Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, September 3, 2007 Volume 43—Number 35 Pages 1117–1162

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Addresses and Remarks Appointments and Nominations See also Appointments and Nominations; White House Office, Press Secretary, Resignations and Retirements remarks—1158 Homeownership financing—1156 Louisiana Communications to Federal Agencies Elected officials and community leaders, Assignment of Function Concerning dinner in New Orleans—1132 Assistance to Afghanistan, memorandum— Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts in New 1132 Orleans—1134 Visit with new homeowners in New Interviews With the News Media Orleans—1137 Mississippi, gulf coast reconstruction in Bay Exchanges with reporters St. Louis—1137 James S. Brady Press Briefing Room—1158 Nevada, American Legion national convention Rose Garden—1156 in Reno—1124 Interview with David Speers of Sky News— New Mexico, remarks congratulating Iraqi 1151 leaders at Kirtland Air Force Base—1118 Interview with Foreign Print Media—1141 Radio address—1117 Interview with Kensuke Okoshi of NHK Washington, reception for congressional Japan—1153 candidate David G. Reichert and the Washington State Republican Party in Letters and Messages Bellevue—1119 Labor Day, message—1160

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

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

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Proclamations Statements by the President—Continued Minority Enterprise Development Week— Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, 15th 1133 anniversary—1140 National Employer Support of the Guard and Death of Police Officer Germaine Casey— Reserve Week—1155 1124 National Preparedness Month—1141 Military leaders, meeting—1159 National economy—1131 Resignations and Retirements Justice Department, Attorney General, Supplementary Materials remarks in Waco, TX—1118 Acts approved by the President—1162 White House Office, Press Secretary, Checklist of White House press releases— remarks—1158 1162 Digest of other White House Statements by the President announcements—1160 Burma situation—1141 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1161

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The President’s Radio Address for reconciliation, especially at the local level. August 25, 2007 In communities across Iraq, citizens are see- ing their local and Provincial governments Good morning. This week, I traveled to return to operation. Despite continuing vio- Kansas City to address the annual convention lence, leaders in places like Anbar, Najaf, and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I spoke Ninawa are now working through local Pro- about the ideological struggle that our Nation vincial councils to approve funds to finance faces in the 21st century and the lessons we the rebuilding of homes and neighborhoods, can draw from the advance of freedom in to fight corruption, and to create new jobs. Asia in the 20th century. America’s enduring Here at home, it can be easy to overlook presence and perseverance on that continent the bravery shown by Iraqi troops and Iraqi aided the rise of democracy, helped trans- civilians who are in the fight for freedom. form American enemies into American allies, But our troops on the ground see it every and made our country safer. day. Last week, a team of American soldiers Next week, I will address the members of was meeting with an Iraqi citizens group near the American Legion at their annual conven- Baghdad. Suddenly, a suicide bomber came tion in Reno. In that speech, I will focus on running around a corner and headed straight the Middle East and why the rise of a free for our soldiers and the Iraqi civilians. and democratic Iraq is critical to the future One Iraqi man saw what was happening of this vital region and to our Nation’s secu- and ran to intercept the bomber. As he rity. pushed the terrorist away, the bomb deto- I will also provide an update on the devel- nated, killing both men, but sparing four opments we are seeing from our new strategy American soldiers and eight Iraqi civilians. in Iraq. Every month since January, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sean Kane is one of forces have killed or captured an average of those who says he owes his life to this brave more than 1,500 Al Qaida terrorists and other Iraqi. Sergeant Kane says, ‘‘He could have extremists. And in June, our troops launched run behind us or away from us, but he made a surge of operations that is helping bring the decision to sacrifice himself to protect former Sunni insurgents into the fight against everyone.’’ Sergeant Kane spoke to the Iraqi Al Qaida, clear the terrorists out of popu- man’s father, who said that even if his son lation centers, and give families in liberated had known the outcome beforehand, he Iraqi cities a safer and more normal life. ‘‘[would not] have acted differently.’’ As security improves, more Iraqis are step- The story does not end there. Later that ping forward to defend their democracy. same night, the citizens group contacted the Young Iraqi men are signing up for the army. local director of the National Police and told Iraqi police are now patrolling the streets. him the location of the Al Qaida cell believed Coalition and Iraqi forces have doubled the to be responsible for the attack. The National number of joint operations. As the Iraqi peo- Police immediately conducted a raid that re- ple feel more secure, they are also forming sulted in four arrests. neighborhood watch groups. They’re volun- We are still in the early stages of our new teering important information about the ter- operations. But the success of the past couple rorists and extremists hiding in their midst. of months have shown that conditions on the And the increase in tips helps account for ground can change—and they are changing. the marked reduction in sectarian murders. We cannot expect the new strategy we are By driving out the terrorists from cities and carrying out to bring success overnight. But neighborhoods, we’re creating the conditions by standing with the Iraqi people as they 1117

