eric Tanenblatt all work hard needs to be the next Governor of Georgia. to make sure our party is vibrant and alive I appreciate you all coming. I want to and well, make sure our party not only is thank you for what you’re going to do. First, organized at the grassroots level but make I want to thank you for what you have done, sure our party sends out a message that all which is come today. [Laughter] And what are welcomed, all who believe in the philos- you need to do is go to your coffee shops, ophy of personal responsibility, local control 1786 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 of your schools, limited Government, com- own business in the field of agriculture is one passionate Government are welcome into our of the strongest reasons why the folks of party. All are welcome to vote for these good Georgia ought to send him up to the capital. candidates who are running. We don’t care He also understands how important it is what party you have. We don’t care whether to have good roads and an efficient infra- you’re a Republican, Democrat, or inde- structure. He’s a practical man. He’s a down- pendent. What we care is you support these to-earth fellow who has asked the questions, good candidates because they’re the right how do you get the job done? He doesn’t people at the right time for the State of Geor- wait for a focus group. [Laughter] That’s not gia. his style. That’s not how they raised them Sonny knows what I’m talking about. in south Georgia. If you’re worried about Sonny knows what I’m talking about. After your infrastructure, it seems like to me you all, he used to call himself a Democrat. want somebody who’s licensed to fly a plane, [Laughter] And that’s okay. I’m used to Texas who can drive a bus, or knows how to operate politics. We had a lot of folks who called a truck. And that man is Sonny Perdue. And themselves one party label, but they—we all felt the same about things. Sonny represents I’m proud to be here. I’m proud to say as Georgian values. He is a down-to-earth fel- loud and clear as I can, I’m for Sonny Perdue low. He’s a plain speaker. When he says because he’ll make a great Governor. something, he means it. He might not be the And there’s no doubt in my mind you’ve prettiest fellow to look at—[laughter]—but got to make sure that Saxby Chambliss is your he can get the job done for all the people United States Senator. Saxby is a leader. He’s in Georgia. a leader. He can make things happen. I’ve And that means having a school system watched him—I’ve watched him closely. I that leaves no children behind. Sonny’s got worked with him on the education bill, a fine a good education plan. It’s one that makes piece of education reform. He brings a deep sense. It’s one that’s going to challenge the compassion for education. He and I under- soft bigotry of low expectations. It’s going to stand the role of the Federal Government set high standards. Sonny is going to support is limited, but the role of the Federal Gov- the teachers of Georgia. Sonny isn’t going ernment must be active. It says this: When to try to micromanage the process from cen- we spend Federal money, we expect there tralized government. He believes in local to be good results. If you believe every child control of schools. can learn like we do, if you want to challenge And Sonny is the kind of no-nonsense fel- the soft bigotry of low expectations, that fi- low who will hold people to account. You nally we’ve begun to ask the question, what’s see, he’ll be willing to measure to determine happening? With all that money we’re spend- whether or not each child is learning in Geor- ing, what’s happening? Why don’t you show gia. And when he finds children trapped in us whether or not our children can read and schools which won’t teach and won’t change, write and add and subtract? Why don’t you he won’t be bound by special interests. The show us whether or not our children have only interest he cares about is the children got a bright future?’’ And if so, I promise of the State of Georgia. you, we’ll praise the teachers. But if not, we He knows what I know; the role of Gov- ernment is not to create wealth but an envi- expect a return on behalf of the taxpayers’ ronment in which the entrepreneur or small- dollars. This piece of reform was substantial business owner can flourish. Seventy percent reform. And Saxby Chambliss was one of the of new jobs in America are created by small leaders in the House of Representatives to businesses. And it seems like if you’re wor- make sure this bill got passed. ried about your job base, that you want to He understands what I know. Medicine have somebody who’s been a small-business has changed, but Medicare hadn’t. Medicine person running your government, somebody is modern; Medicare is old and needs to be who’s actually done what a lot of others talk reformed. Saxby Chambliss is one of the about. I think the fact that Sonny started his leaders in the United States Congress to Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1787 make sure that Medicare changes with medi- quite so sure. And we got it passed. But the cine and that seniors have got prescription reason the issue is still alive is because there’s drug benefits. a quirk in the Senate rules. This is a tough I’m for Saxby because he will help me one for me to explain to you. It’s like the make sure that the judges I nominate get a Senate giveth, and the Senate taketh away. fair hearing and get confirmed. My job is to [Laughter] You see, after 10 years, the tax put good, honorable, hard-working, intel- relief plan reverts back to where it was when ligent, capable people on the Federal bench, we started relieving the taxes. So that creates people who will not use the bench to serve uncertainty. It’s hard if you’re a small busi- as a legislator but people who will sit on the ness person to plan, with uncertainty. It’s bench to strictly interpret the United States hard for an economy to be steady if there’s Constitution. an uncertain Tax Code. And the record of this Senate is a lousy One of the big issues in this campaign is record. If you look at the record, the percent- who understands what I’ve just described age of my nominees who have been ap- and who’s willing to join the President in proved, and look at the reason why they making sure the tax relief plan is permanent. haven’t, you’ll find that they’re playing too And that person is Saxby Chambliss. much politics in Washington, DC. They’re No, I will continue to work on our econ- slow playing the process. And when some of omy, helping to make sure our workers can my really good nominees got a hearing, they find work. There’s a lot of things we can do. distorted their records. They listened to the We need an energy bill. We need a terrorism small groups of special interests in Wash- insurance bill. We need to make sure Con- ington, DC. For the sake of a good, sound gress doesn’t overspend. Listen, every idea Federal judiciary, I need a United States sounds like a genius idea in Washington. Senator who will stand strong for my nomi- [Laughter] The problem is they all cost bil- nees, and that is Saxby Chambliss. lions. I’ve got to make sure I’ve got Members We’ve got some challenges ahead of us. of the House and Members of the Senate No question one of the challenges is to make who understand we need to set priorities and sure people can find work in America, that make sure we don’t overspend. For the sake we can build on the foundation of economic of economic vitality, there needs to be fiscal growth. I’m optimistic about our economy’s restraint and fiscal sanity, which means you future because I know when interest rates better have a United States Senator who un- are low and inflation is low and the produc- derstands that when we’re spending money tivity of our great workforce is high, we can in Washington, we’re not spending the Gov- grow our economy. I believe strongly that the ernment’s money, we’re spending the peo- future is a bright future. But we’ve got a lot ple’s money. of work to do. Together, we’ve got a lot of Economic issue is a big issue. There’s no work to do. bigger issue, however, than protecting the And there are some clear-cut things that homeland. I say that because there’s an the Congress can do. And one of them is enemy that still lurks out there, a enemy to understand the significance of tax relief which hates America. And they hate us be- when it comes to economic vitality. Saxby cause of what we love. They hate us because and I read the page out of this economic text- we love freedom. They hate us because we book, that says if you let a person keep more hold dear and deeply love the idea that any- of their own money, they’re likely to demand body can worship an almighty God any way a good or a service. And when somebody de- he or she sees fit. They hate the idea of a mands a good or a service in the marketplace, free press, free political discourse. That’s somebody is likely to produce the good or what they hate. And so long as we love our a service. And when somebody produces that freedoms, they will try to harm our country. good or a service, somebody is more likely We’ve got a new task ahead for America, to be able to find work. and that is to do everything we can to protect And so we passed tax relief. Some people the American people. It used to be that were enthusiastic about it. Some weren’t oceans could protect us. We used to be able 1788 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 to sit back here in America and feel safe and ship amongst—with others in the House of confident, because there’s two vast oceans to Representatives, the House responded protect us from potential enemies. But that quickly and passed a significant piece of leg- has changed after September the 11th, 2001. islation, an historic piece of legislation. And that’s why it’s essential for our country The Senate hadn’t acted yet, because in not only to deal with the threats we see today order to pass the Department of Homeland but to deal with threats we may see in the Security, there’s got to be a price for it. And immediate tomorrow. That’s why I called that price will be to roll back important au- upon the United Nations and our United thority that every President since John F. States Congress to deal with Iraq before it Kennedy has had to act in the interests of becomes a—before we get hurt. Oceans no national security. For 40 years, Presidents longer protect us. The threat is real. The have had the ability to suspend labor rules threat’s alive. in every Department in the Federal Govern- I want to thank Saxby and other Members ment when our national security is at stake. of the United States Congress for joining me Now the Senate leadership wants to roll back in passing a strong resolution so that the that authority in a time of war for one De- United States speaks with one voice. It’s now partment, whose job it is—will be to protect up for Mr. Saddam Hussein to do what he the American people during that war. said he would do, to disarm. It’s now up for If the Senate had its way, I would have the free nations of the world to show some the authority to suspend the work rules in courage and backbone and disarm him. the Department of Agriculture but not in the There are real threats that we face, and office of homeland security. The Senate therefore, our most important job is to do Democrat leaders want to tie the hands of everything we can to protect the homeland. this Department as we determine who to A lot of people are working hard to do just hire, who to fire, and whether or not people that; they really are. We’ve got a lot of good can be moved. Any President must have the agents at the CIA and FBI, and State police capacity to put the right people at the right and local police, first responders, all of them time at the right place, in order to respond working hard to do everything we can to pro- to threats to our homeland. tect the American people. When we get a The Senate debate revolves around wheth- hint, any bit of evidence, we’re moving; we’re er or not there ought to be a thick book of disrupting; we’re denying. We’re aware of rules micromanaging the process. I’ll give the threat. And so we’re on—we’re on full you an example. Right after September the game all the time. That’s our job. We take 11th, the Customs Service wanted to quickly it seriously. assign its best, most qualified inspectors to But I need the tools necessary to do the the northern border. The union leaders ob- job better. And that’s why I went to the jected. They said we had to bargain over United States Congress to work with me to these assignments; we had to take time to develop a Office of Homeland Security, so hash it out, rather than moving our best to that we could better coordinate amongst the where we thought we needed to move them many agencies involved with securing the immediately. homeland, so we could set clear priorities Now, I’m not going to accept a bill which amongst the agencies involved with pro- will tie the hands of this President and future tecting the homeland, so if need be, we could Presidents to be able to carry out one of our change cultures, so that some point in time most solemn duties, which is to protect the I’m more able to say and future Presidents homeland. There’s no question in my mind, are more able to say, ‘‘We’re doing every- if Saxby Chambliss were in the Senate, I thing in our power at the Federal level to would not have to worry about his leadership protect America.’’ It’s our most important or his vote on this important matter. and solemn duty. The best way to secure the homeland, I laid the initiative out, and thanks to the however, is to hunt the killers down, one per- strong leadership of Saxby—he understands son at a time, which is exactly what the this issue really well—thanks to his leader- United States of America is going to do. The Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1789 war on terror is a different kind of war. The you’ll see us making progress, and sometimes old World War II vets who are here—and you won’t. Sometimes those people who I want to thank you for your service—will chatter on the cables will be talking about remember the days when we could measure it; sometimes you’re just not going to hear. progress based upon tanks destroyed or bat- It’s a manhunt, one at a time. And at the tleships sunk or aircraft shot down. This is same time, we’re going to deny them sanc- a different kind of war. We’re fighting cold- tuary. If we find them lighting somewhere, blooded killers who hide in caves and send we’re going to ask the host country to move youngsters to their suicidal deaths. And them on. Either you’re with us, or you’re with they’re willing to kill innocent people any- them. where. We’re making good progress. I’m working See, there’s a huge difference between us hard to make sure America is a stronger place and them. We value life. We say everybody and a safer place, but we’ve all got to work counts; everybody is precious. They’ve hi- together to make sure America is a better jacked a great religion and are willing to mur- place too. And there’s some things Govern- der in the name of that religion. And that’s ment can do: Make sure every child is edu- the way they are. And there’s only one way cated; make sure our health care systems to deal with it. Therapy isn’t going to work. work; make sure people are treated with re- And that’s to find them—that’s to find them. spect and dignity; to make sure we change That’s why this coalition of freedom-loving the tone in our National Capital and our nations is incredibly important. That’s why State capital, get rid of all this needless poli- it’s absolutely essential that we continue to tics, bring people together, achieve big objec- remind people, either you’re with us or tives. you’re with the enemy. That’s why it’s essen- But a lot of what is going to make America tial that we continue to make sure that when continue to be the greatest country in the we say something, we mean it, and the world knows we mean it. world depends upon you. If you want to fight Next week, I’m going to be signing a de- evil, love your neighbor just like you’d like fense appropriations bill. I want to thank the to be loved yourself. If you’re interested in Members of Congress. I want to thank Saxby doing some good, if you’re interested in join- and others for getting this bill to my desk ing me and Sonny and Saxby in making sure before they go home. It’s important for us that those pockets of despair and loneliness to send a message that we’re going to make and hopelessness get eradicated, the surest sure our troops have got the best pay, the way to do so is to put your arm around some- best equipment, the best possible training. body in need and say, ‘‘I love you. I love Any time we put somebody in harm’s way, you.’’ we owe it to them, and we owe it to their Government can hand out money, but loved ones to support them. And that’s ex- Government cannot put hope in people’s actly what this defense bill does. hearts or a sense of purpose in people’s lives. And the second message we’re going to That’s why I’m such a strong believer in the send when I sign that bill is to friend and Faith-Based Initiative, an initiative which will foe alike: It doesn’t matter how long it takes: empower people of all faiths in America to we’re staying the course. When it comes to do what they’ve been called to do, to help the defense of our freedom, there is no time- a neighbor in need, to love somebody. table, there is no calendar. When it comes See, it doesn’t take much to help change to making sure our children can grow up in America; it really doesn’t. Helping somebody a free society, in a free country, this great who’s hungry, mentoring a child, going to a land will do whatever it takes to secure our shut-in’s house and saying, ‘‘What can I do freedoms. to help,’’ running a Boy Scout or Girl Scout No, we’re making progress. We’re hauling troop—it all adds up. It’s those millions of them in one at a time. We’ve got over a cou- acts of kindness and generosity that take ple thousand of them, and maybe that like place on a daily basis in America which truly number wasn’t quite so lucky. Sometimes defines the hopefulness of our country. 1790 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

See, the enemy hit us. They didn’t know all those aspects of freedom which we hold who they were hitting. Oh, they probably dear and will never relinquish are the reasons thought we’d file a lawsuit or two. [Laughter] why we have to worry about the safety of But instead, they hit a country which is the American people. strong and tough, a country, by remaining And since we’re never going to relent strong and tough and always remembers when it comes to our freedom, and since we what we love, and that is freedom, that we have a responsibility to defend that which we can achieve peace. hold dear for not only ourselves but for our I believe America will lead the world to children, we’ll be dealing with this for a peace. And at the same time, here at home while. But make no mistake about it, we will we can make sure, by following our hearts, prevail. by being the compassionate country we are, And as we worry about our safety, though, to make sure this American experience it’s very important for us to always remember shines brightly for every single citizen who that we’ve got to work to make America a lives in our country. better place, not only a safer place and a No, they hit us. But out of the evil is going stronger place but a better place. And the to come some incredible good, because this perfect place to make America a better place is the greatest nation, full of the finest people is in our classrooms all across the country. on the face of the Earth. May God bless you, And so today I’m here to talk about the im- and may God bless America. portance of making sure that every single child in America gets a quality education, to NOTE: The President spoke at 12:15 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. In his remarks, remind our country that reading is the key he referred to Julianne Chambliss, wife of Rep- to all learning, that we believe that every resentative Chambliss; Mary Perdue, wife of can- child can learn to read, not just a few, not didate Sonny Perdue; Clay Cox, candidate for just those who might be in the—kind of the Georgia’s 13th Congressional District; Alec super districts, but every single child. Chil- Poitevint, national committeeman, and Fred Coo- dren whose parents may not speak English per, former chairman, Georgia Republican Party; as a first language can learn to read. People Eric J. Tanenblatt, former Georgia State chairman who may come from the toughest of all cir- for the George W. Bush Presidential campaign; cumstances, they can read. Everybody can and President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. read. It is the great passion of many in our coun- Remarks at Read-Pattillo try, starting right here at Read-Pattillo. And Elementary School in New Smyrna that’s why I’m here at this school. I’m here Beach, Florida to praise the determination of its principal and the teachers and the parents to make October 17, 2002 sure not one child who goes to this school Thank you all for coming today. I’m— is left behind, that every child can learn. okay, read more than you watch TV. [Laugh- The passion and vision I just described is ter] shared by your Governor. I know. I know I want to thank everybody for being here. him well. [Laughter] I know his heart. I know I’ve spent a lot of my time talking about how his strength of conviction. I know his vision, to make sure America is a secure and safe and it’s clear. It’s a clear vision to a better country. It’s on my mind because so long as day. So I’m honored to be with Jeb. we embrace freedom, there are, unfortu- I appreciate John Mica, the Congressman, nately, some people that want to hurt us. As for coming today. I just had a very interesting long as we continue to hold dear to our heart meeting with some of your community lead- the notion that free people should be able ers and people involved with reading and to worship the Almighty God any way they how to make it work. One such person was see fit, free people should be able to speak Bill Hall, who is the superintendent of the their mind, free people ought to be—or free Volusia County schools, and I want to thank people should be able to have a free press— Bill. [Applause] I know enough about schools Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1791 to know that when they clap for the super- of your city council are here, and thank you intendent, that’s a good sign, Bill. [Laughter] all for coming. I also know from my days as Governor and The challenges, obviously, vary from dis- as a parent that a school is really only as good trict to district, and each school district has as the principal. If you have a great principal, got a different problem—different problems you’ll have the beginnings of a great school. in Texas than you have in Florida. When you Obviously, it takes more than a single soul get in our State or a State like Florida, the to make sure that excellence is available for problems vary from district to district. But every child. But a great school starts with there are some effective schools that adhere a principal who is dedicated, clear of vision, to the same principles, and I want to share who sets high expectations, and of course, some of those with you right quick. that principal is Marilyn Travis, right here First, there is a culture of excellence. A at this school. successful school has a culture of excellence. Judy Andersen is the head of the Volusia The way I like to phrase it is, a successful County school board. She was here—they had a—they call it a roundtable. It was actu- school is full of people who are willing to ally square—[laughter]—a square round- challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations, table discussion. But I thank Judy for coming. that people understand that if you set low I told her, I thought being on the school standards, we’re going to get lousy results, board was one of the—if not the, one of the that if you believe that there are certain chil- toughest jobs in America. I know the rest dren who can’t learn, then certain children of the school board members are here as won’t learn. well. I want to thank you for understanding And so an excellent school like this one that your job is to set high standards, make where we are has got the highest of high sure you’re wise with the taxpayers’ money, standards, that people throughout the whole and then hire the best and unleash them to school believe that excellence is possible, be- achieve excellence for every child. So thank cause they believe every child can learn. you very much, Judy and the school board, A good school has got a good principal, for coming. as I just mentioned. The principal is the per- I do want to thank the square-table partici- son that sets the tone, sets the pace, clarifies pants—[laughter]—Joe Torgesen, who is a the vision. A good school is a school that’s professor of education at Florida State. I wish got teachers who are not only committed to he could talk to you about the fact that read- the noble profession of teaching—and it is ing is not an art but a science, that we’re a noble profession—but also committed with learning what works, and it’s the application the knowledge that every child can learn; of what works that’s incredibly important to teachers who work hard and recognize that make sure that every single child learns to if there is needed instruction, they’re more read. than willing to learn the latest, that they’re Then we had professors that were teaching not satisfied with the status quo, that they’re teachers to teach, and we had teachers that constantly working hard to make sure that were teaching teachers to teach, and we had kindergarten teachers that were teaching the vision of every child learning is achieved. kids to read, and it was a very exciting meet- Obviously, a good school is a school where ing for me and Jeb. So I want to thank you parents understand that good education be- all for coming. gins at home, where parents have got a deep I know we’ve got some elected officials appreciation of the opportunity and are sup- here. I see the speaker of the house, Speaker portive of the schools. If they find failure, Feeney, is here. I appreciate you being here, of course, they’re willing to blow the whistle Speaker. I know other members of the legis- on failure, but they’re also to work to achieve lature, both Republican and Democrat, are excellence. They’re positive influences, not here. I appreciate Jim Vandergrifft, the only at the home but also at the school. mayor of New Smyrna Beach. [Applause] I wasn’t kidding when I said our kids ought That’s a good sign, too, Mr. Mayor. Members to be reading more than they watch TV. To 1792 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 me, that’s a parental responsibility, to en- basics. It starts with the basics. It gives stu- courage their children to practice, to encour- dents incentives. age their children to read. There’s nothing There’s an incentive program in this wrong with watching a TV show occasionally. school. The more you read, the more points But practicing reading is incredibly impor- you earn. The more difficult the reading as- tant to become a skilled student. So listen signment, the more points you earn there as to your mothers. [Laughter] Governor Bush well. It recognizes and rewards personal has listened to his. [Laughter] achievement, based upon actual books read. A good school has a curriculum that em- It helps develop writing schools. It’s