Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, February 17, 2003 Volume 39—Number 7 Pages 175–211 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress—Continued See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Frontier Airlines, letter transmitting subsidy Congressional leaders, meeting—187 budget request—195 Florida Iraq, letter transmitting report—204 Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville—200 Small-business owners in Jacksonville—196 Communications to Federal Agencies Improving counterterrorism intelligence—204 Designation of Officers of the Department of Judicial nominee Miguel A. Estrada—187 Veterans Affairs To Act as Secretary of Radio address—175 Veterans Affairs, memorandum—195 Tennessee, National Religious Broadcasters Interagency Working Group on Assistive Convention in Nashville—179 Technology Mobility Devices, Virginia, small investors in Alexandria—188 memorandum—193 West Virginia, ‘‘Congress of Tomorrow’’ To Authorize a Drawdown for Afghanistan Republican retreat reception in White and Jordan, memorandum—204 Sulphur Springs—176 Interviews With the News Media Communications to Congress Exchange with reporters in the Oval Office— Amendments to the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries 184 Between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of Letters and Messages the United States of America, with Eid al-Adha, message—186 Annexes, message transmitting—187 Chemical Weapons Convention, message Meetings With Foreign Leaders reporting certification—195 Australia, Prime Minister Howard—184

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on February 14, 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. Contents—Continued

Statements by the President Statements by the President—Continued Colombia, terrorist attack—176 National Strategy for Combating Terrorism— Congress 207 Congressional action on 2003 appropriations National Strategy To Secure Cyberspace and legislation—203 the National Strategy for the Physical House of Representatives action on welfare Protection of Critical Infrastructures and reform legislation—203 Key Assets—208 Senate action on the nomination of Miguel A. Estrada to be U.S. Circuit Judge for Supplementary Materials the District of Columbia Circuit—187 Senate confirmation of William Donaldson Acts approved by the President—211 as Chairman of the Securities and Checklist of White House press releases—211 Exchange Commission—203 Digest of other White House Greenhouse gas emissions, initiatives to announcements—208 reduce—192 Nominations submitted to the Senate—209 Week Ending Friday, February 14, 2003

The President’s Radio Address standing, direct, and continuing ties to ter- February 8, 2003 rorist networks. Senior members of Iraqi in- telligence and Al Qaida have met at least 8 Good morning. On Wednesday, Secretary times since the early 1990s. Iraq has sent of State Powell briefed the United Nations bomb-making and document forgery experts Security Council on Iraq’s illegal weapons to work with Al Qaida. Iraq has also provided programs, its attempts to hide those weap- Al Qaida with chemical and biological weap- ons, and its links to terrorist groups. ons training. And an Al Qaida operative was The Iraqi regime’s violations of Security sent to Iraq several times in the late 1990s Council resolutions are evident. They are for help in acquiring poisons and gases. dangerous to America and the world, and We also know that Iraq is harboring a ter- they continue to this hour. rorist network headed by a senior Al Qaida The regime has never accounted for a vast terrorist planner. This network runs a poison arsenal of deadly biological and chemical and explosives training camp in northeast weapons. To the contrary, the regime is pur- Iraq, and many of its leaders are known to suing an elaborate campaign to conceal its be in Baghdad. weapons materials and to hide or intimidate This is the situation as we find it: 12 years key experts and scientists. This effort of de- after Saddam Hussein agreed to disarm and ception is directed from the highest levels more than 90 days after the Security Council of the Iraqi regime, including Saddam Hus- sein, his son, Iraq’s Vice President, and the passed Resolution 1441 by a unanimous vote, very official responsible for cooperating with Saddam Hussein was required to make a full inspectors. declaration of his weapons programs. He has The Iraqi regime has actively and secretly not done so. Saddam Hussein was required attempted to obtain equipment needed to to fully cooperate in the disarmament of his produce chemical, biological, and nuclear regime. He has not done so. Saddam Hussein weapons. Firsthand witnesses have informed was given a final chance. He is throwing away us that Iraq has at least seven mobile fac- that chance. tories for the production of biological agents, Having made its demands, the Security equipment mounted on trucks and rails to Council must not back down when those de- evade discovery. mands are defied and mocked by a dictator. The Iraqi regime has acquired and tested The United States would welcome and sup- the means to deliver weapons of mass de- port a new resolution making clear that the struction. It has never accounted for thou- Security Council stands behinds its previous sands of bombs and shells capable of deliv- demands. Yet, resolutions mean little without ering chemical weapons. It is actively pur- resolve, and the United States, along with a suing components for prohibited ballistic growing coalition of nations, will take what- missiles. And we have sources that tell us that ever action is necessary to defend ourselves Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi and disarm the Iraqi regime. field commanders to use chemical weapons, Thank you for listening. the very weapons the dictator tells us he does not have. One of the greatest dangers we face is that NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:15 a.m. on weapons of mass destruction might be passed February 7 in the Cabinet Room at the White to terrorists who would not hesitate to use House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February those weapons. Saddam Hussein has long- 8. The transcript was made available by the Office 175

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of the Press Secretary on February 7 but was em- So on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you bargoed for release until the broadcast. In his re- all very much for the sacrifices you make. marks, the President referred to President Sad- I want to thank the Speaker and I want dam Hussein of Iraq and his son, Qusay; and Vice to thank Senator Frist for their leadership. President Taha Yasin Ramadan and presidential I’m confident in their abilities. I know we adviser Lt. Gen. Amir Al-Saadi of Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- can work together. And I’m proud to call guage transcript of this address. them friends. I want to thank DeLay for serv- ing in the capacity he does. He brings a lot of Texas wisdom into the House of Rep- Statement on the Terrorist Attack in resentatives. [Laughter] Texas tough, and I’m Colombia proud to call him friend as well. I’ve known Tom a long time, and I’m confident by work- February 8, 2003 ing together we can get a lot done. Last night, terrorists attacked a nightclub I want to thank Santorum—Rick in Bogota, Colombia. The latest reports are Santorum, that is—and I want to thank that 25 innocent men and women were killed Deborah for putting on this event. Where and more than 150 wounded. are you, Santorum? There you are. I know it’s not easy to herd cats. It’s a lot easier when On behalf of the United States, I condemn you do it in a beautiful place like the this barbaric act of terrorism. I offer our Greenbrier though. [Laughter] deepest condolences to the Colombian fami- I want to thank Roy Blunt for being a good lies and friends of all who were murdered. vote counter, and we’re counting on you to We also hope and pray for the quick recovery count. And I appreciate—and Jon Kyl. Thank of those that were injured. you, Jon, I’m honored you’re up here with I extend to President Uribe and the people us today. of Colombia our deepest sympathy for this So we’ve got some big challenges facing horrible tragedy. us. I don’t exaggerate when I say this is a We stand with the Colombian people in significant year for our country. I truly be- their fight against narcoterrorists who threat- lieve that. My attitude, it doesn’t matter how en their democratic way of life. high the hurdle is; we’ll cross it. It doesn’t We will offer all appropriate assistance to matter how big the obstacle is; we’ll deal with the Colombian Government in bringing to it, because we represent the greatest country justice the murderers responsible for this act. on the face of the Earth. I know there’s a lot of people paying atten- Remarks at the ‘‘Congress of tion to what’s happening overseas, and so am Tomorrow’’ Republican Retreat I. But I want to begin by reminding us that we’ve got a domestic agenda that is positive Reception in White Sulphur Springs, and strong and hopeful and optimistic. West Virginia We believe strongly that if somebody is February 9, 2003 looking for work and can’t find a job, then we’ve got to do everything we can to grow Thank you. Please be seated. Nothing like our economy. Our whole philosophy is based about an hour’s speech for a Sunday lunch— upon growth of the economy. We equate jobs [laughter]—trying to loosen up my vocal and growth. And we know the role of Gov- cords for the week. ernment is not to create wealth but an envi- Thanks for having me. And thanks for serv- ronment in which the entrepreneurial spirit ing our country. First, I want to tell the fam- flourishes, in which small businesses can ily members who are here, I appreciate your grow to be big businesses. sacrifice. I know it’s hard to leave a district And that is why I am passionate about my and a State that you love. I know your spouse plan to give people more money. The more is working incredibly long hours, and I want money they have in their pockets, the more you to know that I feel that you’re just as likely it is that somebody will find work. It an important part of your spouse’s mission. is also important for us never to forget that

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we represent the entrepreneurs of America ration. We need a Clear Skies legislation so and that when you reduce the individual in- that we can say our party has led to reason- come-tax rates, you’re putting money into the able, sane environmental policy. And we pockets of the sole proprietorship or the lim- need a forest policy in America, a Healthy ited partnership or the subchapter S. The tax Forest Initiative which enables us to main- reduction plan that I want you to pass and tain the vast treasures, particularly of forest I want to sign will put more money into the land in the West, and at the same time be pockets of the entrepreneurs of America, wise about how we clear underbrush so that which is good for those who are looking for we don’t encourage forest fires that—some work. of the devastating forest fires that took place We’ve already passed it once. We had a in the West this year. pretty good battle. I see some of the soldiers I look forward to working with the Senate in the tax cut fight of 2001 sitting out there. to get my judges confirmed. I have named I repeat what I said earlier: If the tax relief some really honorable people to the bench. is good 2 or 4 or 5 years from now, with I want to thank Senator Hatch and other an economy that is not as strong as we want members of the Senate Judiciary Committee it to be, it is good enough today. Let us get for kind of putting aside all that political— the tax relief plan passed. the politics that so dominated the discourse. And while we’re doing it, it makes sense The first test, of course, is Miguel Estrada. to help our seniors and to make the Tax Code Fabulous story. He’s a great, great jurist— more fair. The double taxation of dividends a lawyer who will be a great jurist. And I is unfair. It is unfair to tax profits and the expect that he be given a fair hearing on the distribution of those profits. And therefore, floor of the Senate. I expect the people of for the sake of capital formation and for the the Senate not to hold him up, not to try sake of the lifestyle of the 10 million seniors to talk his nomination into the ground, be- who receive dividend income, let us end the cause Miguel Estrada not only represents the double taxation of dividends. American Dream but will do us proud on I want to appreciate those who are in- the bench. I want to thank the Senators for volved with appropriations for working hard standing strong for this good nominee. And to get an appropriations bill to my desk as when the vote comes up, this guy is going soon as possible. It would be nice to get the to be confirmed, and America—the bench 2003 issue out of the way, as we start to deal and America will be better for it. with the 2004 budget and appropriations I look forward to working with you on a process. I am serious about holding the line compassion agenda, one that recognizes that on Federal spending. I submitted a budget in our plenty there are people who hurt, to you which sets clear priorities, meets those there are people who need love and compas- priorities, and will enable us to say to the sion, there are people who wonder whether American taxpayer, ‘‘We are wise with your or not the American experience is meant for money.’’ And therefore, I look forward to them. I look forward to working to get the working with you to pass a budget which is Faith-Based Initiative out of the House and realistic and a budget which is responsible. the Senate. I look forward to getting the ‘‘Cit- We will address the Medicare issue in a izen Service Act’’—a reformed ‘‘Citizen Serv- way which enables us to say as a country, ice Act’’ passed as well. ‘‘We’ve fulfilled our promise to senior citi- I’m going to Nashville tomorrow to talk zens.’’ Medicine is becoming modern. Medi- about the compassion agenda. We’ve got a care isn’t, and we have an obligation to the role in Washington, but the biggest role, of future of this country to modernize the course, takes place in the neighborhoods of Medicare system, to fulfill the promise to our country, when people hear the call to thousands of seniors, a system which includes love somebody like they’d like to be loved more choice, more options, and prescription themselves, when people fully understand drugs for the senior citizens of this country. that one person can make a significant dif- We need an energy bill in America, a bill ference in the life of somebody who hurts. which encourages conservation and explo- I’m going to reiterate my call for a mentoring

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initiative, aimed particularly at junior high it comes to fighting terror. First, I thank you students as well as children whose mom or all for your hard work to get us a homeland dad may be in a prison. I’m going to call security bill late last year. We’ll work with for a focus on those who are addicted to the Congress to implement that so that we drugs. Listen, we will work hard to continue can all say that we’re doing everything we to drive the demand for drugs down and can to protect the homeland. We’ve got other interdict supply, but there are sad souls in initiatives. The BioShield initiative is an im- our society who are hooked on drugs. And portant initiative, and we look forward to I look forward to working with the Congress working with the respective committees and, to empower programs which work, particu- of course, the House and the Senate to get larly faith-based programs which work, to that passed. help save Americans one heart, one soul, one The best way to secure the homeland is conscience at a time. to continue to hunt the killers down one at And as we show our compassion here at a time. The best way to deal with the threat home, I feel strongly about our need to show we face is to find them and bring them to our compassion abroad as well. Some of you justice, which is precisely what our military have been to Africa and have seen the suf- is doing right now. We are sharing intel- fering. Some of you know firsthand the sto- ligence the likes of which we’ve never done ries about thousands of abandoned children before. We’re cutting off money. We’ve got who are in orphanages, crowded orphanages, some of our best units chasing these people because their mom or dad—and dad—and/ down, and one by one, we are dismantling or dad have died because of AIDS. Some their network. of you know the startling statistics that the The other day the Italians hauled some in. people of the continent face. It’s a pandemic. The Brits hauled some in. Anytime one of It is destruction of human life, the likes of these people is arrested, whether we do it which the modern world hasn’t seen, and we or not, we’re making progress against the need to do something about it. shadowy killer network of Al Qaida. Slowly In my strong judgment, this Nation needs but surely, we’re bringing them to justice, to stand up and show our compassion when and we’re not quitting until the American a fellow human being suffers. See, if we say people are secure and safe. every life matters, if we believe that every The issue facing our Nation and the world life has worth, that the Almighty God be- is the extension of the war on terror to places lieves in the worth of every individual, if we like Iraq. Prior to September the 11th, there believe that, then it makes sense for us to was apparently no connection between a help save lives when we can. place like Iraq and terror. Oh, sure, he had I want to work with you to get the AIDS run some terrorist networks out of his coun- initiative passed out of the Senate and the try, and that was of concern to us. But it House as quickly as possible. It is a plan that was very difficult to link a terrorist network is a plan of mercy. It’s an important initiative. and Saddam Hussein to the American soil. It’s a vital initiative, because we’re talking As a matter of fact, it was very difficult to about saving human life. We’re talking about link any attack on the American soil, because showing the world the great strength and prior to September the 11th, we were con- compassion of the United States of America. fident that two oceans could protect us from There is no doubt that when you pass this harm. initiative, when our time in Washington, DC, The world changed on September the is past and we go home and—sitting around 11th. Obviously, it changed for thousands of the ranch in Crawford or the front porch in people’s lives for whom we still mourn. But Plano or in Woodlands, that we’ll say we it changed for America, and it’s very impor- heard the call, the cry of people who suffer, tant that the American people understand and we responded, and the world is a better the change. We are now a battleground. We place because of the actions we took. are vulnerable. Therefore, we cannot ignore And I believe the world will be a better gathering threats across the ocean. It used place because of the actions we take when to be that we could pick or choose whether

