Oct. 15 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003

Statement on Japan’s Announcement of Reconstruction Aid to Iraq October 15, 2003

I welcome Japan’s announcement that it tion to help a great people build democracy will provide $1.5 billion toward immediate and prosperity and become a beacon of reconstruction needs in Iraq. I applaud this freedom that inspires all nations. bold step, which will help mobilize inter- I also commend Japan’s announcement national support for efforts to build a sta- that it is working on a larger aid package ble, peaceful, and democratic Iraq. Japan in preparation for the October 23–24 Ma- recognizes that this effort is critical to secu- drid Donor’s Conference. We look forward rity and peace not only in Iraq and the to working with Japan and other countries Middle East but also for Japan and to make the Madrid Conference a success throughout the world. Japan’s own history for the people of Iraq. shows the power of international coopera-

Statement on the Terrorist Attack on Americans in the Gaza Strip October 15, 2003

I condemn in the strongest terms the The Americans who were attacked today vicious act of terrorism directed against were pursuing a vision for a better future Americans in Gaza today. We are working for the Palestinian people. The U.S. Em- closely with the appropriate officials to bassy officials traveling in Gaza were there bring the terrorists to justice. to interview young Palestinian candidates Palestinian authorities should have acted seeking Fulbright scholarships to study in long ago to fight terror in all its forms. the United States. This is another example The failure to create effective Palestinian of how the terrorists are enemies of security forces dedicated to fighting terror progress and opportunity for the Palestinian continues to cost lives. There must be an people. empowered Prime Minister who controls all On behalf of the American people, I Palestinian security forces, reforms that send my heartfelt condolences to the fami- continue to be blocked by Yasser Arafat. The failure to undertake these reforms and lies of the brave Americans who were killed dismantle the terrorist organizations con- and injured serving our country and its stitutes the greatest obstacle to achieving ideals. the Palestinian people’s dream of statehood.

Remarks at a Bush-Cheney Reception in Riverside, October 15, 2003

Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s nice friendship, and thank you for your strong to be back in Riverside, California. I appre- support. I’m proud to have it. ciate your hospitality. I appreciate your I understand there’s been a couple of changes here in California since I was last

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time here. And tomorrow at the Mission this district—I appreciate you, Ken—and Inn, I have the opportunity to congratulate Congresswoman Mary Bono from the great the Governor-elect of the great State of State of California. Thank you, Mary. California, and I’m looking forward to it. I want to thank my friend Jim Brulte I’ll tell you what we’re doing here to- for being here today. I told him if he gets night. We’re laying the foundation for what any skinnier, he’s going to end up in a is going to be a great national victory in Subway ad. [Laughter] But I appreciate his 2004. And I appreciate you being on the leadership. He’s a great minority leader of team and want to tell you that I’m going the State senate, the cochairman of this to continue to count on your support when event. I also thank State Senator Dennis you go to your houses of worship or your Hollingsworth who is here. I appreciate you community centers or your coffee shops, coming, Senator. Jim Battin is here, an- and you tell the people who haven’t made other State senator. I appreciate you com- up their mind yet that this administration ing, Jim. Thank you. Ray Haynes, another will continue to work for what’s right and State senator, is here. Pretty soon we’re best for every single American. going to get the whole State senate here. The political season is going to come in [Laughter] Bonnie Garcia is a State its own time. I am kind of loosening up— assemblywoman. Russ Bogh is here with [laughter]—and getting ready. But I’ve got us. Thank you, Russ, for coming. I’m hon- a job to do. I’m focused on the people’s ored you’re here. Bob Dutton, John Benoit, business, and there’s a lot on the agenda members of the statehouse. I want to thank in Washington, DC. I will continue to work all the local officials who are here, the su- hard to earn the confidence of all Ameri- pervisors and the mayors and—so honored cans by keeping this Nation strong and se- you all are here. I appreciate the folks who cure and prosperous and free. have worked so hard to make this such My one regret is that Laura isn’t with a successful event. me tonight. That’s your regret too, I know. I particularly want to thank my friend [Laughter] You kind of got the short straw. Brad Freeman and Gerry Parsky—my [Laughter] She was in the Dominican Re- friends Brad Freeman and Gerry Parsky, public today and is flying out. Tomorrow who have been the leaders in this State we’ll meet at March Air Force Base, and for my campaign. As well I want to thank then we’re on a very exciting journey to my friend Mercer Reynolds from Cin- Asia. I’m proud that she’s going to be on cinnati, Ohio, who is the Bush-Cheney na- my side. I’m going to get a few pointers tional finance chairman. He’s taken a lot from her about diplomacy. [Laughter] You of time out of his life to make sure this might remember that she recently took a campaign of ours is well-funded. It seems trip to France. [Laughter] You probably like he’s doing a pretty darn good job. saw the picture of her visit there. [Laugh- But most of all, thanks to you all again ter] I went to France. [Laughter] The peo- for being here. ple were nice to me, but I certainly wasn’t You know, in the last 21⁄2 years, our Na- treated that well by Jacques Chirac. tion has acted decisively to confront great [Laughter] Laura is great. I’m really lucky challenges. I came to this office to solve that she’s my wife. She’s a great First Lady problems, not to pass them on to future for our country. Presidents and future generations. I came I appreciate very much two Members of to seize opportunities instead of letting the United States Congress coming today. them slip away. This administration is I know they flew out for this event. They’re meeting the tests of our time. leaving in the morning for votes tomorrow, Terrorists declared war on the United and that’s Congressman from States of America, and war is what they