caught phasizes the basics and is based upon sound my imagination. I told the Governor, I wish science. In other words, a good school is a they had done this in Sam Houston Elemen- school that has adopted a curriculum which tary School in Midland, Texas. They’ve got works. There’s a lot of talk about curriculum, an innovative program called baseball writ- the reading curriculum. We’ve had a great ing. It encourages kids to learn how to write debate about which curriculum to use when by using baseball as the go-by. And there’s it comes to reading programs, and you know a base-by-base approach to writing essays it as well as I do: There’s a big, deep, ideolog- and papers, all aimed at making sure by the ical divide. fifth grade the student is becoming a more One of the things I tried to do as the Gov- sophisticated writing—writer. ernor of Texas—I know your Governor has It’s an incredibly important part. Writing called upon those who have actually studied and reading go hand in hand. Writing is it, who know that the fact that reading is a sometimes a lost art, and this school focuses science, that have been able to work with on writing by using an innovative way to en- districts to develop a curriculum that is prov- courage young writers to get to be better en. It doesn’t sound good or feel good; it writers. works. And that’s the crucial thing to make They use tests here to determine what stu- sure that every child learns to read. dents are in danger of falling behind. No A good school is willing to determine child should be left behind. And they use whether or not each child is, in fact, learning a test to make sure. to read by measuring. A good school is one And the important thing is—and other that says, ‘‘I want to know whether or not school districts can use this model, and other standards are being met.’’ schools around the country should use this See, if you believe every child can learn model—they use the accountability system as to read, then it’s logical to ask the question, a way to determine who needs extra help ‘‘You know, are the children succeeding?’’ after school. And that’s incredibly important. It’s logical, and you want to know that. You It’s intensive focus so that every child con- want to know that to determine whether or tinues to move forward. not your dreams are being met. You want They encourage students to take their to know that to determine whether or not books home. They give parents tips on how the curriculum is working. You want to know to be teachers themselves. The instruction that to determine which children need addi- follows the child into the home. Some par- tional help. ents need a little help on how to be a better One of the key components to successful parent when it comes to what’s taking place schools is the willingness of people to use in the school. And so the results are clear. an accountability system to reinforce the The Read-Pattillo Elementary School is positive and to address failure before it be- proving that scientifically based reading in- comes acute, and that’s essential. By all of struction works and gets results. these standards, this school we’re standing You know, there’s kind of an attitude in in is a highly effective, successful school. It some places that certain kids just can’t get is a school which innovates. It uses computer there, the so-called economically disadvan- programs to stimulate the students’ imagina- taged just can’t achieve. This school flies tion. It teaches phonics and grammar, the right in the face of that stereotype. The kids Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1793 here are what they call economically dis- we’ve asked for $175 million increase for next advantaged, more than half are. And yet year for the Florida schools alone. when you look at the third grade and the But the reason—the change is, and it’s one fourth grade and the fifth graders, they all thing to focus on education funding, and score above district and State averages. that’s important—but the change is, for the This school increased its rating from a C first time, we’ve asked, in return for money, in 1998 on the Florida testing to an A. And why don’t you show us whether or not you’re that’s important for parents to know. And succeeding. For the first time we said, that’s an important fact for teachers to know ‘‘Here’s an increase in funding now, and it’s and your principal to know. It’s a fact—im- up to you to spend it, and we’ll try to give portant fact for the school board members you more flexibility. We want the Governors to know. It’s an important fact for the com- to have more flexibility. We want the school munity to know. It must make you feel proud districts to have more flexibility. But in re- to know you’ve got a school which has defied turn we expect you to set high standards and the so-called odds, and now you’re A. It’s im- produce measurable, positive results. In re- portant to know you’ve got an A in your turn for the increase of funding, we expect midst. more return on the money.’’ After all, it’s It’s also important to know whether your your money to begin with. school is not an A. It gives you a chance to And so part of that—part of that insistence ask the question, ‘‘Wait a minute. There’s is a—kind of the kernel of the reform is an one school in Volusia County I know is an accountability system. We expect each State A. How come ours isn’t an A?’’ It’s important to design accountability system to measure. to be in a position where you’re able to say, And you’ve done that in Florida. And you’ve ‘‘It matters how we rank, because no child done a really good job of that. And frankly— should be left behind.’’ I’m used to the testing debate. I’ve heard, There’s obviously—I’m a big advocate of local control of schools. I love the idea of ‘‘You test too much.’’ They say, ‘‘You’re a principal feeling confident in the structure teaching the test.’’ If you teach a child to to be able to try different things. I really like read, you’re teaching a child a skill, not the idea of a superintendent—of giving them teaching the test. And the child will then be power to create change and innovation at the able to pass the test. school level. I think that’s really important. You should allow no excuse, and nobody I think your—this charter district, for exam- should allow an excuse, in my judgment, ple, is a really interesting innovation that was across America, to undermine accountability. started at the State level. Freedom was grant- It does the children a disservice to under- ed. So I’m a big believer in local control of mine the accountability system. Otherwise, schools. you just shuffle kids through, and that’s unac- But I want you to know that there is a ceptable in America. role for the Federal Government. The Fed- There must be an accountability system eral Government has a responsibility as well that has consequences. Otherwise, we’re as the State Government to move forward going to have the old system where we just with educational excellence. The No Child say, ‘‘Well, maybe they’ll learn to read.’’ And Left Behind Act was a combination—it’s in- then we find out when they get out of high teresting—change of attitude in Washington, school they can’t read, and we realize we and that is, we substantially increased money have failed in our obligations. available for States, particularly Title I chil- No, accountability is a crucial part of edu- dren as well as this new reading program, cational excellence and educational reform. which I’m going to describe. And it’s very important that all States take The Federal Government is providing $50 seriously what we insist upon, and that is, billion now. It’s an increase of more than 18 in return for money, we expect you to do percent between ’01 and today. The Florida what’s right by each single child that lives schools, for example, received $2 billion from in your State. We’re committed to investing the Federal Government. We’ve increased— in scientific approaches on reading, because 1794 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 we understand—all of us should understand With this national focus, with account- that if a child can’t read, it doesn’t matter. ability standards in place, with the under- My friend Phyllis Hunter from Houston, standing of how to teach children how to Texas, she said when I was there, she said, read—a much better understanding today ‘‘Governor, you’ve got to understand. Your than we’ve really ever had before—and the reading initiative is basically saying that you desire at all levels of government to make understand reading is the new civil right. If sure the most important person involved in you want every child to realize the American teaching a child—the teacher—has the skills Dream and experience the greatness of this necessary, we’re going to achieve an objec- country, then we’ve got to teach every child tive that a lot of people didn’t think we could to read, and it starts with reading.’’ achieve. Our kids are going to learn to read. And that’s why one of the cornerstones of We’re going to be the best readers in the the—of this bill we passed, in Washington, world. And when our kids learn to read, you DC—by the way, a bill supported by both watch what happens. There are going to be Republicans and Democrats. I told them ear- great scientists coming out of our schools, lier, I said, ‘‘We’re finally beginning to get great mathematicians. All things, all excel- some things right in Washington, where lence in education starts with making sure teaching every child to read is a heck of a every single child, no matter where he or she lot more important than promoting any polit- lives, can read. And that’s what’s going to ical parties.’’ happen in the United States of America. And so we’ve got this focus on reading, I mentioned that one of the things we’ll because we understand that when each child stay focused on, and should, is making sure learns to read, this is going to be a much America is a better place. And there’s ways more hopeful society. One of the things Government can help. But one of the ways we’ve done is, we’ve granted—started grant- to make sure America is a—constantly a bet- ing money to States. Florida was one of the first States to qualify for the Reading First ter place, is to encourage, empower the true grant, $46 million, because you’ve got a Gov- strength of the country, which are our citi- ernor who understands and a legislature who zens. The strengths of America are the citi- understands, you’ve got principals and teach- zens of America, the hearts and souls of our ers who understand. fellow countrymen. The money is being used to train teachers. The reason I bring that up is, we’ve got Teacher training is absolutely essential to an extraordinary person that met me at the making sure that a reading—national reading airport today, Fannie Cleland. She tried to initiative works. Teachers need the skills nec- convince me she was 91 years old. [Laughter] essary to implement what their heart tells I didn’t believe it. them to do. Their heart says, ‘‘We want to See, Fannie understands what I know, that teach every child to read.’’ They need, if need we can change America one heart, one per- be—now, many teachers don’t need to be son at a time, and that, while one person can’t retrained, but the idea of teaching teachers do everything to help people in need or to on a curriculum which works is an incredibly put a light where there’s darkness, one per- important part of having a successful pro- son can do something. One person can help gram. be—to change one child’s life. In her case, There’s nothing more frustrating, it seems she’s changed many children’s lives, because like to me, to have a teacher anxious—so anx- she is a tutor, a mentor. She knows that one ious to go into a classroom and impart knowl- way to fight some of the evil done to America edge, but yet not have the latest—the latest is to do some good, to love a neighbor just science on reading, the latest skills necessary. like you’d like to be loved yourself, to have And so, one of the key components of a the willingness to put your arm around a Reading First Initiative in any State is going child and say, ‘‘Hey, I want to help you. I to be to take the money and apply it to teach- want to help you learn to read.’’ er training. And it’s going to work; you mark My call to America and Americans is, use my words. the example of this fine lady, that if you care Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 17 1795 deeply about the future of your country, sup- for many Americans, especially women and port your schools, support your teachers. But new arrivals to our country and to minorities. also, when you find somebody who hurts, I believe in small business because I know somebody who is in need, somebody who that two-thirds of all new jobs created in needs food or shelter or just somebody who America every year come from small busi- needs love, be that person who is willing to nesses. More than one million small busi- give that love. nesses are owned by Hispanic Americans. There’s nothing this country can’t achieve. And women-owned small businesses are We’re going to achieve peace and have a growing twice as fast as all other United peaceful world. We can also make sure the States firms. And this is good news for Amer- great hope of America shines brightly in ica. every corner of this country. Small businesses are a great equalizer. The Listen, thanks for giving me a chance to only connections you really need to succeed come by. May God bless you all. are happy customers. The only credentials NOTE: The President spoke at 3:27 p.m. In his you really need are good products. The only remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; values you need are a willingness to work Florida Speaker of the House Tom Feeney; and hard and take risks. Phyllis Hunter, consultant, Texas Reading Initia- Running a business also brings many per- tive. sonal rewards. You enjoy the freedom and pride that comes from being your own boss. Satellite Remarks to the United You achieve success based upon your own abilities. You’re helping others achieve suc- States Hispanic Chamber of cess by providing them with jobs. Commerce Workers and entrepreneurs create the October 17, 2002 wealth of America, not government. Yet, gov- ernment does have a responsibility to create Thank you all. I appreciate those kind re- an environment where small businesses can marks, Rosario. You’re a gran amiga. Buenos dias. I wish I could be with you in person grow and prosper. Small businesses grow today as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Com- when taxes are low, when taxes are low for merce salutes Hispanic businesswomen. workers and when taxes are low for entre- The USHCC is one of this country’s great preneurs. Low taxes mean more money in business organizations. America’s more than the pockets of the people who are building 1.