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or not we would become involved. If we saw world. But I’m glad history has called this a threat, it may be a threat to a friend, in country into action at this point in time, be- which case we would be involved, but never cause there’s no doubt in my mind, when did we realize the threat could be directed we make our mind up, we can achieve a lot. at the American people. And there’s no doubt in my mind, when And that changed. And therefore, when we the United States acts abroad and home, we hear of stories about weapons of mass de- do so based upon values, particularly the struction in the hands of a brutal dictator who value that we hold dear to our hearts, and hates America, we need to take that seriously, that is, everybody ought to be free. I want and we are. And when we find out there’s to repeat what I said during my State of the links between Baghdad and a killer who actu- Union to you: Liberty is not America’s gift ally ordered the killing of one of our fellow to the world. What we believe strongly and citizens, we’ve got to realize the—what that what we hold dear is, liberty is God’s gift means to our future. to mankind. And we hold that value precious, And that’s why this administration and this and we believe it is true. country is holding the U.N. Security Council and the world to its demands that Saddam And as we work to make the world a safer Hussein disarm. It is important for the coun- place, we’ll also work to make the world a try to realize that Saddam Hussein has fooled freer place. And as we work to make America the world for 12 years, is used to fooling the a freer place, we’ll work to make it a more world, is confident he can fool the world. He compassionate place. Big obstacles have been is—wants the world to think that hide-and- placed in our way. Working together, we will seek is a game that we should play. And it’s achieve what we need to achieve to cross over. those obstacles. You see, our country recognizes, and a lot Thank you all for your interest. May God of other countries now recognize as well, the bless you, and may God bless America. role of the inspector is to show up and verify whether Saddam Hussein is disarming. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:23 a.m. at the That’s the role of the inspector. The role of Greenbrier. In his remarks, he referred to Rep- inspectors—there’s 104 of them—the role of resentative Deborah Pryce of Ohio; Miguel A. the inspector is not to go into a state the Estrada, nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the size of—a country the size of California and District of Columbia Circuit; and President Sad- try to figure out where this guy has hid things dam Hussein of Iraq. over a 12-year period of time. And the inspectors have gone to Iraq, and it is clear that not only is Saddam Hussein Remarks at the National Religious deceiving, it is clear he’s not disarming. And Broadcasters Convention in so you’ll see us, over the next short period Nashville, Tennessee of time, working with friends and allies and the United Nations to bring that body along. February 10, 2003 And it’s a moment of truth for the United Thank you so much for that warm wel- Nations. The United Nations gets to decide come. I’m honored to be here. I want to shortly whether or not it is going to be rel- thank Glenn Plummer for his kind introduc- evant in terms of keeping the peace, whether tion. I want to thank those who put on the or not its words mean anything. convention for letting some of my fellow Tex- But one thing is certain: For the sake of peace and for the sake of security, the United ans in the hall. [Laughter] I see Evans. I see States and our friends and allies, we will dis- Gramm. It’s good to see friendly faces. It’s arm Saddam Hussein if he will not disarm good to see people with whom I’ve spent a himself. lot of quality time. Thanks for letting me And so we’ve got a lot to do—we’ve got come. And I’m honored to be with so many a lot to do to leave behind a safer country of you all who have dedicated your lives to and a better country and a safer and better sharing the good news.

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Before I came in this hall, I had the oppor- Ashcroft, the great Attorney General of the tunity to have what they call a roundtable United States, came and sang a duet with discussion with members of the faith com- Ray Stevens. [Laughter] So I was just think- munity here in Nashville, Tennessee, people ing—[laughter]—but that’s as far as it got. who are changing Nashville through their [Laughter] I think I’ll leave the talent to my love and compassion and decency. great friend Michael W. Smith and Sara I met folks from the Campus for Human Paulson Brummett. Development. It’s an extraordinary testa- It’s good to see Michael W. I like a man ment to social entrepreneurship based upon whose middle name is W. [Laughter] He and faith. And I want to thank all the roundtable Debbie joined Laura and me at the White participants for sharing with me your stories. House a couple of nights ago. It was good I particularly want to thank the four folks to be in his presence. And one of the remark- who have recovered from homelessness, ad- able things about the evening is Michael diction to alcohol and drugs, for your courage agreed to play the piano for us. He had to to share your story with the President. It’s sing for his dinner. Thankfully, he did— so inspirational to see your courage as well [laughter]—but what a joy. as to see the great works of our Lord in your For more than 80 years, America’s reli- heart. gious broadcasters have been sharing the I also landed today and met an extraor- gospel on the airways. You bring words of dinary woman from Nashville named Sherry truth and comfort and encouragement into Jean Williams. She is sitting right over here. millions of homes. Broadcasting is more than Sherry Jean, you mind standing up just for a job for you. It is a great commission. You a second? [Applause] Thank you for coming. serve with all your heart and soul, and Amer- You’ll hear me talk about the armies of com- ica is grateful. Each one of you knows that passion in America; she is a soldier in the the power of faith can transform a life. Peo- armies of compassion. Sherry Jean mentors ple of faith and goodness and idealism also children whose mom or dad may be in pris- have the power to transform our neighbor- on. She volunteers to help grandparents who hoods and our Nation. I’ve set a great goal are raising their children. She is one of mil- for America. We must apply the great com- lions of people who are helping people in passion of our people to the deepest prob- need. lems of this country. My call to our fellow Americans is, while This country is blessed with virtually mil- one person can’t do everything, one person lions of good-hearted volunteers who work can do something to make our society a more daily miracles in the lives of their fellow citi- compassionate and decent place. And I want zens. And today I ask our religious broad- to thank you, Sherry Jean, for representing casters, those who reach into every corner all the decent people, whether they be foster of America, to rally the armies of compassion moms or dads—and by the way, being a fos- so that we can change America one heart, ter parent is an incredibly important part of one soul at a time. our society—or whether being a mentor or The American people have deep and di- whether being somebody volunteering their verse religious beliefs, truly one of the great time for after-school programs to help save strengths of our country. And the faith of our lives, particularly lives of our children. citizens is seeing us through some demand- It’s also great to be here in Opryland. It’s ing times. We’re being challenged. We’re an unbelievable complex. [Laughter] You meeting those challenges because of our need a roadmap to get around here. [Laugh- faith. ter] Either that, or a good Secret Service After we were attacked on September the driver. [Laughter] But I’m honored to be 11th, we carried our grief to the Lord Al- back, and I appreciate the warm hospitality. mighty in prayer. Last week, our Nation lost Opryland has a way of bringing out hidden seven brave Americans—brave souls, six talents of politicians. You may recall, in 1974, Americans and one Israeli citizen, aboard the Richard Nixon came to Opryland and played Space Shuttle Columbia. Laura and I went the piano and serenaded his wife. In 1998, to Houston. We were so honored to meet

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the families. There’s no question in my mind This economy of ours is growing okay. It they are finding strength and comfort be- can be better. As a matter of fact, we’ve got cause of your prayers and because of the Al- plans in place to encourage job growth, ways mighty God. to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit of the In times of tragedy, faith assures us that country, encourage small-business expansion death and suffering are not the final word, so that people can find work. Yet, there are that love and hope are eternal. Religious faith some needs that prosperity can never meet. not only comforts; it challenges. Faith teach- We’ve arrested and we convict criminals. es that every person is equal in God’s sight Yet building more prisons will not substitute and must be treated with equal dignity here for responsibility and order in our souls. The on Earth. role of Government is limited, because Gov- This idea of human dignity forces us to ernment cannot put hope in people’s hearts constantly examine our own country and our or a sense of purpose in people’s lives. That own hearts. And this ideal has inspired some happens when someone puts an arm around of the great reforms in American history. a neighbor and says, ‘‘God loves you. I love People of faith led the struggle against slav- you, and you can count on us both.’’ ery. People of faith fought against child labor. And it is that spirit which defines some People of faith worked for women’s equality, of the most effective social programs in and people of faith worked for civil rights. America. It is that spirit of love and compas- sion which makes healing lives work. Yet, for And in America today, people of faith are too long, some in Government thought there doing the work of compassion. So many good was no room for faith-based groups to pro- people are serving their neighbors because vide social services. I have a different point they love their God. The spirit of service is of view. I believe Government should wel- vital because the need in America is great. come faith-based groups as allies in the great There are pockets of despair and loneliness work of renewing America. and hopelessness in America. We do not ac- I welcome faith. I welcome faith to help cept as a fact of life that some Americans solve the Nation’s deepest problems. I un- must endure permanent poverty or bigotry derstand there’s a—that Government must or a childhood without love and guidance. not and will not endorse a religious creed Our work as Americans is not complete until or directly fund religious worship. That’s ob- we build a single nation of justice and a na- viously not a role of Government, and that’s tion of opportunity. not what we’re talking about here. Government, of course, must be involved But governments can and should support and will be involved. We just reformed our effective social services provided by religious welfare in America, and we’ve helped a lot people, so long as they work and as long as of people. Yet, even as we work to improve those services go to anyone in need, regard- the welfare laws, we know that welfare policy less of their faith. And when Government will not solve the deepest problems of the gives that support, it is equally important that spirit. faith-based institutions should not be forced I first heard an interesting reminder of that to change the character or compromise their fact from Tony Evans. He doesn’t remember, prophetic role. but I do. We were in Greenville, Texas. He If a charity’s helping the needy, it should tells a story about the guy who owns the not matter if there is a rabbi on the board, house and there’s a crack running up the wall or a cross on the wall, or crescent on the in the house. So he hires the best painter wall, or religious commitment in the charter. he can find, and the guy covers the crack I need to ask, does it work? If an earthquake and everything is fine, until the crack re- or hurricane damages a Christian or Jewish appears. And so he hires another painter and or Muslim school, that school should not be he covers the crack. And Tony Evans re- denied Federal disaster assistance because of minded me and the audience, he said, ‘‘You its religious character. don’t fix the crack on the wall until you first What I’m saying is, the days of discrimi- fix the foundation.’’ nating against religious groups just because

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they’re religious are coming to an end. [Ap- chooses, especially those programs that have plause] Thank you. I have issued an Execu- got the capacity to change heart and, there- tive order banning discrimination against fore, change habit. Congress needs to hear faith-based charities and social service grants this call and work with us to facilitate the by Federal agencies. I continue to work with mentoring and the healing of those who hurt. members of Congress of both political parties America’s religious broadcasters can really to enact faith-based legislation to encourage play an important role in this work, and I more charitable giving, so we’re more likely want to discuss what I think that role can able to rally the armies of compassion. We be and make a few suggestions today. created faith-based offices in key Cabinet de- [Laughter] Christian media outlets like yours partments to ensure that faith-based groups reach 141 million people every year. That’s get equal treatment and fair access to Gov- a huge audience, and it’s a responsibility that ernment funds. I know you take seriously. This Nation has I recognize some people around our coun- got a lot of wealthy and caring congregations, try asking what does this Faith-Based Initia- and we’ve got a lot of churches in low-income tive mean? And is it a threat to my very pro- areas that need help too. Your voices reach gram? And so we’re holding meetings across them all. You can communicate with them, the country to help faith-based groups to un- rich and poor alike, suburban church and derstand how they can qualify for Govern- urban church alike. And you can help bring ment grants without compromising their mis- them together to serve those who hurt, so sion. We’re on an education campaign. We’re we can achieve a more just and generous so- reaching out to find the social entrepreneurs ciety. who exist all across this Nation. It’s been said that 11 a.m. on Sunday is I went to Congress at my State of the the most segregated hour in America. We Union and spoke about two needs I want to all have a responsibility to break down the share with you today. I have concerns—I barriers that divide us. In Scripture, God know you do as well—about children whose commands us to reach out to those who are mom or dad may be in prison. Imagine what different, to reconcile with each other, to lay life must be like for those children. Imagine down our lives in service to others. And He how they wonder about their future, whether promises that the fruits of faith and fellow- or not this great country holds out hope for ship, service and reconciliation will far sur- them. I know by calling upon the compas- pass the struggles we go through to achieve sionate hearts of our fellow citizens, we can them. help save those lives by mentoring programs, Suburban churches are often just a short by putting the child in touch with somebody drive away from brothers and sisters who are like Sherry Jean Williams, who realizes some- facing great need and doing God’s work. body does care about them during these There’s an opportunity here to end artificial tough and difficult times. divisions and join together in fellowship and Now, I asked Congress to support a men- service. There’s also an obligation. The poor toring proposal which will bring caring adults and suffering are the responsibility of the into the lives of more than a million children, whole church, even when they’re not mem- disadvantaged children, including the chil- bers of any church. dren whose mom or dad may be in prison. When a suburban church and an urban There’s no question in my mind that if this church become full partners, great things can Nation puts our mind to it, we can surround happen. Both churches benefit. The Chicago those little ones with love and provide a bet- Christ Church of Oak Brook and Lawndale ter hope for them. Community Church are working together to As well, I am concerned about those who serve the sick in Lawndale’s health care clinic are addicted to drugs, who fight for their very for the poor. In Boston, Wellesley Congrega- lives and survival against addiction. I believe tional Church and the historic Charles Street that we can take an approach that focuses AME Church are creating a new center to on the addict, give that person a voucher to boost the reading and computer skills of be redeemed at any program that he or she Roxbury residents.