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got. We have captured or killed many key strong for the entrepreneur. We want the leaders of the Al Qaida network, and the people of America working. rest of them know we’re on their trail. In Two-and-a-half years ago, there was a lot Afghanistan and in Iraq, we gave ulti- of talk about education reform, but there matums to terror regimes. Those regimes wasn’t much action. So I acted. I called chose defiance, and those regimes are no for and the Congress passed the No Child more. Fifty million people in those two Left Behind Act. With a solid bipartisan countries once lived under tyranny, and majority, we delivered the most dramatic today they live in freedom. education reforms in a generation. See, Two-and-a-half years ago, our military we’re bringing high standards to public was not receiving the resources it needed, schools all across America. And we’re going and morale was beginning to suffer. And to have strong accountability measures to so we increased the defense budget to pre- make sure that those standards are met. pare for the threats of a new era. And In return for Federal money, we’re now today, no one in the world can question saying to the public schools, ‘‘Show us the skill and the strength and the spirit whether our children can read and write of the United States military. and add and subtract. We believe they can. Two-and-a-half years ago, we inherited You show us if you’re teaching them how to do so.’’ You see, we’re challenging the an economy in recession. And then our soft bigotry of low expectations. We believe country was attacked, and we had scandals every child can learn. We expect every in corporate America, and our Nation school to teach so that not one single child marched to war, all of which affected the is left behind. people’s confidence. But we acted. We We reorganized the Government and passed tough new laws to hold corporate created the Department of Homeland Se- criminals to account. And to get the econ- curity to better safeguard our borders and omy going again, I have twice led the better safeguard the American people. We United States Congress to pass historic tax passed trade promotion authority to open relief for the American people. up markets for California’s farmers and Here is what we believe and what I ranchers and entrepreneurs. We passed know, that when Americans have more budget agreements that is helping to main- take-home pay to spend, to save, or invest, tain much needed spending discipline in the whole economy grows, and people are Washington, DC. On issue after issue, this more likely to find a job. We also know administration has acted on principle. We whose money we spend in Washington. It have kept our word, and we have made is not the Government’s money; it is the progress for the American people. people’s money. And the Congress deserves a lot of credit With all these actions, we are laying the for the success we’ve had. It’s a great pleas- foundation for greater prosperity and more ure to work with Speaker Denny Hastert jobs across our country, so that every single and majority leader Bill Frist. We’re work- person in America has a chance to realize ing hard to try to change the tone in Wash- the American Dream. We’re returning ington, DC, by focusing on results, not pol- more money to people. We’re helping them itics. We want to do what’s right for the raise their families. We’ve reduced capital American people. By the way, those are gains taxes and dividends. We’re helping the kind of people I’ve called to service small businesses. When I hear that some- in my administration. I have put together one is looking for a job who wants to work a superb team of Americans from all walks and can’t find that job, we will continue of life to serve in the administration. Our to work to create an environment that is Nation has had no finer Vice President than