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses are America. transforming our economy and transforming Small businesses grow when the Govern- our country. I’m particularly glad that the ment considers the impact of its regulations, USHCC is paying tribute to Hispanic busi- the impact those regulations will have par- nesswomen. After all, the Hispanic business- ticularly on small employers. We must avoid women are emerging leaders of the Amer- burdening our entrepreneurs with unneces- ican economy. Their success is creating jobs, sary rules and procedures. Small businesses building communities, and making our Na- grow when the Government’s contracting tion more open and more inclusive. I am policies encourage competition and don’t un- grateful and America is grateful for the ac- fairly favor large businesses at the expense complishments of these Hispanic business- of smaller firms. women. And small businesses grow when entre- I appreciate so very much the chair of the preneurs can build their businesses without board of directors of the U.S. Hispanic the fear of falling prey to frivolous lawsuits, Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate so very all designed to make trial lawyers even much the president and CEO. I’m honored wealthier. that you all would invite me. I want you to Our Nation has a responsibility to create know that I’m a strong believer in small busi- an environment where the talents of men and ness because I know that small businesses women of every origin and background are are the pathway to advancement and success recognized and rewarded. 1796 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

Rosario mentioned my appointments to Proclamation 7611—Year of Clean my Government. I am proud to serve many, Water, 2002–2003 many exceptional Hispanic Americans. One October 17, 2002 of my jobs is to put the best people in the right jobs in every branch of Government. By the President of the United States I’ve done so in the executive branch, and I’ll of America do so in the judiciary branch as well. Right now the Senate Judiciary Committee is now A Proclamation considering a friend of mine, a guy named On October 18, 2002, our Nation marks Mike—Miguel Estrada. He’s my nominee for the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. If con- and begins the Observance of the Year of firmed, he’ll be the first Hispanic ever to Clean Water. This landmark environmental serve on this important court. legislation has been central to the important No one can deny that he’s well-qualified. progress we have made as a Nation in im- No one can deny he’s a great lawyer and that proving the quality of our drinking water and he’s highly skilled. Yet unfortunately, there the health of our waters, wetlands, and wa- are Senators who play politics with Miguel tersheds. During this time, we renew our Estrada’s nomination. There are Senators commitment to building on these successes searching for any reason to defeat him. and to developing new approaches and part- I call upon the Senate leadership to treat nerships to meet our environmental chal- Miguel Estrada with dignity and respect and lenges. to bring his nomination up for the full Senate The Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Safe to confirm him before they adjourn. He’s an Drinking Water Act of 1974 have helped our American success story. He’s an inspiration citizens enjoy one of the safest and cleanest to many Americans, and he’ll be an out- water supplies in the world. Under the Clean standing judge. Water Act, the Federal Government has pro- And so I appreciate all of you all who are vided more than $80 billion in wastewater there today. I appreciate so very much Eliza- assistance to the States and localities. This fundamentally important investment has en- beth and George and the many of you there sured that 165 million citizens now benefit today to bear witness to the great opportuni- from modern sewage treatment, up from 86 ties found in this country, opportunities million in 1968. The important advances in borne of freedom and equality. These values waste water treatment since the Clean Water make us strong, and we will defend them, Act’s passage constitute one of the major no matter how long it takes. achievements in modern American public Gracias por su dedicacion a la excelencia. health. Gracias por demostrar que el sueno In the last 30 years, the overall health of Americano es posible para todos los que lo our marine waters, lakes, rivers, streams, and desean en su corazon. Y aprecio su amor por wetlands has also dramatically improved. The esta gran nacion. Federal Government has cooperated with Y Dios los bendiga a todos, y que Dios los States, tribes, local communities, businesses, bendiga a Los Estados Unidos. and concerned individuals to reduce signifi- cantly all forms of water pollution, making our waters better suited for recreation and NOTE: The President spoke by satellite at 4:19 p.m. from Read-Pattillo Elementary School, New other pursuits and more hospitable to aquatic Smyrna Beach, FL, to the meeting in Los Angeles, life. Recent studies show that we are close CA. In his remarks, he referred to Rosario Marin, to achieving our goal of halting overall wet- U.S. Treasurer; and Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow, lands loss, and we are hopeful that in the chair of the board of directors, and George Her- near future we will begin increasing the over- rera, chairman and chief executive officer, U.S. all function and value of our wetlands. As Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. we look to the challenges ahead, the Clean Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1797

Water Act will be an important mainstay and love the values of the heartland represented tool for further progress. in this part of our country, the values of faith, As part of our Nation’s long-term commit- the values of family, the love of our country. ment to protecting our environment and nat- I appreciate you coming out to say hello. ural resources, we must continue to focus on These are the values which make Missouri cleaner air, water, and land; healthier citi- a great State and make our Nation a great zens, and vibrant ecosystems. We will con- nation. tinue to collaborate with private organiza- I want to thank you for your friendship. tions, landowners, and all levels of govern- I want to thank you for your prayers. I want ment to encourage the development of new to thank you for your concern about our po- technologies and innovative approaches to litical process. I appreciate your interest. I protecting our environment. Through poli- appreciate your willingness to take a stand. cies and programs that recognize regional And I am here in the State of Missouri to differences, employ market forces, and em- take a stand: The best person running for power individuals to be good stewards of the the United States Senate is Jim Talent. earth, we can and will meet the environ- I need him in the Senate to work with him. mental challenges of the future. We’ve got some big problems facing our Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, country. But there’s no doubt in my mind President of the United States of America, that we can achieve anything we put our by virtue of the authority vested in me by mind to. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Constitution and laws of the United no matter how high the hurdle, the United States, do hereby proclaim the year begin- States of America, when we put our mind ning October 18, 2002, as the Year of Clean to something, can cross that hurdle. Water in commemoration of the 30th anni- Jim Talent shares my optimism about the versary of the Clean Water Act. I call upon future of this country because he knows what all Americans to observe this year with appro- I know: This country is blessed with the fin- priate programs, ceremonies, and activities, est people on the face of the Earth, and that, and to join in setting good examples of envi- by trusting the people and calling upon the ronmental stewardship in our daily lives. best of America, we can achieve anything— In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set I mean anything—we set our mind to. my hand this seventeenth day of October, I appreciate Jim Talent’s values. He’s a in the year of our Lord two thousand two, family man. He’s got his priorities straight. and of the Independence of the United He’s a man who doesn’t need a focus group States of America the two hundred and twen- or a poll to tell him what to think. He’s more ty-seventh. than happy to stand on principle. He’s more George W. Bush than happy to say, ‘‘This is what I believe, and I’m not changing.’’ And I appreciate a [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, man who’s willing to take those values, the 8:45 a.m., October 21, 2002] Missouri values, and the sense of purpose to Washington, DC. NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- fice of the Press Secretary on October 18, and He’s also got a record. See, he’s already it will be published in the Federal Register on been up there once. He’s shown us what he October 22. can do. And when he was up there, he wasn’t afraid to take the lead. He is one of the key authors of one of the most important pieces Remarks at Southwest Missouri State of social legislation in the last decade, and University in Springfield, Missouri that is the welfare reform bill that trans- October 18, 2002 formed millions of lives in America, because he knows what I know, that dignity is found Thanks for coming. Thanks for the warm when you find work, that work is the corner- welcome. I’m honored to be here at the— stone of any life that has got dignity. on the campus of this fine university. I’m I appreciate his understanding of small proud to be here in southwest Missouri. I business. See, he is an advocate for small 1798 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 business in Washington, DC. We need that Blunt is effective. He’s smart. He can count kind of attitude up there. See, after all, our votes. I appreciate his support, and I appre- economy is kind of bumping along. It’s not ciate his friendship. as strong as it’s going to be. So long as we I appreciate the fact that former Congress- keep working on it, it’s going to get better. man Mel Hancock is here. I want to thank But one of the things we’ve got to under- Congressman Hancock for coming. stand is that most new jobs in America are You’ve got yourself a hot Senate race— created by small businesses. And therefore, State senate race. This race matters. It mat- we’ve got to have somebody in the United ters a lot. You’ve got a good man running, States Senate who understands that and is a good, down-to-earth fellow who’s going to willing to work on an environment that en- tell you what he thinks. He’s going to do in courages the growth of small businesses. Jim office what he said he’s going to do. And Talent’s got a record, and he’s got a good that’s Dan Clemens. record. I’ve got a great Cabinet. I’ve asked people He also will work to change the tone in from all across our country to serve our Gov- Washington. Listen, we’re proud Repub- ernment in my Cabinet. You trained one of licans, but we’ve got to serve something big- the best ones in my Cabinet. Yesterday ger than political party in these times of morning I met with the Attorney General. stress on our country. It’s important to put He said, ‘‘You make sure you remind my all this aside and focus on what’s right for folks at home that I haven’t forgot where I the American people. And Jim Talent under- came from.’’ John Ashcroft is doing a great stands that. I’m proud to stand by his side. job for America. And we share something else in common: And finally, I appreciate you letting some We both married above ourselves. [Laugh- of my fellow Texans cross the State line. They ter] He married Brenda. I married Laura. must have not checked these boys’ back- And by the way, the First Lady, she sends grounds before they came. [Laughter] I’ve her love and her greetings. She’s heading known the Gatlin Brothers for a long time, down to Texas today, so you drew the short and I really appreciate the three brothers straw. [Laughter] She’s doing great, though. coming. I’m—Larry is my good buddy. He I want to remind you that when I married is a fine, fine, fine American, and Steve and her, she was a public school librarian. [Ap- Rudy are as well. I hope you’re enjoying plause] Public school librarians united for them as much as I’ve enjoyed knowing them. Laura. [Laughter] She didn’t care for politics And I’m real proud their here. I want to when I married her. She didn’t particularly thank the Gatlin boys for coming today. care for politicians when I married her. Now, I’ve got some things on my mind [Laughter] Thank goodness she said yes. that I want to share with you. I’ve got some People have got to see why I asked her issues I want to discuss with you. I’ve got to marry me. She’s calm. She’s steady. She some reasons to be here besides just politics. cares deeply about our children. She loves I need somebody to help me deal with our education. It’s our top priority. A lot of peo- economy. Now listen, the foundation for ple are still wondering why she said yes. growth is strong. Interest rates are low. Infla- [Laughter] But nevertheless, she’s doing tion is low. We’ve got the best workers in great. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her, the world. Productivity is high in America. and I love her dearly. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in this I want to thank the senior Senator from country. The foundations for growth are Missouri for being here. He’s done a fabu- strong. But so long as somebody is looking lous job on behalf of the citizens of Missouri. for work can’t find work, I think we have He is a man whose judgment I trust, whose a problem. And so therefore, we need to put vote I can count on. He’s a strong ally. He’s people in the United States Senate who got the right instincts. He’s got a great voting wants to think about—when it comes to the record. And that is Senator Kit Bond. economy—how to create jobs. I appreciate so very much the fact that The role of Government is not to create your Congressman has joined us today. Roy wealth. The role of Government is to create Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1799 an environment in which small businesses One of the worst taxes that we have on can grow to be big businesses, in which the the books that we’re trying to get rid of and entrepreneur can flourish, in which anybody won’t get rid of unless we have a Senator who’s got a dream can work hard and realize and Senators who vote to make it permanent, that dream. Most jobs, as I mentioned, are is the death tax. This death tax hurts Missouri created by small businesses. For the sake of farmers. This death tax, it hurts small-busi- economic vitality, for the sake of job creation, ness owners. It’s a bad tax. Don’t take my we’ve got to have people in the Senate who word for it. Let me quote some of citizens understand that when a person has more in your neighborhood. money in his or her pocket, it will serve as There’s a guy named Jim Staley. He’s a a stimulus to job growth. fourth generation family farmer in Willard, You see, here’s the page of the textbook Missouri. He wants to pass his farm on some which we’ve read. It says that when a person day to his children. That makes sense. The has more money, he or she is likely to de- guy’s working the land. He’s got some kids. mand a good or a service. And when you He says, ‘‘I want my kids to be able to work demand a good or service in our economy, the land, too. I want the family farm to sur- somebody is likely to produce that good or vive.’’ He remembers when his daddy died, a service. And when somebody produces the he had trouble trying to make sure the farm good or a service, somebody is more likely stayed in the family and didn’t go to the Gov- to find work. For the sake of job creation, ernment. He remembers those times. So he’s for the sake of making sure our people can worried about it. Here’s what he says: ‘‘It’s find work, the tax relief came at the absolute a shame that Americans are taught that if right time in American history. you work hard all your life, you can pass it But here’s why we’re still talking about it. along to your family, and they can work to Because of a quirk in the rules in the United make it better. But when it comes down to States Senate, after a 10-year period, the tax it, the Government ends up taking it away.’’ relief plan we passed goes away, unless the That’s what the death tax does. Congress makes it permanent. And that’s the issue. It’s a bad tax. It’s a bad tax. It’s a bad tax The tax relief plan over the next decade because it taxes assets twice. It’s a bad tax for the people of Missouri, if permanent, because it prevents somebody who owns would mean there is $27 billion in income something from passing the asset on to who- tax relief and death tax relief in your pockets. ever he or she chooses. That’s more money for you to have to make Fellers Fixtures, right here in Springfield, decisions about. It’s your money to begin Missouri, Carl Fellers, here’s what he thinks. with, by the way. There’s $4 billion additional First of all, he says he thinks he pays enough money in your pocket because of the tax re- taxes already. See, most small businesses pay lief on the child credit. There’s a $1.5 billion tax at the individual income tax level, because money in the Missouri people’s pockets be- you’re a sole proprietorship or a limited part- cause we’re doing something about the mar- nership. When you reduce rates on people, riage penalty. See, what we think is that the you’re also reducing rates on small busi- Tax Code ought to encourage marriage. nesses. But he doesn’t believe that he ought It’s like the Senate giveth, and then the to pay more taxes than he has already when Senate taketh away. [Laughter] In this case, he dies. And neither do his children. the Senate giveth, and the Senate taketh No, we need to make sure, for the sake away over $32 billion that would help eco- of economic vitality, for the sake of job cre- nomic expansion and growth. There’s no ation, that you elect you a United States Sen- question in my mind that Jim Talent under- ator who makes sure the tax relief plan is stands what I’m talking about, that in order permanent. to make sure our economy is strong so people Jim Talent will be a Senator who’s com- can plan, so the entrepreneurial spirit re- mitted to making sure we have an education mains strong in America, we need to make system that we’re proud of. I signed a great the tax cuts permanent. piece of education reform. It challenges the 1800 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 soft bigotry of low expectations. It holds peo- I also will be working with the next Con- ple to a high standard. It says, in return for gress to protect America. We learned a sad receiving Federal money—and we cranked lesson on September the 11th, 2001, and that up the level of Federal money, by the way, is that we’re no longer immune from attacks for education spending—but in return for re- from an enemy which hates us, that oceans ceiving Federal money, you’ve got to show no longer protect us like we used to think us. Just like you say in your State motto, they could. It’s changed the dynamics. The ‘‘Show Me’’ whether or not the money is battlefield is here at home. being well spent. Show me whether or not People must understand that there’s still our children are learning to read and write an enemy which lurks and desires to hurt. and add and subtract. We ask that question They do it because of what we love. They because we want to make sure not one single hate what we stand for. We love freedom. child gets left behind in America. We love the fact that people can worship an Jim Talent knows what I know, that medi- almighty God any way he or she chooses. We cine has changed, and Medicare hasn’t, that love every aspect about our freedoms. We medicine is modern, and Medicare is stuck love our free press, and we love the discourse in the old ways. We need a Senator up there and—a political discourse in a free society, who can work with people in both parties and we hold those freedoms dearly. And to make sure that we modernize Medicare we’re not changing. No matter how they try for the sake of our seniors. Modernizing to terrorize, how they try to threaten, we’re Medicare means that we’ve got to have a pre- not changing. And so long as we don’t scription drug plan for our seniors. change, we have to do everything we can to protect America in the new realities we face. One of my most important responsibilities It’s a dangerous world, but nobody’s going is to put good people on the Federal bench. to cause us to retreat from this world. Our definition of good people obviously are Obviously, my job is not only to deal with people who are honest, who know the law, threats that we find in these dark caves but who are there to serve something other than also to anticipate threats. I want to thank the themselves, who won’t use the bench as a United States Congress for speaking with one legislator might use the bench from which voice about a tyrant and a dictator who has to write new law, but to strictly interpret the constantly defied the world, who refuses to Constitution of the United States. And the disarm, who, in the new reality, serves as a Senate has got a lousy record when it comes true and real threat not only to the United to my judges. States but a threat to our friends in the Mid- Look at the percentage that they’ve ap- dle East, a threat to other freedom-loving proved. It’s the worst record in modern his- countries. tory. It’s worse than how the Senate treated The world has been put on notice, Mr. President Clinton, President Bush 41, Presi- Saddam Hussein is now on notice. We expect dent Reagan. They’re holding up the nomi- him to disarm. We expect him to live up to nees. And when they put some of my good the obligations that he has told the world that nominees forward, they’re not telling the he would meet. We expect the United Na- truth about their records. They’re distorting tions to be the United Nations, not the their records. They’re playing shameless poli- League of Nations. We expect them to join tics with the judges I put forward. You need us in keeping the peace, by holding this dic- to have a United States Senator like Jim Tal- tator to account. That’s what we expect. ent who will not play shameless politics with No, the threats are real. It’s a different era. the judges I’ve put forward. No, there’s a lot And this country will deal with these threats of things we can do. in an open way and a firm way and a resolved We’re going to work together to make sure way, because we love our freedoms. We un- America is a strong country by having a good derstand the biggest obligation we have, at economy and making sure we fulfill our least the biggest obligation I have, is to do promises to our children and to our seniors. everything I can to protect the homeland. I know I can work with this man. There are a lot of good people working hard Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1801 to protect the homeland. Anytime we find One example of what I’m talking about, a hint about something that might be done just so you’ll know clearly, is that Customs to America, we’re moving on it. Anytime we agents, we thought, ought to be wearing radi- find any evidence that somebody might be ological detection devices, just in case some- thinking about harming our country, there body tried to smuggle a weapon of mass de- are a lot of folks on the case. We’re dis- struction into America. We thought that rupting; we’re denying; we’re doing every- made sense for them to wear these. The head thing we can in our power and within the of the union said, ‘‘Uh-uh, that must be vol- United States Constitution to protect the untary. You can’t make anybody do that, and homeland. therefore, let’s have a collective bargaining And that’s why I went to the United States session over it,’’ which might have taken a Congress and asked them to create a Depart- year’s time. ment of Homeland Security, so I can tell the See, we don’t have time for that kind of American people and future Presidents can thing. The Senate wants to roll back my au- tell the American people that, ‘‘We’re doing thority. The Senate wants to say, ‘‘You can everything we can to protect you—every- have that authority, Mr. President, to sus- thing we can.’’ You see, there’s over 100 pend workers’ rights or workers’ rules in the agencies involved with the protection of our case of a national emergency, in the Agri- homeland. It means they’re kind of scattered culture Department, but not for the Home- about. If the number one priority of America land Security.’’ And that’s not right. is to protect the homeland, it seems to make Jim Talent understands what I’m talking sense to me to put them under one agency, about. You put him in the Senate; we’ll get us a good homeland security bill, which will so we can make that the number one priority make it easier for Presidents to protect that everybody involved with homeland secu- America. rity must meet. I need to be able to put the right people And we’re having a big debate up there at the right place at the right time, and that’s about it. Sometimes in our Nation’s Capital, what the Senate must hear, loud and clear. they talk to much—[laughter]—and do too And one way they can hear it is, they can little. Sometimes they do too much when hear it from the people. You can express they should be talking. [Laughter] yourselves, right in the ballot box. That’s the The House passed a good homeland secu- way you can send a message loud and clear rity bill. The House heard my call to have about the importance of having a Homeland a bipartisan approach to protecting the Security Department that will work today, homeland. The House heard the call to put that will work tomorrow, and will work for aside politics and not let interests—be inter- decades to come, because this threat, folks, ested in special interests but to focus on the is real for a while. American people, not only today but down And that’s why the best way to protect the the road. And the House passed a bill. American homeland is not to hope these fel- They’re stuck in the Senate. The Senate can’t lows change their mind, not to hope that they get it done right now. It’s stuck. go get therapy to make them think different, And here’s the issue. The Senate is saying, but it’s to hunt them down, one by one, and ‘‘Sure, Mr. President, you can have a home- bring them to justice—what America is going land security bill, but there’s going to be a to do. price.’’ And here’s the price. They want to We are in a different kind of war, and roll back an important authority that every we’re still at war. We’re in a war unlike the President since John F. Kennedy has had, past. See, the past you used to say, ‘‘Well, and that authority is this: For 40 years, a we’re making progress because we’ve blown President has had the capacity to suspend up a couple of tanks or we sunk a ship or labor rules in every Department of Govern- their Air Force isn’t as strong anymore.’’ ment when the national security is at stake. These people hide in caves and send young- The President has had the capacity to be able sters to their suicidal deaths. See, they don’t to change rules in order to protect America. appreciate the value of life like we do. In 1802 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