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Right here on the outskirts of Nashville, geous country, ready when necessary to de- Tennessee, in Franklin, Tennessee, a conver- fend the peace. sion between an associate pastor of Christ And today, the peace is threatened. We Community Church and the pastor of First face a continuing threat of terrorist networks Missionary Baptist Church began a fellow- that hate the very thought of people being ship that now includes nearly 60 pastors and able to live in freedom. They hate the church members of all different races and thought of the fact that in this great country, denominations. I know that to be a fact be- we can worship the Almighty God the way cause I heard them both talk today. Their we see fit. And probably what makes him churches work together to support a medical even angrier is we’re not going to change. clinic for poor children, a legal office that [Laughter] gives free advice, a New Hope Academy, a We face an outlaw regime in Iraq that faith-based school where children from dif- hates our country, a regime that aids and har- ferent backgrounds study together, learn the bors terrorists and is armed with weapons classics together. The inspiration for the of mass murder. Before September the 11th, church told me that her hope was to provide 2001, there’s a lot of good folks who believed a vision for the children, a vision that was that Saddam Hussein could be contained. positive and optimistic and clear. She said Before September the 11th, 2001, we it’s one thing to teach a child to read, but thought oceans would protect us forever, that she wants the literate child to see a better if we saw a gathering threat somewhere else day. in the world, we could respond to it if we At first, Pastor Denny Denson of the First chose—so chose to do so. But that all Missionary Baptist—Denny is with us, by the changed on that fateful day. way—was a little wary about how these very Chemical agents, lethal viruses, and shad- different churches would work together. And owy terrorist networks are not easily con- here’s what he says. He says, ‘‘There’s some tained. Secretly, without fingerprints, Sad- walls still there, but they’re down low enough dam Hussein could provide one of his hidden that we can just step over them.’’ And then weapons to terrorists or help them develop he said this, he said, ‘‘We are committed to their own. Saddam Hussein is a threat. He’s each other to the end.’’ And the Nashville a threat to the United States of America. He’s area is better off for it. a threat to some of our closest friends and In all these partnerships lives are lifted up. allies. We don’t accept this threat. We see unity and racial reconciliation. We As a matter of fact, the world saw this as see faith renewed by its works. a threat 12 years ago. Twelve years ago, Sad- So today I ask you to challenge your lis- dam Hussein was told to disarm for a reason: teners to love somebody just like they’d like He’s a dangerous man. And he hadn’t dis- to be loved themselves, to remind them that armed. We’ve tried economic sanctions. He one person can make a difference in some- hadn’t changed. Over the years, we’ve tried body’s life, to encourage them to mentor, to limited strikes against military facilities. It encourage them to start a ministry which will didn’t work. We’ve offered Iraq the path of find the children of those who are incarcer- voluntary disarmament and inspections. The ated and love them. I ask you to challenge Iraqi regime is rejecting it. your listeners to encourage your congrega- Saddam Hussein has broken every promise tions to work together for the good of this to disarm. He has shown complete contempt Nation, to work hard to break down the bar- for the international community. Last fall the riers that have divided the children of God international community spoke with united for too long. voice. It said this is your last chance, Mr. There is no question that we can rid this Saddam Hussein, to do what you said you Nation of hopelessness and despair, because would do, which is, in the name of peace, the greatest strength of America is the char- disarm, destroy your weapons of mass de- acter of the American people. We are a com- struction. The role of the inspectors is not passionate country, and we are generous to- to play hide-and-seek in a country the size ward our fellow citizens. And we are a coura- of California, with 104 people. The role of

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inspectors is to verify whether or not Mr. We’re called to defend our Nation and to Saddam Hussein is keeping his word, wheth- lead the world to peace, and we will meet er or not he’s showing up with his weapons both challenges with courage and with con- and destroying them—the weapons, by the fidence. way, he says he doesn’t have. There’s an old saying, ‘‘Let us not pray for My attitude is that we owe it to future gen- tasks equal to our strength. Let us pray for erations of Americans and citizens in free- strength equal to our tasks.’’ And that is our dom-loving countries to see to it that Mr. prayer today, for the strength in every task Saddam Hussein is disarmed. It’s his choice we face. to make as to how he will be disarmed. He I want to thank each of you for your pray- can either do so—it doesn’t look like he’s ers. I want to thank you for your faithfulness. going to. For the sake of peace, we will lead I want to thank you for your good work. And a coalition of willing countries and disarm I want to thank you for loving your country. Saddam Hussein. May God bless you all, and may God bless If war is forced upon us—and I say ‘‘forced America. upon us’’ because use of the military is not my first choice. I hug the mothers and the widows of those who may have lost their life NOTE: The President spoke at 11:07 a.m. in the in the name of peace and freedom. I take Presidential Ballroom at the Opryland Hotel. In my responsibilities incredibly seriously about his remarks, he referred to Glenn R. Plummer, the commitment of troops. But should we executive committee chairman, National Religious need to use troops, for the sake of future Broadcasters; Anthony T. Evans, founder and president, The Urban Alternative; former Senator generations of Americans, American troops Phil Gramm of Texas; entertainers Ray Stevens, will act in the honorable traditions of our Michael W. Smith, and Sara Paulson Brummett; military and in the highest moral traditions and President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. of our country. We will try in every way we can to spare innocent life. The people of Iraq are not our Remarks Following Discussions With enemies. The true enemy of the Iraqi people, Prime Minister John Howard of Saddam Hussein, has a different strategy. In Australia and an Exchange With violation of the Geneva Conventions, Sad- Reporters dam Hussein is positioning his military forces within civilian populations in order to shield February 10, 2003 his military and blame coalition forces for ci- vilian casualties that he has caused. Saddam President Bush. I’m going to make some Hussein regards the Iraqi people as human welcoming comments. The Prime Minister shields, entirely expendable when their suf- is going to say some things. We’ll then take fering serves his purposes. some questions—two from the American America views the Iraqi people as human side and two from the Australian side. beings who have suffered long enough under Prime Minister Howard is a close, personal this tyrant. And the Iraqi people can be cer- friend of mine, a person whose judgment I tain of this: The United States is committed count on, a person with whom I speak quite to helping them build a better future. If con- frequently. I believe he’s a man of clear vi- flict occurs, we’ll bring Iraq food and medi- sion. He sees the threats that the free world cine and supplies and, most importantly, faces as we go into the 21st century. I’m freedom. proud to work with him on behalf of a peace- As I said in my State of the Union, liberty ful world and a freer society. He’s a man is not America’s gift to the world. Liberty grounded in good values, and I respect him is God’s gift to every human being in the a lot, and I’m glad he’s back here in the Oval world. America has great challenges, chal- Office. lenges at home and challenges abroad. We’re Welcome. called to extend the promise of this country Prime Minister Howard. Well, thank you into the lives of every citizen who lives here. very much, Mr. President. I’m delighted to

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be back in the United States. We’ve talked it for 12 years. But no, the question is, will naturally about Iraq and other related mat- he disarm? ters. I want to say that from the very begin- I notice somebody said the other day, ning, the President has shown very strong ‘‘Well, we need more inspectors.’’ Well, a dis- leadership on a difficult issue. He’s been pre- armed—a country which is disarming really pared to go out and argue a very strong case. needs one or two inspectors to verify the fact It’s not been an issue that’s been free of criti- that they’re disarming. We’re not playing cism for any of those who’ve advocated a par- hide-and-seek. That’s what he wants to con- ticular point of view. tinue to play. And so, you know, Saddam’s Australia’s position concerning Iraq is very got to disarm. If he doesn’t, we’ll disarm him. clear. We believe a world in which weapons of mass destruction are in the hands of rogue Australia and the Coalition states, with the potential threat of them fall- ing into the hands of terrorists, is not a world Q. Sir, can I ask an Australian question? that Australia, if we can possibly avoid it, President Bush. Please. wants to be part of. And that is the funda- Q. Could you tell us whether you count mental reason why Australia has taken the Australia as part of the coalition of the will- position she has. ing? And it’s the fundamental reason why we President Bush. Yes, I do. You know, believe the goals that the United States set what that means is up to John to decide. But of disarming Iraq are proper goals, and they I certainly count him as somebody who un- are goals that the entire world should pursue. derstands that the world changed on Sep- We all hope that there might—despite the tember the 11th, 2001. Ironically enough, apparent unlikelihood, we all hope that there John Howard was in America that day, in might be a peaceful solution. The one real Washington, DC, the day the enemy hit. chance of a peaceful solution is the whole In our country it used to be that oceans world saying the same thing to Iraq. could protect us. At least we thought so. And that’s why we believe the closest pos- There was wars on other continents, but we sible cooperation and unity of—objective and were safe. And so we could decide whether unity of advocacy is very important. or not we addressed the threat on our own President Bush. Thanks, John. Don’t time. If there was a threat gathering from worry, malfunctioning light. There it is. afar, we could say, ‘‘Well, let’s see; it may Patsy [Patricia Wilson, Reuters] and then be in our interest to get involved, or it may Ron [Ron Fournier, Associated Press]. Were not be.’’ We had the luxury. September the you from Australia? 11th, that changed. America is now a battle- Q. Yes. Do I get two questions? One from ground in the war on terror. each side? [Laughter] Secondly, the Secretary of State made it President Bush. Knowing Ron’s habit, very clear that there are connections between you probably will, I guess. Saddam Hussein and terrorist networks. And therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us who Iraqi Regime Concessions love freedom to understand the new world Q. Iraq has agreed to allow U–2 flights in which we live. John Howard understands and also private interviews with some sci- that. entists. Does this make it harder for you to Ron. argue that Saddam Hussein is not—is not co- operating? President Bush. Iraq needs to disarm. French-U.S. Relations/NATO Unity And the reason why we even need to fly U– Q. In addition to being among the some 2 flights is because they’re not disarming. We people who are calling for inspections, the know what a disarmed country looks like. French today blocked NATO from helping And Iraq doesn’t look like that. This is a man Turkey. And President Chirac said nothing who is trying to stall for time, trying to play today justifies a war. a diplomatic game. He’s been successful at President Bush. Yes.

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Q. Given what Americans and the French lieve that everybody has got worth, every- went through in the last century, are you body counts, that everybody is equal in the upset by their attitude now? eyes of the Almighty. So the issue is not only President Bush. No, I wouldn’t—‘‘upset’’ peace, the issue is freedom and liberty. isn’t the proper word. I am disappointed that I made it clear in my State of the Union— France would block NATO from helping a and the people of Australia must understand country like Turkey prepare. I don’t under- this—I don’t believe liberty is America’s gift stand that decision. It affects the Alliance in to the world. I believe it is God’s gift to hu- a negative way. manity. Q. You think it does? Thank you all. President Bush. I think it affects the Alli- ance in a negative way, when you’re not able to make a statement of mutual defense. I had NOTE: The President spoke at 5:46 p.m. in the a good talk with Jacques Chirac recently. I Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq assured him that, you know, that we would and President Jacques Chirac of France. continue to try to work with France as best we can. France has been a long-time friend of the United States. We’ve got a lot in com- Message on the Observance of mon. But I think the decision on NATO is Eid al-Adha shortsighted in my judgment. Hopefully, they’ll reconsider. January 27, 2003 Reasons for Action Against Iraqi Regime I send greetings to Muslims in the United Q. Mr. President, there are many Aus- States and around the world as you celebrate tralians—there are many Australians and oth- the Eid al-Adha holiday. ers who are still not convinced that they The Qur’an teaches that the sacred feast should be going with you to war. At this late of Eid al-Adha is a time for Muslims to join stage, what’s your personal message to them? family and friends in thanking the Almighty President Bush. My personal message is for His many blessings and to reflect on the that I want to keep the peace and make the great sacrifice and devotion of Abraham. world more peaceful. I understand why peo- During this festive celebration, peace-loving ple don’t like to commit the military to ac- people around the world, including millions tion. I can understand that. I’m the person of American Muslims, honor Abraham’s ex- in this country that hugs the mothers and ample by sharing love and demonstrating the widows if their son or husband dies. I compassion for those in need. know people would like to avoid armed con- This year’s celebration comes at a time flict, and so would I. But the risks of doing when our world faces great challenges and nothing far outweigh the risks of whatever important opportunities. The United States it takes to disarm Saddam Hussein. remains committed to promoting justice, tol- I’ve thought long and hard about this issue. erance, and understanding through-out the My job is to protect the American people world, and we will continue to work together from further harm. I believe that Saddam with our Muslim friends and people of all Hussein is a threat to the American people. faiths to build a future of peace, freedom, I also know he’s a threat to our friends and and opportunity for all. allies. Laura joins me in sending our best wishes The second thing—my message is, and I for a joyous celebration. started speaking about this today, I also have got great compassion and concern for the George W. Bush Iraqi people. These are people who have been tortured and brutalized, people who NOTE: This message was released by the Office have been raped because they may disagree of the Press Secretary on February 11. An original with Saddam Hussein. He’s a brutal dictator. was not available for verification of the content In this country and in Australia, people be- of this message.

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Remarks Prior to a Meeting With demands that he receive an up-or-down vote Congressional Leaders on the Senate floor. I urge the Senate to act February 11, 2003 quickly and allow for an up-or-down vote on this worthy candidate. Judicial Nominee Miguel A. Estrada It’s my pleasure to welcome members of Message to the Senate Transmitting both political parties from the House of Rep- resentatives to discuss how we can continue Amendments to the 1987 Treaty on to make progress in welfare reform. The wel- Fisheries Between the Governments fare law of 1996 made a significant difference of Certain Pacific Island States and in the lives of a lot of our fellow citizens. the Government of the United States Our job now is to build on that progress, and of America, With Annexes I want to thank the Members for being here. February 11, 2003 I look forward to a good and fruitful discus- sion. To the Senate of the United States: I nominated a good man named Miguel With a view to receiving the advice and Estrada for the Circuit Court here in Wash- consent of the Senate to ratification, I trans- ington, DC. Miguel Estrada is highly quali- mit herewith Amendments to the 1987 Trea- fied, extremely intelligent. He has the votes ty on Fisheries Between the Governments necessary to be confirmed. Yet a handful of of Certain Pacific Island States and the Gov- Democrats in the Senate are playing politics ernment of the United States of America, with his nomination. And it’s shameful poli- with Annexes and agreed statements, done tics. This man is highly qualified, and I expect at Port Moresby, April 2, 1987 (the ‘‘Treaty’’), him to be nominated. And I expect him to done at Koror, Palau, March 30, 1999, and get fairer treatment than he’s getting from at Kiritimati, Kiribati, March 24, 2002. I also those who are really playing against the spirit transmit, for the information of the Senate, of the United States Senate. And so I call the report of the Secretary of State with re- upon fair play in the Senate, for the sake of spect to these Amendments, related Amend- a good, sound judiciary. ments to the Treaty Annexes, and the Memo- Thank you. randum of Understanding regarding provi- sional application. NOTE: The President spoke at 4:38 p.m. in the The United States enjoys positive and con- Cabinet Room at the White House. In his re- structive fisheries relations with the Pacific marks, he referred to Miguel A. Estrada, nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Colum- Island Parties through the implementation bia Circuit. The Office of the Press Secretary also and operation of the Treaty, which is one released a Spanish language transcript of these re- of the cornerstones of our overall foreign re- marks. lations with the Pacific Island Parties. This Treaty, and the good relationships it has fos- tered, has provided new opportunities for Statement on Senate Action on the collaboration between the Pacific Island Par- Nomination of Miguel A. Estrada To ties and the United States on fisheries con- Be United States Circuit Judge for servation and management issues. The rela- the District of Columbia Circuit tionships established as a result of the Treaty February 11, 2003 have also helped to safeguard U.S. commer- cial and security interests in the region. Last week, the Senate began floor consid- The Amendments to the Treaty will, eration of the nomination of Miguel Estrada among other things, allow U.S. longline ves- to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. sels to fish in high seas portions of the Treaty Estrada’s nomination was first submitted to Area; streamline the way amendments to the the Senate in May 2001—almost 2 years ago. Treaty Annexes are agreed; and allow the Miguel Estrada is a well-qualified and well- Parties to consider the issue of capacity in respected nominee who enjoys the bipartisan the Treaty Area and, where appropriate, to support of a majority of Senators. Fairness promote consistency between the Treaty and