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Dick Cheney. Mother may have a second do not threaten the world with weapons opinion. [Laughter] of mass terror. Americans believe that free- In 21⁄2 years, we have done a lot. We dom is the deepest need and hope of every have come far, but our work is only begin- heart. And I believe that freedom is the ning. I have set great goals worthy of a right of every person. And I believe that great nation. First, America is committed freedom is the future of every nation. to expanding the realm of freedom and America also understands that unprece- peace for our own security and for the ben- dented influence brings tremendous re- efit of the world. And second, in our coun- sponsibilities. We have duties in this world, try, we must work for a society of pros- and when we see disease and starvation perity and compassion, so that every citizen and hopeless poverty, we will not turn has a chance to work and succeed and real- away. On the continent of Africa, America ize the great promise of our country. is now committed to bringing the healing It is clear that the future of freedom power of medicine to millions of men and and peace depend on the actions of Amer- women and children suffering with AIDS. ica. This Nation is freedom’s home and This great Nation is taking the lead. We’re freedom’s defender. We welcome this leading the world in this incredibly impor- charge of history, and we are keeping it. tant work of human rescue. Our war on terror continues. The enemies We face challenges here at home as well. of freedom are not idle, and neither are I talked about our need to make sure we we. This country will not rest; we will not continue to create the conditions for eco- tire; and we will not stop until this danger nomic growth and vitality, so people can to civilization is removed. find work. As well we have a duty to keep We are confronting that danger in Iraq, our commitment to America’s seniors by where Saddam holdouts and foreign terror- strengthening and modernizing Medicare. ists are desperately trying to throw Iraq Congress took historic action. For the first into chaos by attacking coalition forces and time since the creation of Medicare, the aid workers and innocent Iraqis. They know House and the Senate passed reforms to that the advance of freedom in Iraq will increase choices for our seniors and to pro- be a major defeat for the cause of terror. vide coverage of prescription drugs. The This collection of killers is trying to shake next step is for both Houses to iron out the will of the United States of America. their differences and to get the bill to my We will not be intimidated. desk. The sooner that Congress finishes the We are aggressively striking at terrorists job, the sooner American seniors will get in Iraq, defeating them there so we will the health care they deserve. not have to face them in our own cities. And for the sake of our health care sys- We’re calling other nations to help Iraq tem, we need to cut down on the frivolous to build a free country, which will make lawsuits which increase the cost of medi- all of us more secure. And we’re standing cine. People who have been harmed by with the Iraqi people as they assume more a bad doc deserve their day in court. Yet of their own defense and move toward self- the system should not reward lawyers who government. These aren’t easy tasks, but are simply fishing for a rich settlement. Be- they are essential tasks. We will finish what cause frivolous lawsuits drive up the cost we have begun, and we will win this essen- of health care, they affect the Federal tial victory in the war on terror. budget. Medical liability reform is a na- Our greatest security comes from the ad- tional issue which requires a national solu- vance of human liberty, because free na- tion. The House of Representatives passed tions do not support terror. Free nations a good bill to reform the system. The bill do not attack their neighbors. Free nations is stuck in the Senate. The Senate must