America, we believe every life is precious; well, gosh, it must be time to haul in; it must everybody has worth. These people don’t be time to shut her down. That’s just not value life, and they hijack a great religion and the way I think, and that’s not the way Amer- murder in the name of that religion. ica thinks. They just did that recently in Indonesia, I can’t imagine what was going through and we’ll be joining our friends in Australia the mind of the enemy. They must have in a day of mourning for the terrible tragedy thought that America was so selfish, so mate- that took place. We lost lives. They lost a rialistic, so self-absorbed that after 9/11/2001, lot of lives. Listen, these are killers, nothing we might have filed a lawsuit or two. [Laugh- but coldblooded killers, and we’re going to ter] That’s not us. treat them that way, and we’re going to hunt I want you to know that out of the evil them down, one person at a time. done to America can come some incredible And we’re making progress, thanks to a good, that that’s what we believe as a nation. great United States military, and thanks to And one of the—what’s going to happen, I friends and allies. We’re making progress. believe, by being strong and firm and being One reason we’re making progress is because clear in our resolve, is that we can achieve of the doctrine that says, ‘‘Either you’re with peace. It’s my dream, is to achieve peace. us, or you’re with them,’’ still stands. It’s still I want there to be peace for the American relevant. Our coalition is still rounding peo- people. Since we value every life, and every- ple up. It’s a different kind of war. Some- body counts, no matter where they live, we times you’ll see progress, and sometimes you want there to be peace in parts of the region won’t. The other day, a guy named bin al- that have quit on peace. I believe it can hap- Shibh, he popped his head up. He’s no pen. I do. I believe by being strong and re- longer a problem. He was significant because solved and standing on principle and under- he was to have been the twentieth hijacker. standing freedom belongs to everybody, not And he was still plotting, and he was still just a few, that we can have a peaceful and planning. I bet you we’ve captured over a more hopeful world. couple of thousand of them, maybe up to And here at home, the evil done to Amer- nearly 3,000 by now. Like number, they ica can help us deal with a serious problem. weren’t as lucky. We’re going to deny them There are people in our country who hurt. sanctuary. We’re going to find them. We’re There is loneliness and despair. Amidst our going to put them on the run. plenty, there are pockets of addiction; there It doesn’t matter how long it takes, my fel- are people who aren’t loved; there are people low Americans, when it comes to our free- who wonder whether the American experi- dom, it doesn’t matter how many years it ence is meant for them. So long as any of takes, the United States of America will stay us hurt, we all hurt. We must step back from the course, because we will defend America, our materialism and ask the question, ‘‘What no matter the cost. can I do to help America?’’ And the best way I’m going to sign a defense bill next week. that you can help America is by loving a The Congress has gotten it to my desk, and neighbor like you’d like to be loved yourself. I appreciate that. That is the largest increase No, the enemy hit us. Today—the enemy in defense spending since Ronald Reagan hit us, but today we’re a stronger nation be- was the President, for two reasons. I want cause we refuse to back down, but also be- to—I asked for that request, one, anytime cause we’ve redefined patriotism as some- we put our troops into harm’s way, they de- body who does more than put their hand over serve the best training, the best possible pay, their heart. A patriot is somebody who is will- and the best equipment. We owe that to our ing to put their arm around somebody who troops, and we owe it to their loved ones. hurts, somebody in need—somebody who And the other message is, the other message says, ‘‘I love you.’’ I want you to be one of to friend and foe alike is that we take our those people. One of us can’t do everything responsibilities seriously, that we love our in society, but one of us can do something freedoms. We love our country, and we’re to help somebody who needs a hand, some- not quitting. There’s not a calendar that says, body who needs love, somebody—somebody Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1803 who knows or somebody who cares about I thank you for coming today. I’m here them. to talk about some of the challenges we meet Today we’ve got Erin Bryant, who goes as a nation. I want you to know that I’m in- right here—to school here. She’s an active credibly optimistic about this Nation’s future. member of the Student Community Action And I’m here to support a man for the Team at Southwest Missouri State. She United States Senate who shares my opti- spends time volunteering to make some- mism about America. There’s no doubt in body’s life better. She’s involved with people my mind that what is best for Minnesota and who want to feed those who are hungry and what is best for America is that Norm Cole- house those who are homeless. man become the next United States Senator. Be a Boy Scout leader. Be a Girl Scout I’m here to support the ticket, and there’s leader. Do something. And it’s the gathering no question in my mind that you need to momentum of the millions of acts of kindness have Tim Pawlenty as the next Governor for and decency which will allow this great land Minnesota. to stand squarely in the face of evil. No, the I want to thank you all for your concern enemy hit us. They didn’t know who they about our country. I want to thank you for were hitting. They hit the greatest nation on your participation in the process. Thank you the face of the Earth. And we will show the for taking your time to look the candidates world why. over. Thank you for understanding that being There’s no question in my mind that even a part of America is the obligation to partici- though there’s hurdles ahead of us, we can pate in our process. I want to thank you for achieve a lot. We can achieve peace, and we what you have done for America. I want to can make sure the light shines brightly, the thank you for what you’re going to do. And light of hope, in every corner on this great that is, man the phones; go to your coffee land. I say that with confidence because this shops; go to your houses of worship; remind is the greatest nation, full of the finest peo- the people of our community, whether they ple, on the face of the Earth. be Republicans or Democrats or couldn’t May God bless you all, and may God bless care less—[laughter]—that when you find a America. good one, you ought to support him. And you found some good ones in these can- didates here in Minnesota. NOTE: The President spoke at 9:48 a.m. in the I’m also glad to be in the breadbasket of Hammons Student Center. In his remarks, he re- ferred to Brenda Talent, wife of candidate Jim America. We eat because of you. [Laughter] Talent; entertainers Larry, Steve, and Rudy I love the values of this part of the world— Gatlin; Carl A. Fellers, president, Fellers Fixtures, faith and family, love of country—I love the Inc.; President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and values of this part of the world. Hard-work- Ramzi bin al-Shibh, an Al Qaida operative sus- ing, good, honest, decent people, people I’m pected of helping to plan the September 11, 2001, proud to call friend, people neighbors are terrorist attacks, who was captured in Karachi, proud to call friend—no, you’re the strength Pakistan. of our great country. And nothing we can’t overcome, because we’re the finest country Remarks at the Rochester on the face of the Earth. I want to thank the good folks here at Community and Technical College in Rochester Community and Technical Col- Rochester, Minnesota lege for your hospitality. I particularly want October 18, 2002 to thank—it’s kind of hard to welcome a President, I know, but you’ve done a heck Thank you all for coming. Yes, kind of of a good job, plus you’ve got a Texan run- sounds like the Metrodome in here. I appre- ning the deal. [Laughter] I want to thank ciate so many good folks coming to say hello. Don Supalla, who’s the president, for his hos- You know, I’m aware of Rochester. After all, pitality. I still listen to my mother. [Laughter] She’s I want to thank the Members of Congress a proud member of the board of Mayo Clinic. who are with us: Gil Gutknecht, who’s a 1804 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 friend of mine. Thank you for coming, Gil. State is to make sure every single child in I appreciate you coming. I want to thank your State receives a quality education. What Congressman Mark Kennedy for being here you’ve got to have in the statehouse is some- as well. Mark’s a fine one. You lowered your body like Tim who is willing to insist upon standards; you let somebody from Missouri high standards and high expectations, some- travel with me—[laughter]—but he’s a fine body who is willing to challenge what I call Congressman named Roy Blunt. I appreciate the soft bigotry of low expectations. You see, Congressman Blunt being here with us today. if you get you—you’ve got to have a Gov- I want to thank the people who are run- ernor who understands you must raise the ning for office. I want to thank Carol Molnau, bar and expect the best, who believes in his who’s running for the Lieutenant Governor heart of hearts that every child can learn. of the State of Minnesota. I want to thank You’ve got to believe that. John Kline, who will make a fine United And then you’ve got to—and then you States Congressman. Clyde Billington is run- must have a Governor who trusts the local ning for the Congress; we need to help people, who trusts the local people to chart Clyde. And Dan Stevens is running for Con- the path to excellence, who empowers the gress. I want to thank these candidates for teachers and parents and principals to chart running. the path for excellence so every child can You drew the short straw today. You didn’t learn. get my mother, and you didn’t get my wife. And then you’ve got to have a Governor [Laughter] But Laura sends her best. She’s who’s willing to ask the fundamental ques- doing great. She’s doing really good. She’s tion: Are we succeeding? You see, if you be- an amazing lady. You know, when I married lieve every child can learn, then you want her—we were both raised in Midland, Texas, to know whether every child in your State which is really not a pretty place to look at, is learning. If you believe every child can but it’s full of fine people. [Laughter] She was a public school librarian. By the way, her read, then it makes sense to measure to de- heart is still with our children. She desires termine whether or not every child is learn- for every child to learn how to read in Amer- ing to read and write and add and subtract. ica. But anyway, when I married her, or And when they are, there will be plenty of asked her to marry me, at least, the truth praise for the teachers. But you better have of the matter was, she didn’t like politics— you a Governor who’s willing to challenge [laughter]—and didn’t particularly care for the schools that won’t teach and won’t politicians, either. [Laughter] Thank good- change. No child should be left behind in ness she said yes. She’s now a fabulous First Minnesota or anywhere else in America. Lady for our country. No, I’m proud to support Tim, and I en- I know something about what it takes to courage you to go out and work on his behalf. be a Governor, and you’ve got a good man He’ll make you a good Governor. And I’m running for Governor here in Minnesota. also proud to be here with Norm Coleman. He’s a person who can get results. He’s prov- I need him in the United States Senate, and en that already in the statehouse. He has let me tell you why. worked to make sure that government stays First, I’m confident he can do the job. He within a budget, and that’s not easy. Gen- has proven himself as a leader. He was the erally, when governments meet, everybody mayor of St. Paul. He kept taxes down. He has got a great idea. They all cost billions helped revitalize that city. He’s got his prior- of dollars. [Laughter] That’s why you’ve got ities straight. You lost your hockey team, and to have somebody who understands the he got you another one. He’s not one of these money we spend in government is not the polarizer-type people, you know, pitting one government’s money. Tim understands that. group of people against another. Frankly, He also understands the most important we’ve got too much of that in Washington, thing a State can do is to make sure you get DC. There’s too many voices up there that it right when it comes to the schools. The would rather call names than get things done, most important issue for any Governor in any too many dividers. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1805