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the relevant fisheries management conven- try. And that’s what we’re here to discuss tion, which is likely to come into force during today. the duration of the extended operation of the I want to thank John Snow for agreeing Treaty. to serve in our administration. He came at Existing legislation, including the Magnu- a pretty tough time. [Laughter] Some people son-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Man- would have said, ‘‘Well, I don’t think I want agement Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. and the to take on the job unless everything is South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, Public Law precooked and the markets will be surging.’’ 100–330, provides sufficient legal authority But he realized that this country needed all to implement U.S. obligations under the of us pulling together. So I asked him; I said, Treaty. Therefore, no new legislation is nec- ‘‘Would you be willing to leave the private essary in order for the United States to ratify sector to serve America?’’ And he said yes. these Amendments. However, minor amend- And I’m thankful for that. I’m glad to have ments to section 6 of the South Pacific Tuna him on my team. His job is to talk about Act of 1988, Public Law 100–330 will be nec- our program all around the country and par- essary to take account of the Amendment to ticularly in the Halls of Congress and con- paragraph 2 of Article 3 ‘‘Access to the Treaty vince them about the wisdom of what we’re Area,’’ which opens the high seas of the Trea- proposing. ty Area to fishing by U.S. longline vessels. Speaking about Halls of Congress, John I recommend that the Senate give favor- mentioned George Allen, the Senator from able consideration to these Amendments and Virginia. I’m glad that George is here. And give its advice and consent to their ratifica- Don Manzullo from Illinois is here, too. I’m tion at an early date. honored both you guys came. I appreciate your interest. I look forward to working with George W. Bush you and your colleagues, both Republicans The White House, and Democrats, to do what’s right for the February 11, 2003. American people. I want to thank Chuck Schwab, as well, for coming. He’s a—he is a leading entre- Remarks to Small Investors in preneur in the country. Built his own busi- Alexandria, Virginia ness. Tomorrow, when I go down to Florida, February 12, 2003 I’m going to talk about the dreams for small businesses that grow to be big businesses. Thank you all for coming. Thanks for your This is a guy that took a small business and interest in this country and its future. We’ve grew it into a big business. It’s really what got some big challenges ahead of us. We’ve America is all about, is to have unlimited ho- got an opportunity to make the world a more rizons for people to take risk so they can peaceful place and a freer place. And I be- achieve dreams, no matter what their status lieve, as a result of the resolve of the United in life may be. And the Schwab Company States of America, the world will be more certainly is—represents the great entrepre- peaceful, and the world will be more free. neurial spirit of our country. And here at home, we’ve got a challenge with I also want to thank Susan Meisinger and our economy. I mean, frankly, it’s not strong David Hutchins, who run the Society for enough. It is not robust enough. Anytime Human Resource Management. Thank you somebody is looking for a job and can’t find for opening up your hall. It’s awfully thought- one means we’ve got to work together to cre- ful of you to let us come in here. I fully recog- ate jobs. nize it’s not easy to host a Presidential entou- Now, the role of Government is not to cre- rage—[laughter]—but you did it. And thanks ate wealth. The role of Government is to cre- for giving us a chance to come and talk about ate an environment in which the entrepre- how we’re going to address some of the big neurial spirit can flourish, in which people challenges here at home. are encouraged to invest and save, in which My attitude about the economy is that, there’s confidence in the future of the coun- first, we’ve done a pretty remarkable job here

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in America of overcoming some difficulties. they’re reading true numbers, so we can re- The first three quarters of the year 2000 were gain confidence. recessionary. They were negative growth. Our economy is growing, in spite of all of Fortunately, we passed tax relief, which— what I’ve just described, but it’s not growing based upon the principle, if people have strong enough. And so I went back to the more of their own money, they’re likely to Congress and proposed a plan that is an ag- spend it, and when they spend it, somebody’s gressive plan, no question about it. But the likely to provide a good or a service, and principle of the plan says, we trust people when somebody provides a good or a service, in this administration. We trust the people somebody’s more likely to find work. And I to make wise investments. We trust the peo- think most economists would tell you that ple with their own money. We trust the the recession—most objective economists— moms and dads to be able to save for their would tell you that the recession was children. It’s really the crux of the economic shallower as a result of the initial tax relief plan. It says it’s the people of America; it’s package that both Republicans and Demo- the ingenuity and hard work and wise invest- crats voted for. ment capabilities of the American people Then the terrorists hit us. And people of that make this economy strong and different. Virginia know full well the impact of the ter- And therefore, the plan is a plan that puts rorist attack on the Pentagon and this part trust in people. It’s a well-thought-out plan. of the world. Of course, the people in the As a matter of fact, over 200 economists great city of New York understood the effect today enthusiastically embraced it, said it’s that it had, the terrorist attack had on the a good idea. The first part of the plan has to do with New York economy. But it affected our your income-tax levels. It says everybody who whole economy. The airline industry be- pays taxes ought to get relief. The role of came—had difficult times. We couldn’t get the Government is not to try to pick and projects started—real estate, big building choose who the good taxpayers are and who projects going—because of the lack of ter- the bad taxpayers are. If you pay taxes, you rorism insurance. We actually dealt with that ought to get relief. issue in the Halls of Congress, and hopefully Of course, that was already passed in the big construction projects which will put our year 2001. We also are phasing—we’re in- hardhats back to work will get going. creasing the child credit to $1,000 over a pe- The country was resilient, though, and riod of time, reducing the marriage penalty strong, determined to defeat terror and de- over a period of time, reducing the bottom termined to go about our life, no matter what rate from 15 percent to 10 percent. the threat may be. And we began to recover. So what we’ve said to the Congress is, And then it—then we found out some of our ‘‘You’ve already passed all this. You’ve al- fellow citizens, a few of the many executives ready accepted the major principle involved which run our companies thought they could in tax relief, which is, trust American people lie and cheat. And that created a lot of small with their money. You’ve already seen the investors—and large investors, for that mat- effects of what a tax relief plan can do. Just ter—began to wonder whether or not the accelerate what you’ve already got on the numbers they were reading were accurate. books. Take that which you have passed, and There was a loss of confidence in the markets instead of phasing it in over 3 or 5 years, because of the corporate scandals. let’s move it this year. If the economy needs And we dealt with that, and we’re dealing a little extra oomph, if more money needs with that. Pretty soon, a good man named to go into the pockets of our people, so as Bill Donaldson will become the Chairman of to encourage economic vitality, why wait? the SEC. He knows what his charge is. His You’ve been through the debate. You’ve al- charge is to make sure that when an investor, ready talked about the principles involved. a member of an investor club opens up his Move it up.’’ or her portfolio or the balance sheet of a This will affect 92 million Americans who company they’ve invested in, they know will receive, on average, a tax relief of $1,083.

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Now, some in Washington may say, ‘‘Well, it means you may have the small-business that’s paltry. That’s not enough.’’ Uh-uh, person invest in one extra machine. But when $1,083 is a lot of money for people, particu- that’s multiplied all across the country, all larly when you think about the effect it will throughout America, it means the machine have on our economy when millions of Amer- manufacturer is more likely to be able to pro- icans take that and invest it or buy things vide jobs. It means the business that buys with it. It will have an effect that will increase the machine becomes more efficient. It the economic vitality of America. means somebody is probably needed to oper- You hear a lot of talk about stimulative— ate the machine so that there’s extra employ- what’s stimulative, what’s not stimulative. We ment there. It will have a ripple effect anticipate that this plan—this aspect of the throughout our economy, which is very im- plan is over $50 billion in the economy this portant for our fellow Americans to under- year. You see, I plan to not only get them stand. to accelerate the tax relief; I’m going to ask The other thing I want to talk to you about Congress to make it retroactive to January is the dividend proposal. In America today 1st, so it will have an immediate effect on we tax corporate-income profits, which is the economy. That’s what’s needed. The tim- fine. We should. It makes sense. But then ing of tax relief is important, just as important we take that profit and distribute it to a as tax relief is. shareholder in the form of a dividend, one And so I’m optimistic that Congress was of the owners of the company. And then he wise once, and they’ll be wise again on the gets taxed again, and that doesn’t make sense. same plan. This also will have an effect on You don’t want to keep taxing capital. If cap- small businesses. Tomorrow I’m going to ital equals jobs, you really don’t want to tax Florida to talk to small-business owners and it but one time, seems like to me. It makes entrepreneurs, and what Americans and sense. Congress must understand—I know George So when people in America hear us talk Allen understands this; Don understands about the elimination of the double taxation this—is that most small businesses pay tax of dividends, they’ve got to understand we’re at the individual tax rate. doing so with two things in mind: How do When you hear somebody say, ‘‘I’m a sole we improve the lot of our fellow Americans; proprietorship,’’ that means you’re paying in- and what do we do to increase jobs? If some- dividual income taxes. If you’re a Subchapter body is looking for work out there, and cap- S or a limited partnership, that means you’re ital equal jobs, therefore, the more capital paying individual income taxes. And so when available for investment, the more likely it you reduce income taxes, you’re really put- is he’s going to find work or she’s going to ting capital in the hands of small-business find work. And that’s what we’re here to talk owners, and capital, extra money, gives that about today. person a more likely—a chance to expand. The idea of allowing people to keep more And expansion means jobs. And by far, the of their own money is particularly important vast majority of new jobs in America are cre- for many of our retired citizens. You’ve got ated by small-business owners. And so this a person who’s worked all their life, and tax plan not only helps our fellow Americans they’ve got medical bills, maybe, piling up, save, it also helps small-business owners with particularly since Medicare isn’t all that ef- additional capital. It’s like a huge capital infu- fective these days for some. Or you’re wor- sion into the small-business sector of Amer- ried about your grandkids’ education. But ica. really what you’re worried about is you want On top of that, I’m asking Congress to to make sure that you have got a comfortable allow small firms to write up—up to $75,000 existence. worth of equipment in the year in which they Ten million senior Americans receive spend it, as opposed to limiting the deduc- some sort of dividend income. It certainly tions to $25,000. And that means a lot for makes sense to me that if part of good policy small businesses. When a person can deduct is to encourage job creation with more cap- an additional $50,000 of capital investment, ital, it’s a nice dividend, so to speak, to allow

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our seniors to have more money as well. So good; that’s a good corporate reform. It’s also this relief plan will immediately give seniors good for encouraging the ownership society, $800 on average a year more money, which and it’s good for enhancing the lifestyle of is vital for their retirement. It’s a plan which millions of Americans all across the country. affects people’s lives in a positive way. The getting rid of the double taxation of Secondly, this is a nation of investors. It dividends is good economic policy for the used to be when you talk about stocks and short term for America; it is good economic bonds—it probably wasn’t all that long ago— policy for the long term of America. And I you’d say, ‘‘Well, gosh, how’s your portfolio?’’ urge the Congress to eliminate the double And that would probably pertain to a handful taxation of dividends. of people that lived—knew something about One of the things we did before coming Wall Street. There probably weren’t a lot of over here is we had a roundtable discussion, them in Crawford, Texas, all that long ago, sitting around a square table. [Laughter] I saying, ‘‘Hey, my portfolio’s good. How’s like—I appreciate Chuck providing the yours?’’ But now, America’s becoming a na- square table—[laughter]—but I’m more ap- tion of owners and investors. We’re a much preciative of the members of the roundtable more sophisticated country when it comes to who came to talk. stocks and bonds. Eighty-four million Ameri- Now, we talked to Joan Hanover. She and cans own a stock directly and/or through a her husband, George, were visiting with us. pension plan. And so, therefore, policy, pub- They are near retirement—retiring—in the lic policy which affects stock ownership, pub- process of retiring, meaning they’re very lic policy which affects those who own equi- smart, active, capable people who are retire- ties and those—public policy which encour- ment age and are retiring. They receive ages ownership, makes sense. $1,700 additional dollars a year when we get I mean, after all, we want 100 percent of rid of the double taxation of dividends. That our people to be a part of the ownership soci- is a significant amount of money for the Han- ety. The more somebody owns, the more overs. It’s additional money that they can somebody is going to have a stake in the fu- choose to do with what they—they can do ture of the country. We want everybody to with their own money. have their own home. We want everybody Part of the dialog, by the way—the money to have their own balance sheet, their own we’re talking about today is not the Govern- savings, their own plans. And excluding the ment’s money. See, that’s the other impor- double taxation of dividends rewards small tant thing to remember. It’s an important investors; it encourages stock ownership. principle when it comes to tax relief. It’s your It also will have a positive effect when it money we’re talking about. And the Han- comes to our corporate America. And a lot overs are having more money to invest. of corporate America said, ‘‘Invest in me. Joe Kemper will have an additional $1,600, The sky’s the limit, a fantastic growth poten- he shared with us. The whole tax relief will tial.’’ They say, you know, ‘‘We may not be actually give him $3,500 additional money in making any money, but, hey, give me a shot.’’ his own pocket, of which 1,600 will be from And that works in some cases. But it also getting rid of the double taxation of divi- makes sense to have people say, ‘‘Invest in dends. I hope you didn’t mind me saying me because you’re going to get a steady that, Joe. But the point is, is that—I think source of the cashflow of my company. I’m Joe will tell you, he’s not one of these going to share it with you. We’re proud that superrich in America. He’s a guy who served you took risk in us, and in return we’re going his country. He worked hard all his life— to give you a steady flow of the cash coming $3,500 means something to him. into the company through the form of a divi- When you hear the debate about this kind dend.’’ of class warfare, rhetoric about, ‘‘Oh, this is Eliminating the double taxation of divi- for the rich, only for the rich,’’ I want you dends will encourage more of corporate to think about the Joe Kempers of the world. America to distribute profits and cashflow to I certainly will. A fellow who worked for our their investors through dividends. And that’s Government and now a fellow who we trust