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act, and those Senators holding up the bill A compassionate society must promote must understand that no one has ever been opportunity for all, including the independ- healed by a frivolous lawsuit in America. ence and dignity that come from owner- I have a duty as President to make sure ship. This administration will constantly the judicial system runs well, and I have strive to promote an ownership society in met that duty. I have nominated superb America. We want more people to own men and women for our Federal courts, their homes. We have a minority home- people who will interpret the law, not legis- ownership gap in America, and today in late from the bench. Some Members of Fresno, I discussed ways to narrow that the Senate are trying to keep my nominees gap. off the bench by blocking up-or-down We want people to own and manage votes. Every judicial nominee deserves a their own health care plan. We want more fair hearing and an up-or-down vote on the people to own and manage their own re- floor of the Senate. It is time for some tirement accounts. We want more people Members of the United States Senate to to own their own small business. You see, stop playing politics with American justice. this administration understands that when This country needs a comprehensive en- a person owns something, he or she has ergy plan, and the Congress needs to act. a vital stake in the future of our country. This Nation must promote energy effi- In a compassionate society, people re- ciency and conservation. We must use tech- spect one another and take responsibility nologies to help us find energy in an envi- for the decisions they make. We’re chang- ronmentally sensitive way. But for the sake ing the culture of America from one that of economic security and for the sake of national security, we must become less de- has said, ‘‘If it feels good, just go ahead pendent on foreign sources of energy. and do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve got a problem, A strong and prosperous nation must also blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in be a compassionate nation. I will continue which each of us understands we’re respon- to advance our agenda of compassionate sible for the decisions we make in life. conservatism by applying the best and most If you are fortunate enough to be a mom innovative ideas to the task of helping our or a dad, you’re responsible for loving your fellow citizens in need. Congress should child with all your heart. If you’re worried complete the ‘‘Citizen Service Act,’’ so about the quality of education in the com- more Americans can serve their commu- munity in which you live, you’re responsible nities and their countries. for doing something about it. If you’re a Both Houses should reach agreement on CEO in corporate America, you’re respon- the Faith-Based Initiative to support the sible for telling the truth to your employees armies of compassion that are mentoring and your shareholders. And in the new re- children and caring for the homeless and sponsibility society, each of us is respon- offering hope to the addicted. This Nation sible for loving our neighbor just like we’d is a great nation because we believe in wor- like to be loved ourselves. shiping freely. This Nation should not fear We see the culture of service and re- faith and providing the compassionate help sponsibility growing around us here in our to people who hurt. We should welcome country. I started what we call the USA help from the Christian community and the Freedom Corps to encourage Americans to Jewish community and the Muslim commu- extend a compassionate hand to a neighbor nity, the Hindu community, to help people in need, and the response has been strong, find help they need. Love comes from just like the response has been strong for houses of worship. This Government ought charities all across our country and just like to welcome the Faith-Based Initiative. the response has been strong in our faith-

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based institutions. Policemen and fire- to every corner of America. This is the fighters and people who wear our Nation’s work that history has set before us. We uniform are reminding us what it means welcome it. And we know that for our to sacrifice for something greater than country and for our cause, the best days yourself. Once again, the children of Amer- lie ahead. ica believe in heroes, because they see May God bless you all. Thank you very them every day. much. In these challenging times, the world has seen the resolve and the courage of Amer- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:05 p.m. at ica. And I have been privileged to see the the Riverside Convention Center. In his re- compassion and the character of the Amer- marks, he referred to Governor-elect Arnold ican people. All the tests of the last 21⁄2 Schwarzenegger of California; President years have come to the right nation. We’re Jacques Chirac of France; Ray Haynes and a strong country, and we use that strength Russ Bogh, California State assemblymen; to defend the peace. We’re an optimistic Brad Freeman, California State finance country, confident in ourselves and in ideals chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; Gerald L. bigger than ourselves. Parsky, chairman, Team California, Cali- Abroad, we seek to lift whole nations fornia Republican Party Board of Directors; by spreading freedom. At home, we seek and former President Saddam Hussein of to lift up lives by spreading opportunity Iraq.

Interview With Asian Print Journalists October 14, 2003

The President. I’ll make an opening state- have taken innocent life, from happening ment. We’ll go around and see how many again. That’s really our call. And I go with times we can make it around. a strong determination to continue to work First, I’m really looking forward to this with the leaders and to fight terror. And trip. It is a long trip, and it is an important it’s very important for them to look at me trip. It is a chance for me to say thanks and listen to me, because my determination to a lot of nations for cooperating with is just as strong today as it was on Sep- America, for being friends with America, tember the 12th, 2001. for working with America to achieve com- Secondly, I’m looking forward to talking mon objectives. It’s a chance to strengthen about economic matters. I will tell our alliances, longstanding alliances. Alliances friends that things are looking up for the are important, an important part of our for- U.S. economy but that there’s more work eign policy. Together we can accomplish to be done. And one of the key compo- a lot of important objectives—no more im- nents of economic growth in America and portant objective than continuing to fight job creation here, as well as job creation terror. with our friends, is a trade policy that It’s going to be an important part of my opens markets and at the same time recog- discussions with each leader, to renew our nizes that what we call a level playing field efforts to find those who would kill inno- is prevalent, that trade must be free and cent people and bring them to justice, dis- it must, at the same time, be a fair policy, rupt cells, cut off financing, prevent the that people on both sides of any trade catastrophes that have taken place, that equation ought to be treated fairly.

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