Norm Coleman is a uniter. He starts in lion as the result of the rates going down. the center, and he works with people to bring It would mean $4 billion of tax relief over them together to do what’s right for America. the next 10 years because of the child credit. No doubt in my mind he can do the job, It would mean $1.4 billion because we sig- and like me, he married well. [Laughter] nificantly slashed the marriage penalty. See, And I tell you, we’ve got some problems, one of the things we believe is, the Tax Code and we do. The economy is not as good as ought to encourage marriage, not discourage we’d like it to be. There are too many people marriage. That’s a little bit over $38 billion looking for work and can’t find it. And any- if the tax cuts were permanent. Let me ex- time that’s the case in this country, we need plain the problem with the issue and why to do something about it. The foundation for you need to be asking the questions here in growth is strong. Interest rates are low. Infla- Minnesota about this issue. tion is low. Listen, we’ve got the most pro- See, there’s a quirk in the Senate rules that ductive people in the world. Our farmers are says, ‘‘Yes, you can have tax relief, but after the most productive in the world. Our work- 10 years it goes away.’’ It’s kind of like the ers are the most productive in the world. The Senate giveth, and the Senate taketh away. entrepreneurial spirit is strong in America. [Laughter] I have trouble explaining that in Small-business sector is vibrant. There’s a lot Crawford, Texas, I’ll be honest with you. right with what—our country when it comes [Laughter] It’s hard to explain a system to our economy. But still, too many are look- where we say, ‘‘You bet, we’re going to let ing for work. people keep more of their own money, but And so the fundamental question is what then after a while, it goes away,’’ like a signifi- to do about it. The role of Government is cant tax increase. not to create wealth. That’s how some of the And so I’ve been asking the Congress to other folks in Washington think. The role of join me in making the tax relief permanent. Government is to create an environment in It’s essential for job creation. It’s essential which the small business can flourish, in for job growth that you have a United States which the producer can find markets, in Senator who will join me in making tax relief which the entrepreneur can make a living. a permanent part of the Tax Code. That’s what the role of Government is. One of the worst taxes of all is the death And that’s why I feel so strongly about tax tax. You just ask your farming families what relief. You see, when your economy is bump- I’m talking about. You see, it’s a tax that taxes ing along, when your economy is not doing a person’s assets twice. Once is plenty, as far as well as we want it to do, one way to in- as we’re concerned. You can tax them once, crease jobs is to let people keep more of their but don’t tax them twice. You know, for the own money. Some folks in Washington don’t sake of the family farmer or the rancher or understand that. They think when the econ- the small-business owner, we need to get rid omy is bumping along, it’s better to take of the death tax forever. You see, it ought more money. to be right for somebody to be able to pass Here’s what we believe: We believe that their assets on to whoever they want without when a person has more money, they’re more the Federal Government getting in the way. than likely to demand a good or a service. And I hope the farmers of this part of the And in our society, when somebody demands State ask the question of the two candidates: a good or a service, somebody is more likely Who’s willing to make sure the death tax is to produce the good or service. And when forever gone from the Tax Code? That ought somebody produces that good or service, to be a question people all over Minnesota somebody is more likely to be able to find ought to be asking in this race. It’s an impor- work. For the sake of job creation, for the tant question. It’s a question that shows sake of the working people in America, the whose philosophy and whose values are more tax relief came at the right time. in tune with the people who live in Min- If the tax relief were permanent, that nesota. would mean $33 billion of more money in We can do more to make sure our econ- your pocket over the next 10 years—$33 bil- omy is strong. Listen, we need to have an 1806 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 energy bill that includes ethanol. We need ing. We love the fact that in this great coun- to have an energy bill that encourages con- try, people from all different kinds of walks servation. If you’re worried about jobs in can worship an almighty God any way he or America, we need to be less dependent on she sees fit. That’s what we love. We love foreign sources of crude oil. the fact that people can speak their mind in I look forward to working with Norm to America, can freely say what they want. We make sure our medicine is—the medical sys- love the idea that there’s a free press. We tem is modern. Listen, Medicare is old, and love every aspect of the freedoms. And so medicine isn’t. Medicine has changed. Medi- long as we hold those dear to our heart, cine has evolved, and Medicare hasn’t. A lot there’s going to be an enemy out there. And of talk in Washington, but they have yet to since we’re not changing, we’re going to have get it right when it comes to treating our to do something about that enemy out there. elderly the right way. We need to modernize We learned a terrible lesson on September Medicare and include prescription drugs. the 11th, a lesson that we must adjust to as We want our medicine to be affordable a nation. And that is, no longer can two and accessible. We want people to have ac- oceans protect us. See, it used to be we could cess to the health care, and we need it to sit back and say, ‘‘Oh, there’s an emerging be affordable. But we’ve got a problem, and threat, but two oceans can protect us, and that is, there’s too many lawsuits. There’s too we can take our time to decide whether or many junk lawsuits suing our docs. It’s one not we need to respond to that threat.’’ We thing to hold a person to account; it’s another learned something else about us, and that is, thing to fill our courts with frivolous lawsuits. we’re a battlefield now. And therefore, as a It’s running up the cost of medicine. nation, we’ve got to do everything we can These junk lawsuits are running people out to win the battle, protect the people here of work, and it’s making it harder for people at home. to get health care. I was down in Mississippi. I recently have been talking about an issue I met with a doctor. He and his wife were that’s a grave issue of national concern, and good missionary-type folks, and they moved that’s Iraq. It’s an issue that—we’ve had a to the Delta. It’s one of the poorest parts good debate in Congress; it was an important of our Nation. They wanted to practice medi- debate. Congress is now speaking with one cine to help people. They were healers. They voice, along with me, and here’s what we’re wanted to use their God-given talent so saying: Any man who murders his own peo- somebody else could be healthy. The junk ple, any man who uses weapons of mass de- lawsuits ran them out of the State. Made me struction on his own people, any man who want to cry; made me want to weep. invades two countries in his region, any man The cost of medicine affects the Federal who has defied resolution after resolution budget. It affects our Medicare. It affects VA after resolution, any man who said he would hospitals. It affects Medicaid. For the sake disarm and hasn’t, is a man who is a threat. of making sure our health care system works, And therefore, we call upon Mr. Saddam we need to have Federal medical malpractice Hussein to disarm, just like he said he would reform, and Norm Coleman will support me do. on that issue. And we call upon the United Nations to There’s a lot we can do to make sure we’re show us whether or not this is a body that wise about spending your money. There’s a can effectively keep the peace, or it’s like one lot we can do together to make sure that peo- its predecessors, the League of Nations. We ple can find work. There’s a lot we can sure call upon people to come together to disarm do together to make sure that the promises this man before he harms the United States made to certain of our citizens are kept. or our friends and allies. In the name of But the biggest job I’ve got and the biggest peace—in the name of peace, we call upon job we will have is to protect the American Saddam to disarm. people from an enemy which hates America So long as there’s a threat out there, your because of what we love. They hate us be- Government will do everything we can to cause we love freedom, and we’re not chang- protect you. And we’re making progress. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 18 1807

There’s a lot of good folks—you’ve just got dent since John F. Kennedy has the capacity to know this—there’s a lot of good folks in the name of national security to suspend working a lot of long hours to run down any certain work rules, has the capacity to be able hint, any idea, any whisper that somebody to move the right people to the right place might be thinking about doing something to at the right time, even though certain work America. We’re moving on it. We’re doing rules would prevent that from happening. In everything we can to share intelligence. the name of national security, the President And we’re getting better at it, by the way. has got to be able to respond quickly. The See, we’re now on alert. We understand; we Senate wants to take away that authority. You know the risks. We understand the enemy see—let me tell you what—they want me to better and better. We’re going to protect our have that authority when it comes to the Ag- United States Constitution, and at the same ricultural Department but not that authority time, we’re going to follow every lead. That’s in the time of war when it comes to the De- our most solemn duty. partment of Homeland Security. This is a big And that’s why I asked the United States issue in this campaign. There’s no question Congress to join me in the creation of a De- where Norm Coleman will stand. He will partment of Homeland Security. This is an stand with making sure that this President important issue. It’s an important issue, and and future Presidents—[applause]. it’s important we get it right. You see, this Let me give you an example of what I’m is an issue that is going to be—that is going talking about, so we can clarify this issue, so to haunt us, if we get it wrong, long after people understand why I’m being reason- I’m the President. Presidents will be dealing able. The Customs Department wanted the with the homeland security for a while. So Customs agents to be able to carry a radio- Congress must make sure their Department logical detection device on their belt. Just in works and functions well, so this President case somebody was trying to bring some and future Presidents can stand up in Roch- weapon of mass destruction in, it made sense ester, Minnesota, and say, ‘‘We’re doing ev- to have these people wearing these devices. erything in our power to protect you. We’re The union head said, ‘‘Uh-uh, that must be doing everything we can.’’ voluntary. It can’t be mandatory, and there- There’s over 100 agencies in Washington fore we must have a collective bargaining ses- that have something to do with the home- sion which could take months to resolve land, so I thought it made sense to put them whether or not our Customs agents should all under one, so that if the number one pri- be wearing radiological detection devices.’’ ority is to protect the homeland, it becomes That doesn’t make any sense. You cannot the priorities of all those scattered agencies. allow a President to have work rules bind That way we’re able to focus the attention him in a time of national concern. The enemy and, if need be, change the culture of agen- moves fast, and so should we. We need to cies and people who are—whose job it is to have the flexibility to make this work. protect you. But the best way to secure our homeland And so the House of Representatives is to chase these killers down one person at acted, and they passed a good bill, a bill I a time and bring them to justice. I know the can live with. But it’s stuck in the Senate. enemy, and therapy isn’t going to work. They can’t get it out of the Senate, and let [Laughter] I don’t know what was going me tell you why. They said, ‘‘Well, you can through their mind when they hit us. They have the homeland defense bill, but there probably thought America was so self-ab- is a price.’’ They wanted to extract a price sorbed, so materialistic, so incredibly selfish from me. And I say, ‘‘Well, what is that that after September 11th, 2001, we’d kind price?’’ Let me tell you what it is, and I think of shudder and maybe file a lawsuit or two. you’ll share—you’ll understand the reason I [Laughter] They met a different America. said no. They met America—an America that under- Every President since John F. Kennedy stands we have a duty. We have a duty to has the authority to act in the interests of defend freedom. We have a duty to defend national security. In other words, every Presi- our fellow citizens. We have a duty to make 1808 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 sure our children grow up in a free and we owe it to their loved ones to make sure peaceful society. they’ve got the best pay, the best training, We’re making progress on this different and the best possible equipment. kind of war. In the old days, you could meas- And the second reason is, it’s an important ure progress based upon the amount of tanks message to friend and foe alike that when you destroyed or boats you sunk or airplanes it comes to the defense of our freedom, there that don’t fly for the enemy. You could meas- is no calendar that says, you’ve got—we’re ure progress. You could see lines of infantry quitting. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. going across, you know, different countries It just doesn’t matter how long it takes. How- and say, ‘‘Gosh, we’re making progress. ever long it takes, this country of ours will We’re pushing the enemy back.’’ stay the course. We will stay the course to These people that we fight hide in caves, protect America, and we will stay the course send youngsters to their suicidal deaths. to promote the peace. They’re coldblooded killers. They don’t value You see, the enemy hit us. They didn’t life like we do. See, we believe every life mat- ters; every life is precious; everybody has know who they were hitting. They didn’t un- worth. And they don’t. And I must constantly derstand that out of the evil done to America remind our friends and allies of the stakes. can come some incredible good, because And the stakes are high. That’s why the doc- we’re a great nation. And one of the goods— trine that says, ‘‘Either you’re with us, or and part of that good, part of that good is you’re with the enemy,’’ still stands. That to achieve peace. If we’re tough—and we’ll doctrine that says, ‘‘Either you’re joining the be tough—if we speak plainly about terror— United States in our quest for freedom and which we’ll do—if we stay the course and peace, or you’re with the other team,’’ it’s remain strong, I believe that we can achieve still a viable doctrine. peace. I truly believe it. I believe peace— A lot of people still hear the message, and we can achieve peace for ourselves. I believe we’re after them. The other day a guy named we can achieve peace in parts of the world Abu Sayyaf—I mean bin al-Shibh, he popped that have quit on peace. I believe peace is his head up. He’s no longer a threat to Amer- possible in the Middle East. I believe peace ica and our friends. It is a significant, signifi- is possible in South Asia. cant capture because he was the person that No, the United States can lead a coalition wanted to be the 20th hijacker. And he was toward peace. I want you to know, that’s my still on the loose, and he was still plotting vision, and that’s my hope, and that’s what to hurt America. We’ve captured—or hauled I believe is going to happen. in, however you want to put it—a couple of And as we work hard, as we work hard thousand. A like number weren’t quite so with Senator Coleman to make sure the lucky. country is stronger and safer, we must always So we’re making progress, slowly but sure- remember that we’ve got to work to make ly making—and sometimes you’ll see the the country better, a better place. We can progress on you TVs, and sometimes you do that through good education policy, good won’t. You’ve just got to know that we’ve got a fantastic United States military and a strong health policy. alliance, a fantastic military and a strong alli- But the truth of the matter is, the best ance that is on course. And when we find way to make sure America addresses some them lighting somewhere, we get them on of our deepest problems is to remember that the run, and we’re going to keep them on if you want to do some good in the face of the run until we whip terror once and for evil, love your neighbor like you’d like to be all. loved yourself. In our country, it’s important I asked the Congress for a significant in- to remember, amongst the plenty, there are crease in defense spending for two reasons. people who hurt, people who are addicted, It’s important for you to know this. I strongly people who need love, people who are hope- believe that anytime we put one of our troops less. And we can solve that problem, too. We into harm’s way, we owe it to the troops and can solve that problem. Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 1809

You can help solve that problem by putting ond, Fourth, and Seventh Congressional Districts, your arm around somebody in need and say- respectively; and President Saddam Hussein of ing, ‘‘I love you.’’ You can solve that problem Iraq. by mentoring a child. I saw the Scouts when I walked in. You can solve that problem by running a Boy Scout troop or a Girl Scout troop. You can solve that problem by going Digest of Other to your church or synagogue or mosque and listen to the call of the Almighty and feed White House Announcements the hungry and house the homeless. That’s how we can solve the problems of The following list includes the President’s public America. Government can hand out money, schedule and other items of general interest an- but Government can’t put hope in people’s nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and hearts or a sense of purpose in people’s lives. not included elsewhere in this issue. That’s done when a fellow American under- stands there’s a new patriotism in this coun- try. It’s more than just putting your hand over October 13 your heart. The new patriotism calls upon In the evening, the President had a tele- each of us to be that one person helping to phone conversation with Prime Minister change America, one heart, one soul, one John Howard of Australia to express his sym- conscience at a time. pathy for the families of victims of the Octo- Today when I landed here in Rochester, ber 12 terrorist attack in Bali. I met a young fellow at the airport named Nick Reichel. Nick, where are you? Stand October 14 up. Fifteen years old, right? He doesn’t look In the morning, the President had intel- it. [Laughter] I’ll tell you about Nick. See, ligence and FBI briefings. He also had a tele- he’s heard the call. It didn’t require any law phone conversation with Prime Minister passed. This young fellow has already volun- Tony Blair of the United Kingdom to discuss teered 400 hours of community service, 400 the situation in Northern Ireland and co- hours as a part of the army of compassion, operation against terrorism. to help make his community as good a place In the afternoon, the President traveled to as it can be. Waterford, MI, where, upon arrival at Oak- No, there’s no question in my mind, out land County International Airport, he met of the evil done to America is going to come with volunteer Lenwood ‘‘Lenny’’ Compton, some incredible good. I hope you can sense Jr. Later, he traveled to Dearborn, MI, my optimism for our future. I hope you can where he attended a Michigan Victory 2002 see I see a brighter day for all of us, a day reception at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. of peace, and a day in which the great prom- In the evening, the President returned to ise of America shines its light into every cor- Washington, DC. ner in this country, the day in which we can proudly say that the American Dream is vivid October 15 and bright for every person who lives in my In the morning, the President had intel- country. I feel optimistic about it, because ligence and FBI briefings and then met with I know America. I know America to be the the National Security Council. greatest country, full of the finest people on the face of the Earth. October 16 Thank you for coming today. May God The President announced his intention to bless you all, and may God bless America. nominate Mary Carlin Yates to be Ambas- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. in the sador to Ghana. fieldhouse. In his remarks, he referred to Don The President announced his intention to Supalla, president, Rochester Community and nominate Blanquita Walsh Cullum to be a Technical College; John Kline, Clyde Billington, member of the Broadcasting Board of Gov- and Dan Stevens, candidates for Minnesota’s Sec- ernors. 1810 Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

October 17 Submitted October 16 In the morning, the President had a tele- Blanquita Walsh Cullum, phone conversation with President Megawati of Virginia, to be a member of the Broad- Sukarnoputri of Indonesia to express his con- casting Board of Governors for a term expir- dolences concerning the October 12 terrorist ing August 13, 2005, vice Cheryl F. Halpern, attack in Bali. He then had intelligence and term expired. FBI briefings. Later in the morning, the President trav- Feliciano Foyo, eled to Atlanta, GA, where, upon arrival at of Florida, to be a member of the Advisory Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, he Board for Cuba Broadcasting for a term ex- met with volunteer Jill Sieder, founder and piring August 12, 2004, vice Jorge L. Mas. coordinator of the East Atlanta Kids Club. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Mary Carlin Yates, New Smyrna Beach, FL, where he partici- of Oregon, a career member of the Senior pated in a roundtable discussion on edu- Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, cation at Read-Pattillo Elementary School. to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Later, he traveled to Daytona Beach, FL, potentiary of the United States of America where he attended a Florida Victory 2002 to the Republic of Ghana. reception at a private residence. Submitted October 17 In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. Barry C. Barish, The White House announced that the of California, to be a member of the National President will welcome President Gonzalo Science Board, National Science Founda- Sanchez de Lozada of Bolivia to the White tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice House on November 14. Eamon M. Kelly, term expired. The President announced his intention to nominate the following individuals to be Steven C. Beering, members of the National Science Board, Na- of Indiana, to be a member of the National tional Science Foundation: Ray M. Bowen, Science Board, National Science Founda- Jo Anne Vasquez, Steven C. Beering, Barry tion, for the remainder of the term expiring C. Barish, Daniel E. Hastings, Kenneth M. May 10, 2004, vice Chang-Lin Tien, re- Ford, Delores M. Etter, and Douglas D. signed. Randall. Ray M. Bowen, of Texas, to be a member of the National October 18 Science Board, National Science Founda- In the morning, the President had intel- tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice ligence briefings. Later, he traveled to Vera C. Rubin, term expired. Springfield, MO, and then to Rochester, MN. In the afternoon, he traveled to Camp Delores M. Etter, David, MD. of Maryland, to be member of the National Science Board, National Science Founda- tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice John A. Armstrong, term expired. Nominations Kenneth M. Ford, Submitted to the Senate of Florida, to be a member of the National Science Board, National Science Founda- tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice The following list does not include promotions of M.R.C. Greenwood, term expired. members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Daniel E. Hastings, eign Service officers. of Massachusetts, to be a member of the Na- tional Science Board, National Science Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 1811

Foundation, for a term expiring May 10, Statement by the Press Secretary on the 2008, vice Bob H. Suzuki, term expired. Israeli economy Douglas D. Randall, Statement by the Press Secretary announcing of Missouri, to be a member of the National that the President signed H.R. 3214 and Science Board, National Science Founda- H.R. 3838 tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice Richard A. Tapia, term expired. Released October 17 Jo Anne Vasquez, Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press of Arizona, to be a member of the National Secretary Scott McClellan Science Board, National Science Founda- Statement by the Press Secretary: President tion, for a term expiring May 10, 2008, vice Sanchez de Lozada of Bolivia To Visit Wash- Mary K. Gaillard, term expired. ington Withdrawn October 17 Released October 18 Peter Marzio, Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- of Texas, to be a member of the National retary Ari Fleischer Museum Services Board for a term expiring December 6, 2006, vice Ruth Y. Tamura, Statement by the Press Secretary announcing term expired, which was sent to the Senate that the President signed H.J. Res. 123 on September 4, 2002.

Acts Approved Checklist by the President of White House Press Releases Approved October 16 The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as H.R. 3214 / Public Law 107–241 items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements. To amend the charter of the AMVETS orga- nization Released October 14 H.R. 3838 / Public Law 107–242 Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press To amend the charter of the Veterans of For- Secretary Scott McClellan eign Wars of the United States organization to make members of the armed forces who Released October 15 receive special pay for duty subject to hostile Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- fire or imminent danger eligible for member- retary Ari Fleischer ship in the organization, and for other pur- poses Transcript of remarks by Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge in a press availability H.J. Res. 114 / Public Law 107–243 Fact sheet: White House Conference on Mi- Authorization for Use of Military Force nority Homeownership Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 Text of a Letter From the President’s Cabi- net to Senate Leaders Approved October 18 Released October 16 H.J. Res. 123 / Public Law 107–244 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Making further continuing appropriations for retary Ari Fleischer the fiscal year 2003, and for other purposes