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with that $3,500, because it’s his money. And cause everybody has got worth. See, one of when he invests it, it’s going to have a positive the great principles of America is everybody effect. All the Joe Kempers of the world tak- has dignity. Everybody counts. Everybody ing that extra money and investing it will matters. As I said in my State of the Union, mean somebody else is likely to find a job, liberty is not America’s gift to the world. It and that’s important for our fellow Americans is God’s gift to human—mankind, and that’s to understand. what I believe. We met with Tim Roberts and the Lanes, And as we think about how to have a better Brian and Wendy Lane. They were—they are society and a more peaceful world, we’ve got younger parents. The tax relief plan will to trust in the wisdom and strength of the mean they will have more money to invest American people. After all, the American for their children. When they set aside the— people is this country’s greatest asset. some of the money that they get in a child’s I boldly predict that with good policy this education trust, for example, and that com- economy will be strong. I boldly predict that pounds over time, it means it’s more likely with wise diplomatic policy the world will be that that child is going to have a pretty good more peaceful. And I can predict that, be- nest egg. The more money they have, the cause we happen to live in the greatest nation more likely it is they’ll be able to save for on the face of the Earth. Thank you all for their children’s future. coming. And may God bless America. If we get rid of the double taxation of divi- dends, it means that one of the good invest- ment vehicles for a child who is young today NOTE: The President spoke at 2:13 p.m. in the will be a dividend-paying stock, because not Founders Room at the Society for Human Re- only will the person be able to get the yield, source Management. In his remarks, he referred to Charles Schwab, chairman, Charles Schwab the person will get the appreciation of the Corp.; Susan Meisinger, president and chief exec- company in which they invest. utive officer, and David B. Hutchins, chair, Soci- These good couples work hard for their ety for Human Resource Management. The Of- children. They make sacrifices for their chil- fice of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish dren. And it makes sense for our tax policy language transcript of these remarks. to reward them for their sacrifices. The plan we’ve laid out is good for job creation. The plan we’ve laid out also speaks Statement on Initiatives To Reduce to the aspirations of many of our citizens. Greenhouse Gas Emissions And that’s very important for Congress to un- February 12, 2003 derstand when they debate this plan. It speaks for the aspirations of the senior citizen The United States is taking prudent steps to have a comfortable lifestyle when they re- to address the long-term challenge of global tire. It speaks to the aspirations of the moms climate change. We are reducing projected and dads to be able to invest for their chil- greenhouse gas emissions in the near term, dren. It speaks to the aspirations of a person while devoting greater resources to improv- looking for work today. It really speaks to ing climate change science and developing the hopes of our country that we want our advanced energy technologies. America has economy to be as strong as it possibly can already made great progress in this effort: be, as we take on some of the great chal- Between 1990 and 2001, industrial sector lenges which this country has ever faced. emissions were held constant, while our This country will accomplish anything we economy grew by almost 40 percent. Sus- set our mind to. We will achieve peace in taining and accelerating this progress will the world. We will work for freedom, not help us meet our goal of reducing the green- only here in America, a free and just society. house gas intensity of the American economy We believe in freedom around the world be- by 18 percent by 2012.

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A year ago, I challenged American busi- Memorandum on the Interagency nesses to develop new, voluntary initiatives Working Group on Assistive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am Technology Mobility Devices pleased to announce today that 12 major in- dustrial sectors and the membership of the February 12, 2003 Business Roundtable have responded with ambitious commitments to reduce their Memorandum for the Secretary of Education, greenhouse gas emissions in the coming dec- the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor, the Commissioner of ade. Social Security America’s electric utilities; petroleum re- finers and natural gas producers; chemical, Subject: Interagency Working Group on automotive, magnesium, iron and steel man- Assistive Technology Mobility Devices ufacturers; forest and paper producers; rail- When President George H.W. Bush roads; the mining, cement, aluminum and signed the Americans with Disabilities Act semiconductor industries; and many of of 1990, America opened its door to a new America’s leading corporations have com- age for people with disabilities. Although mitted to actions that will prevent millions much progress has been made since then, of tons of greenhouse gas emissions in the significant challenges remain for individuals coming decade. I commend these initiatives with disabilities who seek full participation which will help these businesses and indus- in American society. tries continue to improve their energy effi- My Administration is committed to in- ciency and overall productivity, while con- creasing education and employment oppor- tributing toward achieving our goal to reduce tunities for individuals with disabilities. My the greenhouse gas intensity of the American New Freedom Initiative strives to provide economy. people with disabilities increased opportuni- As I said last year, every sector of the econ- ties to lead more independent lives by ex- omy will need to contribute to our efforts panding education and job opportunities, and to achieve our ambitious national goal. These by ensuring that the latest technologies, initiatives are a first step in what we expect which often make education and employ- to be an ongoing engagement with these and ment possible, are readily available. other sectors of our economy in the years Often, individuals with disabilities require ahead. assistive technology mobility devices—such Underpinning our approach to climate as powered wheelchairs and scooters—in order to access education, training, and com- change is an understanding that meeting this petitive employment. While there are several long-term challenge requires policies that Federal programs, as well as State and local recognize that sustained economic growth is efforts, that help individuals with disabilities an essential part of the solution. Policies that obtain these and other assistive technologies, undermine the health of our economy would they are not adequately coordinated. Other only hamper America’s ability to develop and Federal programs provide funding of assist- deploy new energy technologies and invest ive technology mobility devices for medical in energy efficiency and productivity im- purposes, but the intent of these programs provements. The United States is the world’s has always been, and should remain, medical leader in technological development, indus- rather than educational or vocational. trial productivity, and environmental quality. Consistent with my interest in improving These strengths make possible the initiatives the coordination of the Federal programs that have been announced today to reduce that help provide individuals with assistive or capture and store greenhouse gas emis- technology mobility devices, I hereby direct sions. the following:

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Section 1. Establishment of the Inter- through the Assistant to the President for agency Working Group on Assistive Tech- Domestic Policy, a report not later than 180 nology Mobility Devices. (a) There is hereby days from the date of this memorandum. The established, within the Department of Edu- report shall include the specific steps that cation for administrative purposes, the each of the agencies represented on the ‘‘Interagency Working Group on Assistive Working Group will take to: (a) improve co- Technology Mobility Devices’’ (Working ordination among their existing programs; (b) Group). The Working Group shall consist ex- train vocational rehabilitation counselors, clusively of: other service providers, and individuals with (i) the Secretary of Education, the Sec- disabilities, as provided by law; and (c) in- retary of Health and Human Services, form individuals with disabilities about these the Secretary of Labor, and the Com- opportunities. The report shall also include missioner of Social Security; and a description of how individuals with disabil- (ii) such other Federal officials as the As- sistant to the President for Domestic ities can pool funding from existing resources Policy from time to time, on my be- to obtain the assistive technology mobility half, may designate. devices that they need to pursue their edu- (b) The Secretary of Education shall serve cational and employment goals. as Chairman of the Working Group. The Sec. 4. Termination. The Working Group Chairman shall convene and preside at any shall terminate 30 days after the date of the meetings of the Working Group, determine submission of the report as described in sec- its agenda, direct its work, and, as appro- tion 3 of this memorandum. priate to particular subject matters, establish Sec. 5. General. (a) Agencies shall assist and direct subgroups of the Working Group, the Working Group and provide information which shall consist exclusively of Working to the Working Group consistent with appli- Group members. cable law as may be necessary to carry out (c) A member of the Working Group may the functions of the Working Group. To the designate, to perform the Working Group or extent permitted by law, the Department of Working Group subgroup functions of the Education shall provide funding and admin- member, any person who is part of the mem- istrative support for the Working Group. ber’s agency and who is an officer appointed (b) As used in this memorandum, the term by the President with the advice and consent ‘‘agency’’ means an executive department or of the Senate, or a member of the Senior agency of the Federal Government. Executive Service. Sec. 2. Functions of the Working Group. (c) Nothing in this memorandum shall be The Working Group shall: (a) identify exist- construed to impair or otherwise affect the ing Federal Government programs and re- functions of the Director of the Office of sources that are designed to help individuals Management and Budget relating to budget, with disabilities obtain the assistive tech- administrative, or legislative proposals. nology mobility devices that they need for (d) This memorandum is intended only to education and employment; and (b) work improve the internal management of the with State, local, and tribal governments, as Federal Government and is not intended to, appropriate, to identify State, local, and tribal and does not, create any right or benefit, sub- programs that are designed to help individ- stantive or procedural, enforceable at law or uals with disabilities obtain assistive tech- equity by a party against the United States, nology mobility devices for education and its departments, agencies, instrumentalities employment. The Secretary of Education or entities, its officers or employees, or any shall take the lead in coordinating these ef- other person. forts. Sec. 3. Report. In performing its functions George W. Bush the Working Group shall present to me,

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Memorandum on Designation of discretion, to the extent permitted by Officers of the Department of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of Veterans Affairs To Act as Secretary 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to depart of Veterans Affairs from this memorandum in desig- nating an acting Secretary. February 12, 2003 Sec. 3. Publication. Memorandum for the Secretary of Veterans You are authorized and directed to publish Affairs this memorandum in the Federal Register. Subject: Designation of Officers of the George W. Bush Department of Veterans Affairs to Act as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Letter to the Speaker of the House of By the authority vested in me as President Representatives Transmitting a under the Constitution and laws of the Subsidy Budget Request for Frontier United States of America and pursuant to the Airlines Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., I hereby order that: February 12, 2003 Section 1. Order of Succession. Dear Mr. Speaker: During any period when the Secretary of In accordance with provisions of Public Veterans Affairs (Secretary), the Deputy Sec- Law 107–42, the Air Transportation Safety retary of Veterans Affairs (Deputy Sec- and System Stabilization Act, 2001, I hereby retary), and the officers designated by Execu- request the subsidy budget authority nec- tive Order 13247 of December 18, 2001, to essary to support a $70 million Federal credit perform the functions and duties of the office instrument for Frontier Airlines. of Secretary have died, resigned, or other- I hereby designate this subsidy budget au- wise become unable to perform the functions thority, currently estimated at $12.7 million, and duties of the office of Secretary, the fol- as an emergency requirement pursuant to lowing officers of the Department of Vet- section 252(e) of the Balanced Budget and erans Affairs, in the order listed, shall per- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. form the functions and duties of the office The details of this request are set forth of Secretary, if they are eligible to act as Sec- in the enclosed letter from the Director of retary under the provisions of the Federal the Office of Management and Budget. Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, until such Sincerely, time as at least one of the officers mentioned above is able to perform the functions and George W. Bush duties of the office of Secretary: Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 Director, Veterans Health Ad- Message to the Congress Reporting a ministration; Certification Required by the VISN 7 Director, Veterans Health Admin- Ratification Resolution of the istration; Chemical Weapons Convention Veterans Benefits Administration South- February 12, 2003 ern Area Director; and North Florida/South Georgia Healthcare To the Congress of the United States: System Director. Consistent with the resolution of advice Sec. 2. Exceptions. and consent to ratification of the Convention (a) No individual who is serving in an of- on the Prohibition of the Development, Pro- fice listed in section 1 in an acting duction, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall Weapons and on Their Destruction, adopted act as Secretary pursuant to this by the United States Senate on April 24, memorandum. 1997, I hereby certify pursuant to Condition (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this 7(C)(i), Effectiveness of the Australia Group, memorandum, the President retains that:

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Australia Group members continue to ful, so that future generations of Americans maintain equally effective or more com- can grow up in peace. prehensive controls over the export of: toxic That’s a big challenge. And equally as big chemicals and their precursors; dual-use a challenge is to make sure our economy is processing equipment; human, animal, and strong so that America is a hopeful place, plant pathogens and toxins with potential bio- that our economy is strong enough to make logical weapons applications; and dual-use bi- sure the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and ological equipment, as that afforded by the well—and today we’re going to talk to some Australia Group as of April 25, 1997; and entrepreneurs who are living the American The Australia Group remains a viable Dream—that our economy is strong enough mechanism for limiting the spread of chem- to make sure moms and dads have got the ical and biological weapons-related materials capacity to save and invest for their children, and technology, and the effectiveness of the if that’s what they choose to do, that our Australia Group has not been undermined economy is strong enough so that people who by changes in membership, lack of compli- are looking for work can find a job. ance with common export controls and non- And that’s also a challenge we face. Today proliferation measures, or the weakening of you’ll hear me talk about the plan that I have common controls and nonproliferation meas- asked Congress to approve. I want the folks ures, in force as of April 25, 1997. on the stage up here to share with me and The factors underlying this certification with you and others listening what that plan are described in the enclosed statement of means for their lives. In Washington, we justification. spend a lot of time talking about numbers. George W. Bush I like to remind people that behind each The White House, number is somebody’s life and why the plan February 12, 2003. that I’ve described to the Congress is such an optimistic, hopeful plan for every Amer- NOTE: This message was released by the Office ican. of the Press Secretary on February 13. Before I begin, I want to thank Brother— that would be your Governor. So he had his Remarks in a Discussion With Small- 50th birthday on the 11th of February. I Business Owners in Jacksonville, called him and said, ‘‘Happy birthday. Fifty Florida is not quite as old as it seemed to be, is it?’’ [Laughter] But we’re proud of him, and we February 13, 2003 love him. Actually, I had coffee with Mother The President. Thank you all. Thanks for and Dad this morning. And Mother said to the warm welcome. I’m sure glad I came. make sure I told Jeb she loved him still, so [Laughter] It’s—I want to talk about some —[laughter]—she still loves you. [Laughter] of the challenges which face our country. A I want to thank Hector Barreto for being little later on, I’m going to go speak to those here as well. Hector is the head of the Small souls who wear the uniform of the United Business Administration. One of the commit- States military and thank them for their serv- ments of this administration is to promote ice to the country and tell them we’ve got the entrepreneurial spirit throughout all our all the confidence in their capacity to help country. We want anybody from any walk of us keep the peace and promote freedom. life to realize if they have a dream and work It’s clear we have challenges abroad, par- hard, they can realize their dreams. That’s ticularly the challenge to keep the peace, to the greatness of America. secure our homeland, to adjust our way of And I’m honored that Joe—Joe Dagher— thinking to make sure that we do everything would invite us into his facility. He had a we can to say with complete confidence that dream. He realized his dream. He owns his we’ll protect America. We’ll protect this gen- own business. He can call it his own. And eration of Americans, and we’ll secure the we’re proud of you, Joe, and thanks for let- homeland and make the world more peace- ting us come.

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So here’s my attitude about economic it came to their balance sheets. We’re recov- growth and vitality. It’s based upon the prin- ering from three shocks to the system, and ciple that if people have more money in their we need a little further wind at the back of pocket, they’re likely to demand a good or this economy. a service. And when they demand a good or Now, that means 92 million Americans will a service, somebody in the marketplace is receive an average income tax relief package going to produce a good or a service. And of $1,083. And that’s good. And we’ll hear when somebody meets that demand with from some of our fellow citizens up here production, somebody is more likely to find about how much relief this means for them. work. And so when you couple that with the And if they feel like it, they may share with understanding that the role of Government us what they intend to do with it. [Laughter] is not to create wealth but an environment But one thing is for certain, I will assure in which the entrepreneur is willing to take them, is at least I understand the money risks, it yields this kind of plan. we’re talking about up in Washington is not I believe we ought to cut the rates on ev- the Government’s money. See, it’s their erybody who pays taxes, and I believe that money and your money. It’s the people’s we ought to reduce the income tax rates. But money we’re talking about. you know what’s interesting is Congress has Now, one of the things—reasons we came already agreed with that plan. In the year to Joe’s business is, I wanted to make it very 2001, in the face of a recession, we convinced clear to the American people that tax rate both Republicans and Democrats to support reductions have got an incredibly positive ef- a rate reduction. It helped make our reces- fect on small businesses. Most small busi- sion more shallow. People did get more nesses are what they call a sole proprietorship money in their pockets, and they did spend or a limited partnership or a Subchapter S that money. corporation. If you happen to be one of those What’s interesting about the rate reduction three entities, you pay tax at your business, plan that we’ve proposed is that it is sched- on your business profits, at the individual in- uled to phase in over time. It takes 5 years come tax rates. And so therefore, by reducing to get the rates down. It takes years to get income tax rates, you’re really affecting the child credit up to $1,000 per child. It small-business growth, and because over half takes years to get the marriage penalty re- the jobs in America are created by small busi- duced to where we want it to be reduced nesses, it makes sense to stimulate that as- to. pect of our economy. Now, if the economy is still not as strong Twenty-three million businesses will re- as it should be and if Congress has already ceive over $2,000 in income tax relief. Now, recognized that tax rate reduction helps eco- that means a lot when you start thinking nomic growth, my message to the United about the implications. I mean, you’ve got States Congress is: Speed up the growth. If a one-man shop; $2,000 may mean the capac- it’s good enough 5 years from now, it is good ity to buy a machine, leverage the money to enough today. buy a machine, which means another job. This economy needs immediate help, so One of the things we understand in Amer- I will ask Congress, when they pass the bill, ica, though, is investments equals jobs, and to make it retroactive to January 1st, which therefore, one of the things we’re going to means workers will get money in their pock- try to do is encourage more investment. And ets immediately, will mean small businesses so I want to—right now, small businesses are will get money to invest immediately. It will limited to the deduction of only $25,000 for have an immediate effect on today’s econ- a capital expenditure. We want to raise it to omy, something I think we need, something $75,000, to encourage small businesses to a lot of Americans understand we need, as buy more equipment. we—coming out of recession and recovering And so those are two aspects of this plan from a terrorist attack and as we’re finally that makes sense. One is how to encourage getting—washing out of the system those people to have—how do we encourage Con- who thought they could lie and cheat when gress to let people have more money in their

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pocket, for the good of economic growth and occur. Growth will occur based upon the cer- jobs, and what do we do about stimulating tainty of the dividend being distributed. It small-business activity and growth. will be a really important corporate reform The third aspect of the plan is really to in America, in my judgment. make the Tax Code more fair. We tried to So this is what I’ve asked the Congress to address that earlier, by the way. It is unfair approve. There’s a lot of talk about whether to tax a person’s assets twice. That’s why I’ve or not this is what they call stimulative, called upon Congress to get rid of the death whether or not it will affect the economy. tax. See, really what we want is, we want our Of course it will, because over the next 15 small-business owners to work hard, to keep months we’ll have pumped in $100 billion their vision, to build up their assets, so they of additional money into the private sector. can leave it to whoever they want to leave That money will circulate. As that money cir- it to, without the Government standing in be- culates, it’s more likely somebody is going tween. Congress passed it. They need to to be able to find work. make that aspect of the tax relief permanent, And so I’m here not only to share the de- like they need to make all aspects of tax relief tails of the plan with you; I’m here to ask permanent. you to contact your Senators and your Mem- But today I want to talk to you about an- bers of Congress, remind them of whose other unfair aspect of the Tax Code, and that money we’re talking about, and remind them is the double taxation of dividends. It’s fair of the philosophy I’ve just outlined to you to tax a company’s profits. What’s not fair as how best to create jobs. The role of Gov- is when you take—the company takes those ernment is to create an environment in which profits and distributes them to one of the people are willing to risk and take risks and owners of the company, the shareholder, and to go to work and work hard, and tax relief that person then has to pay tax on it. It means encourages that kind of environment. Government is really interfering with capital. So we’re going to first start off and hear It means there’s less capital in the system from Sue Butts. Sue is a entrepreneur. She for investment. And if investment means owns her own business. She owns Supreme jobs, by nature, getting rid of the double tax- Janitorial. She has owned it since 1968. Is ation of dividends will make it easier for cap- that right? ital to accumulate, make it more likely people Ms. Butts. Ninety-two. will find work. The President. Ninety-two. Okay. Secondly, the double taxation of dividends [Laughter] hurts our senior citizens. It’s particularly Ms. Butts. It’s been in existence since ’68. acute here in the State of Florida. There’s The President. You bought it in ’92. over 10 million seniors rely upon dividend Ms. Butts. Ninety-two. income during their retirement years. Why The President. I will just tell you that she would we want to have something unfair in will receive a $3,300 tax reduction if Con- the Tax Code which also penalizes those who gress—when Congress passes this plan. I’m we really need to help after their retirement? optimistic, by the way, that Congress is going The double taxation of dividends will also to get the message. Why don’t you tell us? put a premium on good accounting. In other Give us your thoughts. words, if you’re distributing dividends, your At this point, the discussion proceeded. whole growth portfolio, your whole growth [ ] agenda will be based upon yield, as opposed The President. Yes, I think it’s important to pie-in-the-sky projections. Of course, peo- for our fellow citizens to know that there are ple will say, ‘‘Well, gosh, I’m going to invest ways for Government to incent people to in- in this company because I want a share of vest, and this is a good way. I mean, here’s their cashflow or share of their profits.’’ And a classic example of somebody who has lim- therefore, the company ownership must base ited the amount she is going to invest based its projections on how they treat the share- upon tax policy. And the idea of raising the holder, as opposed to some pie-in-the-sky limit to $75,000, in this case, it sounds like, prognostication about what may or may not could encourage more investment.

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Now, what that means is somebody is The President. We’re in Joe’s house, Joe’s going to be tasked with building the machine business. Joe, tell us what you do, tell us she purchases or the equipment she pur- when you started this company, why you chases, and that person will be working. And started the company. And thanks for letting then, of course, the people who she hires will us come by. have more equipment. And it may mean that [The discussion continued.] she needs an extra person to deal with the equipment she purchases. The President. This country must never Economies grow with the circulation of forget what Joe just said. This is a welcoming money. And this is a classic example of how society, based upon allowing people to real- tax policy will encourage investment and the ize their dreams. I love to be in the presence circulation of money. of somebody who is realizing their dreams. And so, thanks for sharing that with us. We love freedom in America. We love the Congratulations on being a successful entre- fact that people are free. And I want to re- preneur, by the way. mind you what I said, Joe, and I believe this Ms. Butts. Thank you, Mr. President. as sure as I’m sitting here: Liberty is not The President. James is a installation su- America’s gift to the world; liberty is the Al- pervisor. He is a taxpayer. He is a man who mighty God’s gift to mankind. We just have has got a daughter that he cares a lot about. a chance here in America to protect liberty And he’s a guy who is going to have his taxes and freedom. And I want to thank you for fall by 20 percent when this plan goes sharing that with us. through. You see, there’s a lot of rhetoric in Another man who is living the American Washington about the—rich this, rich that, experience is Joey Gonzalez, a hard-working class warfare. This is the kind of guy I’m wor- man. You recommend him, don’t you? He ried about, and this is what this tax plan— works for Zim. [Laughter] Joey, thanks for the tax plan speaks to people like James coming. Thomas. Welcome. [The discussion continued.] [The discussion continued.] The President. What you just said—you The President. You’ve got more to say said, your most important job is not working than that. Here’s your chance. [Laughter] for Zim, necessarily; your most important job Mr. Thomas. I’m going to let it rest at is to be a loving dad. And I appreciate that that. example. The President. See, here’s the thing [The discussion continued.] about—you know, a dad puts aside money The President. for the daughter. The daughter invests it. It Jodie also works with Zim. And Jodie, we’re proud you’re here. She’s rolls over. There is a compounding effect married. She’s got a little girl who is 9. when it comes to investments. Money saved and invested will keep rolling over and rolling [The discussion continued.] over. So the $2,100, by the time she goes The President. Well, I appreciate you to college 8 years from now, will be signifi- sharing that with us. Thanks. You’re right, cantly larger than that. And I appreciate you some of those pennies are going to the Gov- thinking about that. It’s very important for ernment, and they should. I mean, as a mat- people to make the sacrifices for their chil- ter of fact, I’m now going over to the base, dren. It’s hard to raise kids. Tax relief will and we’re sending people into harm’s way. make it easier for people to make sacrifices. They deserve the best pay, the best equip- It will help people meet the priorities they’ve ment, the best possible training. And that re- set. quires—there are legitimate uses of Govern- And I want to thank you, James, for that. ment. But what we’re talking about today is Zim is an entrepreneur. He—Zim, tell us really setting priorities, funding those prior- about your business. You’ve got some of your ities, but remembering how to increase reve- employees here, too. nues. Revenues increase with economic vital- [The discussion continued.] ity and fiscal discipline in Washington, DC.

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Revenues increase by empowering people Remarks at Naval Station Mayport in and entrepreneurs and small businesses to Jacksonville grow and, at the same time, saying to Con- gress, ‘‘Let us focus on important priorities.’’ February 13, 2003 Remember whose money it is we’re talking Thank you all very much. Admiral, thank about. We’re talking about your money. you for that—for those kind words, and And I want to thank you all for coming thanks for the warm welcome. I’m honored today to give us—give me a chance to talk to be with the service men and women and about our vision for economic vitality and families of the Jacksonville naval community. growth, for letting people understand that I’m proud to be at Naval Station Mayport. behind every number there is a life that will Last August, the sailors and pilots of the benefit, and when individuals benefit or ‘‘Big John’’ returned from 4 months in the small businesses benefit, we all benefit. It’s North Arabian Sea, where you served in Op- the cumulative effect of millions of acts— eration Enduring Freedom. With your out- decisionmakers in the marketplace, which af- standing performance, you proved that ‘‘Jack fects job creation. is back.’’ [Laughter] This administration is committed to job Some of you here have served in the U.S.S. growth. I want to repeat to you, so long as Enterprise battlegroup. You were among the any American who wants to work can’t find first American ships in the Afghan theater. a job, we will be committed to job growth. And when it came time to strike the terrorists And so I want to thank you for giving me in Afghanistan, you were ready on arrival. To- a chance to come and share this plan with gether, the ‘‘Big John’’ and the ‘‘Big E’’ you. This is a realistic plan. It is a hopeful launched thousands of sorties from their decks, supporting coalition forces on the plan. It is a plan based upon sound principle. ground. You helped liberate the Afghan peo- It’s a plan which will work. It’s a plan that ple. You defended the American people, and your Members of Congress—Ander is all each and every one of you here has made right. Don’t worry about him. Crenshaw is America proud. with us. John Mica is with us. I don’t worry The United States Navy carries the might about those two. But there are some who and the mission of America to the farthest haven’t gotten the message yet, and they parts of this world. In this challenging period need to hear from you. And you can start for our country, great tasks lie ahead for the right here in the State of Florida, contacting Navy and for our entire military. And I know your elected Representatives and letting we can depend on you, because this United them know how you feel. States military is second to none. I want to thank you for coming. I want I appreciate Admiral Natter for his leader- you to know that we’re citizens of the greatest ship. I want to thank the Governor of Florida country on the face of the Earth. God bless. for his leadership too. [Laughter] He’s doing everything just like his mother told him to. [Laughter] I’m listening to the same mother, NOTE: The discussion began at 10:28 a.m. in a printing press room at Dagher Printing. Discus- I want you to know. [Laughter] sion participants were: Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; I want to thank the members from the Joseph Dagher, owner, Dagher Printing; Sue congressional delegation, Ander Crenshaw, Butts, owner and president, Supreme Janitorial who represents this district. I know he’s a Services; and Zimmerman Boulos, owner and strong supporter of the military families liv- president, James Thomas, installer, Jose Gonzalez, ing here in Jacksonville, and I appreciate installer, and Jodie Beere, sales assistant, Office John Mica coming as well. These are two Environments and Services. Members of the United States Congress that

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I know I can count on when it comes to mak- who wear our uniform and their families de- ing sure this United States military is strong serve the best possible housing, the best pos- and ready. sible pay, and the best possible training. With I want to thank State Senator Jim King the support of this Congress, I will make sure and his wife, Linda, for being here today. that our military has every resource, every I appreciate all the leadership from different weapon, everything you need to defend battlegroups here—based here. America and to keep the peace. Today when I landed on Air Force One, Across six decades, ever since World War I met a fellow named Arden Battle. He is II, Mayport has been providing the ‘‘Finest a machinist mate, senior chief, U.S. Navy. Service to the Finest Fleet.’’ This port has Let me tell you something. He represents been home to generations of sailors who the spirit of this military that makes me fought America’s battles with distinction and proud. Not only are we tough and good fight- courage. Now you’re called to defend our ers, he leads hundreds of your fellow sailors freedom and to defend the security of Amer- into volunteering in the community in Jack- ica against a new kind of enemy. sonville, Florida. He and others like him This enemy reaches across oceans. It tar- serve as a role model for young kids. He gets the innocent. There are no rules of war mentors. He and his group teach children for these coldblooded killers. They seek bio- how to read. He not only serves this country logical and chemical and nuclear weapons to to keep the peace, he serves this country to commit murder on a massive scale. This be more compassionate for all of our citizens. enemy will not be restrained by mercy or My call to you is, a lot of people look up by conscience. This enemy will be stopped, to you because you wear the uniform. Do and it will be stopped by the might and will your duty. Not only work hard to be a good of the United States and our friends and our soldier and sailor, but also love somebody like allies. you’d like to be loved yourself. The terrorists brought this war to us, and I want to thank Arden and all those of you now we’re taking it back to them. We’re on who have heard a call to become involved their trail. We’re smoking them out. We’ve in your neighborhoods and your communities got them on the run. We’re hunting them to help somebody who hurts. America is a down one by one, all across the world. With better place for your compassion and your our allies, we’ve arrested or otherwise dealt love. with—[laughter]—many of the key com- I want to thank the other community lead- manders of Al Qaida. And that includes the ers who are here. I want to thank those of terrorists who planned the bombing of the you who support our military, but I’m par- U.S.S. Cole. ticularly grateful to all the military families So far, more than 3,000 suspected terror- who are here with us today. Family members ists have been arrested in many countries. serve and sacrifice for our Nation. Each one Just about that number met a different kind of you knows that Navy life is rewarding, but of fate. They’re not a problem anymore. it can be dangerous. It can be difficult. Every The world changed on September the day our military families are putting Amer- 11th, 2001. You see, we learned that oceans ica’s interests first, and America thanks you. no longer protect us, that a threat that gath- Across this great land, I hear it all the time: ers on the other side of the Earth can strike The people of this country admire our men our own cities, can kill our own people. and women in uniform. They’re praying for That’s what we learned. And I’m not going you. They’re concerned about you and your to forget that lesson. You see, we saw what families. Our people in uniform and families terrorists could do with four airplanes as deserve our gratitude, and you deserve our weapons. We’re not going to wait and see support. what they can do with even deadlier weap- Last year I signed the largest increase in ons. defense spending in a generation. Last week Today, the gravest danger in the war on I sent a budget to Congress with another sig- terror, the gravest danger facing America and nificant increase in defense spending. Those the world, is outlaw regimes that seek and

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possess nuclear, chemical, and biological Nations, if force becomes necessary to secure weapons. These regimes could use such our country and to keep the peace, America weapons for blackmail, terror, mass murder. will act deliberately; America will act deci- They could also give or sell those weapons sively; and America will act victoriously with to terrorist allies who would use them with- the world’s greatest military. out the least bit of hesitation. That’s the re- America will also be acting with friends ality of the world we live in, and that’s what and allies. An overwhelming majority of we’re going to use every ounce of our power NATO members oppose the threat of Iraq to defeat. and understand that tough choices may be We have an obligation to protect America necessary to keep the peace. Many nations and the Americans. We understand our re- have offered to provide forces or other sup- sponsibility, and jointly we’ll do just that. port to disarm the Iraqi regime. Every nation We’ll protect America and our friends and of the Gulf Cooperation Council has agreed allies from these thugs. to help defend and protect Kuwait. And now The civilized world has awakened to the the world’s most important multilateral body growing danger posed by the Iraqi regime. faces a decision. Twelve years ago, Saddam Hussein agreed The decision is this for the United Nations: to disarm as a condition of suspending the When you say something, does it mean any- Gulf war. Three months ago, the United Na- thing? You’ve got to decide, if you lay down tions Security Council gave him a final a resolution, does it mean anything? The chance to meet that obligation. Saddam Hus- United Nations Security Council can now de- sein is not disarming. He’s deceiving. cide whether or not it has the resolve to en- America has laid out the facts for the world force its resolutions. to see. Saddam Hussein has chemical weap- I’m optimistic that the U.N. Security ons programs and the means to use them. Council will rise to its responsibilities and Saddam Hussein has biological weapons pro- this time ensure enforcement of what it told gram and the means to deliver those weap- Saddam Hussein he must do. See, I believe, ons. He has secretly attempted to obtain ma- when it’s all said and done, free nations will terials needed to produce nuclear weapons. not allow the United Nations to fade into his- Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, tory as an ineffective, irrelevant debating so- including members of Al Qaida. He harbors ciety. I’m optimistic that free nations will a senior Al Qaida leader who ordered the show backbone and courage in the face of assassination of an American diplomat, the true threats to peace and freedom. same man who plotted against Spain and If there is a conflict, American forces will Italy and the Republic of Georgia and Russia act in the honorable traditions of our military and Great Britain and France and Germany. and in the highest moral traditions of this The Iraqi regime is engaged in a massive country. Our military will be fighting the op- campaign to conceal its weapons of mass de- pressors of Iraq, not the people of Iraq. struction and its ties to terrorists, and that America’s military fights not to conquer but deception continues today. to liberate. At any moment during the last 97 days— In case of conflict, this great Nation is al- and during the last 12 years—Saddam Hus- ready putting plans and supplies into place sein could have completely and immediately so that food and other humanitarian relief disarmed himself. Instead, he’s used all this will flow quickly to the Iraqi people. You see, time to build and to hide weapons. He must we seek more than the defeat of terror; we be hoping that by stalling he’ll buy himself seek an advance of freedom and a world at another 12 years. He’s wrong. This country peace. That is the charge that history has will not accept a serious and mounting threat given us, and that is a charge we will keep. to our Nation, our people, and our friends In crucial hours, the success of our cause and allies. will depend on the men and women of our Military force is always this Nation’s last military. You serve this Nation’s ideals, and option. Yet if force becomes necessary to dis- you live out those ideals in your code and arm Iraq and enforce the will of the United in your character. I’ve seen your love of

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country and your devotion to a cause larger to work. This compassionate approach will than yourself. I’ve seen your discipline, your help many more Americans realize a better idealism, and your sense of honor. I know life of independence, hope, and dignity that that every mission you are given will be car- comes with having a job. It will also promote ried out with skill and unselfish courage. strong families and healthy marriages, while The first time the U.S.S. Enterprise was freeing States to seek innovative ways to im- ever deployed in a crisis was October 1962, prove services to those who are transitioning when President John F. Kennedy ordered it from the welfare rolls to the workforce. to quarantine Cuba, which was arming itself I now urge the Senate to act without delay with nuclear missiles aimed at our Nation. to strengthen our efforts to help our fellow President Kennedy understood that dangers Americans on welfare achieve independence to freedom had to be confronted early and through work. decisively. He said of the cold war, ‘‘These are extraordinary times. We face an extraor- dinary challenge. Our strength as well as our Statement on Congressional Action convictions have imposed upon this Nation on 2003 Appropriations Legislation the role of leader in freedom’s cause.’’ Today, at the dawn of a new century, February 13, 2003 America is still the leader in freedom’s cause. And our generation is called to a central role I commend the Congress for finishing in this Nation’s history. As Americans, we can work on the 2003 appropriations bills. This be confident: The American people are budget will provide valuable resources for strong and resolute. The American Armed priorities such as homeland security, military Forces are brave and ready, and in freedom’s operations, and education, while adhering to cause, we will prevail. the spending restraint set forth in my budget. May God bless you all. May God bless our I look forward to signing this legislation and family—your families—and may God con- to continuing a course of fiscal discipline. tinue to bless the United States of America.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:58 a.m. at the Statement on Senate Confirmation of Echo Foxtrot Pier. In his remarks, he referred William Donaldson as Chairman of to Adm. Robert J. Natter, USN, Commander, U.S. the Securities and Exchange Atlantic Fleet; Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; and Commission President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- February 13, 2003 guage transcript of these remarks. I applaud the Senate for acting quickly to confirm William Donaldson to be the Chair- Statement on House of man of the Securities and Exchange Com- Representatives Action on Welfare mission. In this new role, he will continue Reform Legislation to crack down on corporate wrongdoing, February 13, 2003 work to protect investors, and restore con- fidence in our capital markets. I also thank I commend the House for acting quickly Chairman Shelby, Senator Sarbanes, and the on bipartisan welfare reform legislation that Senate leadership and commend them for builds upon our successful efforts that have their efforts. moved millions of Americans from welfare

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Memorandum To Authorize a cusses recent developments in the areas pre- Drawdown for Afghanistan and viously reported pursuant to section 3 of the Jordan Authorization for Use of Military Force February 13, 2003 Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102–1) on our efforts to obtain compliance by Iraq Presidential Determination No. 2003–15 with the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council. Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Sincerely, Secretary of Defense George W. Bush Subject: Presidential Determination to Authorize a Drawdown for Afghanistan and NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Jordan Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws and Constitution of the United States, including section 202 and other rel- Remarks on Improving evant provisions of the Afghanistan Freedom Counterterrorism Intelligence Support Act (Public Law 107–327) (the February 14, 2003 ‘‘Act’’) and section 506 of the Foreign Assist- ance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s nice 2318, I hereby direct the drawdown of up to be back to the FBI again. The last time to $165 million of defense articles, defense I was here was 14 months ago, and our coun- services, and military education and training try had just realized we were at war. We had from the Department of Defense, $158 mil- just learned that America was a battlefield. lion for the Transitional Islamic State of Af- Since the morning this country was attacked ghanistan, and $7 million to Jordan to assist on September the 11th, folks in law enforce- in its operations in Afghanistan, and further ment all around the country have been work- have determined, in accordance with section ing under urgent and difficult circumstances. 205 of the Act, that such assistance to Jordan And the first thing I want to tell you all is is important to the national security interests that this Nation is grateful for your hard of the United States. work. The Secretary of State is authorized and Across the world we are tracking and con- directed to report this determination to the fronting and defeating international terror. Congress and to publish this determination Within our own country, we’re taking un- in the Federal Register. precedented measures to protect the Amer- George W. Bush ican people against a serious and continuing danger. There is no such thing as perfect se- curity against a hidden network of cold- Letter to Congressional Leaders blooded killers. Yet, abroad and at home, Transmitting a Report on Iraq we’re not going to wait until the worst dan- February 13, 2003 gers are upon us. We continue to be in a state of war, but we’re making progress. And Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) today I want to talk about the Terrorist Pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Threat Integration Center, which will help Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of us meet the challenges of war, will help us 2002 (Public Law 107–243) and as part of do everything we can to say clearly to the my effort to keep the Congress fully in- American people, ‘‘We’re working overtime formed, I am providing a report prepared by to protect you. We’re doing everything in our my Administration on matters relevant to power to make sure the homeland is secure.’’ that resolution including on matters relating The officials who are present here rep- to planning for post-liberation Iraq under resent thousands of patriotic Americans who section 7 of the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 know that we’ve been called into action, that (Public Law 105–338). The report also dis- this is a new era. One of the reasons I express

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such confidence in the country is because I could protect us from attack. The Nation understand the character of the people who thought we were secure from any gathering have been called into action. And there’s no danger that might be occurring somewhere doubt in my mind we will prevail. else. After all, our history pretty well pre- I want to thank Attorney General John dicted that we would be safe. Ashcroft for doing such a fabulous job at the But everything changed on that morning, Department of Justice. He’s assembled a fan- and it’s important for our fellow citizens to tastic team which is representing our country understand that everything did change, that with distinction. I want to thank Tom Ridge we must do everything in our power to stop for becoming the first Cabinet Secretary of an enemy from coming here to hurt us— the Department of Homeland Security. I that’s our first task. Last week’s decision to want to thank Wolfowitz and Armitage, who raise our national terrorist threat is a stark are up here with us—two of the prettiest reminder of the new era we’re in, that we’re members of my administration. [Laughter] at war and the war goes on. They’re doing a fabulous job. Paul works with We’ve got agencies at every level meeting the Secretary of Defense, Don Rumsfeld. threats. We’ve got people standing watch 24 Dick works with the Secretary of State, Colin hours a day. Perseverance is power in this Powell. Both these men are incredibly im- war. Determination is essential in this war. portant members of a team that is doing ev- We will persevere, and it doesn’t matter how erything in our power to protect freedom and long it takes. See, that’s the nature of the secure the peace. I appreciate their hard country that we live in. We owe it to our work. I want to thank Bob Mueller for trans- citizens to protect us within the Constitution forming the FBI. He’s got all my confidence. that we’re all sworn to uphold, and we will And so does the Director of the CIA, George do that. Tenet. Both these men had incredibly impor- tant agencies in our war against terror. Both We’re not only doing everything here at of them have responded to the call. America home, but we’re doing everything we can is better off for their service to our country. abroad. Let me first tell you this: We’re win- I want to thank the Members of Congress ning the war on terror. We’ve hauled in thou- who are here. I see Senator George Allen sands of terrorists. They’re captured. They’re is here, Chris Cox, Frank Wolf, Jim Turner, off the street. They’re not a problem. Like and Jane Harman, Members of the Congress, number were not as lucky, and they’re not the House, the last four representing both a problem, either. We’re dismantling Al political parties. I want to thank you for your Qaida one person at time. There used to be dedication to the country. It’s been a joy to a kind of a brain trust of these people. And work with you all to better secure our home- slowly but surely, we’re bringing them to jus- land, to join together to do everything we tice. We’re at war in a different kind of war. can to protect America. It’s a war that requires us to be on an inter- I also want to thank Chief Ramsey, who national manhunt. We’re on the hunt. It’s a is here, and Chief Moose and Jim Pasco. I war that causes us to need to get the enemy appreciate you all and all the other local law on the run. We got them on the run. And enforcement officials who have come today. it’s just a matter of time before we bring You play an integral role in the defense of them to justice. our country. You’re on the frontline, and for This war requires us to understand that that the American people are grateful. When terror is broader than one international net- you get back home, I hope you tell the troops work, that these terrorist networks have got how much I respect them and what they do, connections, in some cases, to countries run how much America counts on them and how by outlaw dictators. And that’s the issue with grateful we are for their sacrifices on behalf Iraq. When I speak about the war on terror, of the safety and security of the American I not only talk about Al Qaida. I talk about people. Iraq, because, after all, Saddam Hussein has Before September the 11th—if you can re- got weapons of mass destruction, and he’s member that far back—we all thought oceans used them.

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Saddam Hussein is used to deceiving the eral Government and the State government world, and he continues to do so. Saddam and the local governments. We form what’s Hussein has got ties to terrorist networks. called joint terrorism task forces throughout Saddam Hussein is a danger, and that’s why our country, which bring together dedicated he will be disarmed—one way or the other. officials at all levels of government. All our successes in the war on terror de- Not only is the cooperation better between pend on the ability of our intelligence and the CIA and the FBI, not only is the coopera- law enforcement agencies to work in com- tion better between intelligence-gathering mon purpose. In order to better protect our services all around the world, but our co- homeland, our intelligence agencies must co- operation at the Federal, State, and local exist like they never have before. In order level is unprecedented. And it needs to be, to hunt the terrorists down, one by one, our because we fight a ruthless enemy. intelligence agencies must cooperate fully The FBI is expanding the terrorist identi- with agencies overseas. fication system so that 18,000 State and local Under the leadership of Director Tenet law enforcement agencies will be better able and Mueller, the CIA and the FBI have im- to identify known or suspected terrorists in proved their communications and coopera- near real-time. Local police officers will be tion. These agencies are now quicker to share able to access Federal terrorism information intelligence with each other. And we’ve en- from their squad cars. In other words, a guy hanced an overseas coordination as well. in Crawford pulls somebody over, he’s able When you read in the newspapers that a Eu- to call up whether or not the person is on ropean country has hauled in parts of a poi- a terrorist list, whether or not the person is son network, it’s important to understand a suspect. All across our country we’ll be able that the reason they were able to do so is to tie our terrorist information to local infor- because we shared intelligence, that we’re mation banks so that the frontline of defeat- cooperating, that this vast network of free- ing terror becomes activated and real, and dom-loving countries is intact and real. And those are the local law enforcement officials. the message is, either you’re with us or with We expect them to be a part of our effort; the terrorists, and it still stands. we must give them the tools necessary so The increased cooperation of the CIA and they can do their job. FBI counterterrorism operations has proven We will continue to work with Congress to be one of the greatest advantages in this to make sure that the budgets reflect the new war on terror. Under the leadership of Bob reality of the 21st century. That’s why I re- Mueller, the FBI has been transforming quested $500 million for additional money itself since September the 11th. It has no for training preparedness equipment, tech- greater priority than preventing terrorist at- nical assistance for State and local law en- tacks against America. forcement. The Bureau has assigned more than 1,800 The Terrorist Threat Integration Center agents to counterterrorism. That’s a 40-per- marks another crucial advance in meeting the cent increase than prior to September the threats of this time. This joint effort across 11th. In other words, this agency now under- many Departments of our Government will stands that we’re at war and the first respon- integrate and analyze all terrorist threat in- sibility of an incredibly important agency, the formation, collected domestically and FBI, is to prevent the enemy from hitting abroad, in a single location. And that’s an im- us and hurting us. The agents that are out portant advance. The goal is to develop a working in the field are gathering an evalua- comprehensive picture of terrorist activity. tion—evaluating information all the time, When the center is fully operational, it will which helps us deal with any terrorist threat. fully house a database of known and sus- We’re also strengthening the pected terrorists that officials across the counterterrorism efforts by forming partner- country will be able to access and act upon. ships across all levels of the government. It’s I’m pleased that Bob—George Tenet and important for our fellow citizens to know that Bob Mueller will take the next important there is great cooperation between the Fed- steps in assembling their counterterrorism

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resources, both operational and analytical, those who dissent and then are tortured, and locate them in a single facility with the about those who express an opinion other Terrorist Threat Integration Center. The than what the dictator thinks and are raped new Department of Homeland Security will and mutilated. The condition of the Iraqi cit- be a full partner in this center. The Depart- izen is on our mind and in our hearts. As ment will act to identify and reduce our we work to secure the peace, we’ll always vulnerabilities to terrorism and coordinate hold those values of freedom dear to our with the FBI to ensure the threat informa- heart. tion is quickly disseminated. All of these ef- There’s no question in my mind that the forts will formalize a new spirit of coopera- challenges we face will be overcome, because tion that began 15 months ago. our Nation is full of decent and honorable The American people need to know that and strong people, many of whom are in this we’re collecting a lot of information and room. Thank you for caring about your coun- we’re going to share it in a way that enables try. May God bless your work. And may God us to do our jobs that you expect us to do, continue to bless America. that we’re going to use the best information technologies available to not only make sure NOTE: The President spoke at 1:15 p.m. in the information flows freely at the Federal level Bonaparte Auditorium at the Federal Bureau of but flows from this databank of information Investigation Headquarters. In his remarks, he re- to local law enforcement officials. It will en- ferred to Charles H. Ramsey, chief of police, able us to make sure that we do everything Washington, DC; Charles A. Moose, chief of po- we can to win the war on terror at home, lice, Montgomery County, MD; James Pasco, ex- ecutive director, Fraternal Order of Police; and just like we’re going to do everything we can President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The Office of by unleashing one of the greatest militaries— the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- the greatest military ever assembled abroad. guage transcript of these remarks. We’ve got fabulous men and women in uniform who are on the hunt. The finest, bravest soldiers ever known to mankind are Statement on the National Strategy helping us track them down, one by one. And for Combating Terrorism if we have to send them into Iraq to make February 14, 2003 sure that that regime is disarmed, we’ll use every ounce of our ingenuity and technology Today I am pleased to issue the National to protect innocent life of the Iraqi people, Strategy for Combating Terrorism. This at the same time, achieve an objective of strategy outlines the effort our Nation is mak- achieving world peace. ing to win the war against global terror. The One of the things this country stands for strategy complements important elements of is freedom. That’s what we believe. For years the National Security Strategy, as well as our the freedom of our people were really never National Strategies for: Homeland Security, in doubt because no one ever thought that to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, to the terrorists or anybody could come and Secure Cyberspace, for the Physical Protec- hurt America. But that changed. As a matter tion of Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets, of fact, the more threatened we are here at and the National Drug Control Strategy. To- home, the more we love freedom. The more gether these efforts establish critical goals for there’s a chance that somebody might think strengthening America’s security against the they can take it away from us, the more stub- threats of the 21st century. born we are in our demand for freedom uni- The United States’ strategy for combating versally. terrorism focuses on taking the fight to the As I said in my State of the Union, liberty terrorists themselves. We are using all ele- is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s ments of our national power and inter- gift to each and every human being. So as national influence to attack terror networks; we pursue peace, we also pursue liberty. We reduce their ability to communicate and co- care about those who suffer under the hands ordinate their plans; isolate them from poten- of a dictator in Iraq. We care deeply about tial allies and from each other; and identify

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and disrupt their plots before they attack. I encourage everyone, government at all lev- Our country works closely with every nation els, industry, and private citizens to continue committed to this fight, and we will continue to work together to make our Nation secure. to help our allies and friends improve their ability to fight terror. The war against global terror will be hard and long. Today, terror cells exist on nearly every continent and in dozens of countries, Digest of Other including our own. Victory will depend on White House Announcements the courage, strength, and fortitude of Amer- ica’s people and our partners around the The following list includes the President’s public world. It will be measured through the schedule and other items of general interest an- steady, patient work of dismantling terror nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and networks and bringing terrorists to justice, not included elsewhere in this issue. oftentimes one by one. Our Nation is unalter- ably committed to protecting our citizens, routing terror wherever it exists, and building February 8 a safer, better world of greater opportunity In the morning, at Camp David, MD, the and freedom for all peoples. We will not rest President had an intelligence briefing. until we succeed. February 9

NOTE: This statement was made available by the In the morning, the President traveled to Office of the Press Secretary on February 14 but White Sulphur Springs, WV, and in the after- was embargoed for release until 4 p.m. noon, he returned to Washington, DC. February 10 Statement on the National Strategy In the morning, the President had intel- To Secure Cyberspace and the ligence and FBI briefings. He then had a National Strategy for the Physical telephone conversation with Prime Minister Protection of Critical Infrastructures Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark to and Key Assets thank him for his support for efforts to dis- February 14, 2003 arm the Iraqi regime. Later in the morning, the President trav- The National Strategy to Secure Cyber- eled to Nashville, TN, where, upon arrival, space and the National Strategy for the Phys- he met with volunteer Sherry Jean Williams. ical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Later, at the Opryland Hotel, he participated Key Assets will help us protect America from in a roundtable discussion on his Faith-Based those who would do us harm, whether Initiative with participants of the Campus for through physical destruction or by attacking Human Development program. our infrastructures through cyberspace. In the afternoon, the President returned These strategies recognize that the major- to Washington, DC. ity of our critical assets and infrastructures, The President announced his intention to such as those in the banking, telecommuni- nominate Reno L. Harnish to be Ambassador cations, energy, and transportation sectors, to Azerbaijan. are privately owned and operated. The strat- egies outline Federal efforts and State and February 11 local roles in securing the Nation’s critical In the morning, the President had a tele- infrastructures and identify opportunities for phone conversation with President Gloria partnership with the private sector. The De- Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines to dis- partment of Homeland Security will take the cuss President Arroyo’s April 2 state visit, co- lead in accomplishing many of the objectives operation against terror, the situation in Iraq, of these strategies. Other departments and and proposed legislation in the Philippines agencies also have important roles to play. to combat money-laundering. He also had

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separate telephone conversations with Presi- February 13 dent Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola to In the morning, the President had intel- discuss the situation in Iraq, and Prime Min- ligence and FBI briefings. Later, he traveled ister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom to to Jacksonsville, FL, where, upon arrival, he discuss the situation in Iraq and military sup- met with Senior Chief Arden Battle, USN, port for Turkey as a member of NATO. who is active in local volunteer efforts. Later in the morning, the President had In the afternoon, the President had lunch intelligence and FBI briefings. with troops aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea In the afternoon, the President met with at Naval Station Mayport. Later, he returned Senate Republicans to discuss economic ini- to Washington, DC. tiatives. Later, in the Oval Office, he met The White House announced that the with President Lucio Gutierrez Borbua of President will be joined by President Vaira Ecuador to discuss support for democracy in Vike-Freiberga of Latvia in participating in Ecuador, counternarcotics efforts, and trade. the White House Forum on American His- During the day, in an Oval Office cere- tory, Civics and Service on February 17. mony, the President received the annual re- The White House announced that the ports of the Boy Scouts of America. President will welcome President Paul The President announced his intention to Kagame of Rwanda to the White House on appoint the following individuals as members March 4. of the White House Commission on Presi- The President announced his intention to dential Scholars: Fernando Augusto Mateo, nominate Heather M. Hodges to be Ambas- Charlotte Mohr, Robert Dolph Ray, and sador to Moldova. Renee Russell. February 14 February 12 In the morning, the President had a tele- phone conversation with Prime Minister Siim In the morning, in the Oval Office, the Kallas of Estonia to discuss the situation in President met with Speaker of the House of Iraq. He also had a telephone conversation Representatives J. Dennis Hastert, House with President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan Majority Leader Tom DeLay, House Minor- to discuss the war on terror and the situations ity Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority in South Asia and Iraq. Leader Bill Frist, and Senate Minority Lead- Later in the morning, the President had er Tom Daschle to discuss the war on ter- intelligence and FBI briefings and then met rorism, the situation in Iraq, and proposed with the National Security Council. Then, in fiscal year 2003 budget legislation. He then the Oval Office, he met with Minister of For- had intelligence and FBI briefings and met eign Affairs Yasar Yakis and Minister of State with the National Security Council. Ali Babacan of Turkey. In the afternoon, the President traveled to In the afternoon, the President had lunch Alexandria, VA, where he participated in a with Vice President Dick Cheney. Later, he roundtable discussion with small investors at traveled to Camp David, MD. the Charles Schwab Corporation. The President announced his intention to designate Shannon Davis Henderson as Act- ing Assistant Secretary of Energy for Con- gressional and Intergovernmental Affairs. Nominations The President announced his intention to Submitted to the Senate appoint the following individuals as members of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the Commission for Environmental Coopera- The following list does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations tion: Patricia Clarey, Dinkerrai Desai, Arturo to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Duran, Jane Gardner, and Patricia McDon- eign Service officers. ald.

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Submitted February 11 Withdrawn February 11

Lino Gutierrez, Jeffrey Shane, of Florida, a career member of the Senior of the District of Columbia, to be Associate Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, vice Ste- to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- phen D. Van Beek, resigned, which was sent potentiary of the United States of America to the Senate on January 9, 2003. to Argentina. Submitted February 12

Reno L. Harnish, Consuelo Maria Callahan, of California, a career member of the Senior of California, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, the Ninth Circuit, vice Ferdinand F. to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Fernandez, retired. potentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Azerbaijan. Steven M. Colloton, of Iowa, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Jeffrey Lunstead, Eighth Circuit, vice David R. Hansen, re- of the District of Columbia, a career member tired. of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Min- ister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraor- Harry A. Haines, dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United of Montana, to be a Judge of the U.S. Tax States of America to the Democratic Socialist Court for a term of 15 years, vice Renato Republic of Sri Lanka, and to serve concur- Beghe, retiring. rently and without additional compensation Submitted February 14 as Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America Ellen G. Engleman, to the Republic of Maldives. of Indiana, to be a member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term ex- Jeffrey Shane, pire on December 31, 2007, vice John Arthur of the District of Columbia, to be Under Sec- Hammerschmidt, term expired. retary of Transportation for Policy (new posi- tion). Ellen G. Engleman, of Indiana, to be Chairman of the National John W. Snow, Transportation Safety Board for a term of 2 of Virginia, to be U.S. Governor of the Inter- years, vice Marion Blakey, resigned. national Monetary Fund for a term of 5 Lawrence B. Hagel, years; U.S. Governor of the International of Virginia, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court Bank for Reconstruction and Development of Appeals for Veterans Claims for the term for a term of 5 years; U.S. Governor of the prescribed by law, vice Ronald M. Holdaway, Inter-American Development Bank for a retired. term of 5 years; U.S. Governor of the African Development Bank for a term of 5 years; Heather M. Hodges, U.S. Governor of the Asian Development of Ohio, a career member of the Senior For- Bank; U.S. Governor of the African Develop- eign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, to ment Fund; U.S. Governor of the European be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Bank for Reconstruction and Development, potentiary of the United States of America vice Paul Henry O’Neill, resigned. to the Republic of Moldova.

Gregory A. White, Charles E. McQueary, of Ohio, to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern of North Carolina, to be Under Secretary for District of Ohio for the term of 4 years, vice Science and Technology, Department of Emily Margaret Sweeney, term expired. Homeland Security (new position).

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Checklist Statement by the Press Secretary: Latvian of White House Press Releases President Vaira Vike-Freiberga To Visit Washington Statement by the Press Secretary: Meeting The following list contains releases of the Office With Rwandan President Paul Kagame of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Statement by the Press Secretary: United Other White House Announcements. States Expresses Concern Over Develop- ments in Bolivia Released February 10 Statement by the Press Secretary announcing that the President signed H.R. 16 Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Scott McClellan Released February 14

Released February 11 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Ari Fleischer Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Fact sheet: Strengthening Intelligence To retary Ari Fleischer Better Protect America Released February 12 Announcement of nomination for a Judge of Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans retary Ari Fleischer Claims Text of a letter to the President endorsing his economic growth and jobs proposal signed by a group of over 200 economists Acts Approved Timeline: Iraq’s Compliance? 1996 All Over by the President Again Announcement of nomination for a Judge of Approved February 13 the U.S. Tax Court H.R. 16 / Public Law 108–6 Released February 13 To authorize salary adjustments for Justices Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press and judges of the United States for fiscal year Secretary Claire Buchan 2003

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