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build their democracy, we will deliver a dev- service that began as a young man when, astating blow to Al Qaida, we will help pro- after high school, he enlisted in the United vide new hope for millions of people States Air Force. When I became Governor throughout the Middle East, we will gain a of Texas in 1995, I recruited him from one friend and ally in the war on terror, and we of Texas’s most prestigious law firms to be will make the American people safer. my general counsel. He went on to become Thank you for listening. Texas’s 100th secretary of state and to serve on our State’s supreme court. In the long NOTE: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on August 24 at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, course of our work together, this trusted ad- for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August 25. The viser became a close friend. transcript was made available by the Office of the These various positions have required sac- Press Secretary on August 24 but was embargoed rifice from Al, his wife, Becky, their sons, for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Jared, Graham, and Gabriel. And I thank Press Secretary also released a Spanish language them for their service to the country. transcript of this address. After months of unfair treatment that has created a harmful distraction at the Justice Remarks on the Resignation of Department, Judge Gonzales decided to re- Attorney General Alberto R. sign his position, and I accept his decision. Gonzales in Waco, Texas It’s sad that we live in a time when a talented August 27, 2007 and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeded from doing important work be- This morning Attorney General Alberto cause his good name was dragged through Gonzales announced that he will leave the the mud for political reasons. Department of Justice after 21⁄2 years of serv- I’ve asked Solicitor General Paul Clement ice to the Department. Al Gonzales is a man to serve as Acting Attorney General upon of integrity, decency, and principle. And I Alberto Gonzales’s departure and until a have reluctantly accepted his resignation, nominee has been confirmed by the Senate. with great appreciation for the service that He’s agreed to do so. Paul is one of the finest he has provided for our country. lawyers in America. As Solicitor General, As Attorney General and before that as Paul has developed a reputation for excel- White House Counsel, Al Gonzales has lence and fairness and earned the respect played a critical role in shaping our policies and confidence of the entire Justice Depart- in the war on terror and has worked tirelessly ment. to make this country safer. The PATRIOT Thank you. Act, the Military Commissions Act, and other important laws bear his imprint. Under his leadership, the Justice Department has made a priority of protecting children from Inter- net predators and made enforcement of civil NOTE: The President spoke at 10:50 a.m. at the rights laws a top priority. He aggressively and Texas State Technical College Airport. The Office successfully pursued public corruption and of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- effectively combated gang violence. guage transcript of these remarks. As Attorney General, he played an impor- tant role in helping to confirm two fine jurists Remarks Congratulating Iraqi in Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Leaders at Kirtland Air Force Base, Samuel Alito. He did an outstanding job as White House Counsel, identifying and rec- New Mexico ommending the best nominees to fill criti- August 27, 2007 cally important Federal court vacancies. Alberto Gonzales’s tenure as Attorney I congratulate Iraq’s leaders on the agree- General and White House Counsel is only ment reached yesterday in Baghdad. I’ve part of a long history of distinguished public been briefed on the agreement, and this

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morning I spoke to Iraq’s elected leaders. Remarks at a Reception for These leaders represent all the Iraqi commu- Congressional Candidate David G. nities. These leaders—Prime Minister Reichert and the Washington State Maliki, President Talabani, Vice President Republican Party in Bellevue, Hashimi, Vice President Abd Al-Mahdi, Washington President Barzani—recognize the true and meaningful reconciliation that needs to take August 27, 2007 place, and they recognize this is a process. Thank you all. Thanks for coming. I appre- Yesterday’s agreement reflects their commit- ciate it. Thanks for coming. How’s your ment to work together for the benefit of all elbow, Dave? [Laughter] First of all, I thank Iraqis to further the process. you all for supporting an honest, decent, The agreement begins to establish new hard-working, fine American in Dave power-sharing agreements, commits to sup- Reichert. You call him ‘‘the sheriff.’’ I look porting bottom-up security and political ini- at him as a sheriff. He’s tough when he has tiatives, and advances agreement among to be; he’s compassionate when he needs to Iraq’s leadership on several key legislative be; and he’s an independent thinker. He’s benchmarks. the kind of person who has done a fabulous While yesterday’s agreement is an impor- job in the United States House of Represent- tant step, I reminded them, and they under- atives, and he deserves to be reelected. And stand, much more needs to be done. The I thank you for supporting him. I particularly Iraqi Parliament will convene again in early want to thank Julie for standing with Dave— September, and it will need to act to codify and the family. this political progress. I know something about families and poli- It’s in our interests that we help the Iraqi tics. Like Dave, I married above my head. people succeed. Success in Iraq will be a [Laughter] And Laura sends her very best major blow to the extremists and radicals to the Reichert family. She’s a—I left her who would like to attack America again. And on the ranch this morning. We’re working that’s why the United States will continue to our way back to Washington, DC. I’m going support Iraq’s leaders and all the Iraqi people to Australia to represent the United States in their efforts to overcome the forces of ter- of America at what they call APEC. By the ror that seek to overthrow a nascent democ- way, there’s no greater honor than to rep- racy. resent the United States of America overseas. In this regard, I welcome and accept the It is a fantastic experience. We’re such a fab- expressed desire of the Iraqi leadership to ulous country of decent, honorable people. develop a long-term relationship with the I want to thank my friend, the former Sen- United States based on common interests. ator of the State, Slade Gorton, and Sally, The United States is committed to devel- for joining us today. Senator, thank you for oping this relationship and to strengthening being here. Luke, I want to thank you for diplomatic, economic, and security ties with being here. Thanks for being the chairman. the Iraqi Government and its people. Use this—[applause]—yes. You need to put this money to good use and turn out the vote, Thank you. get people to the polls. We run for reasons. We’ve got a philos- ophy that works. We believe in strong de- fense. We need to protect this country. We believe in human rights and human dignity, NOTE: The President spoke at 11:33 a.m. In his and we believe in keeping your taxes low. remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Nuri al- That’s what we believe. Maliki, President Jalal Talabani, and Vice Presi- dents Tariq al-Hashimi and Adil Abd Al-Mahdi I want to thank Matt Hasselbeck and Mack of Iraq; and Masoud Barzani, president, Kurdistan Strong. These are champs. These men are region in Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary champs on the field, and they’re champs off also released a Spanish language transcript of the field. And they set such a fine example these remarks. for people who look at the Seattle Seahawks,

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and they look at these players and say, ‘‘Gosh, these kind of people; you can’t talk sense to I’d like to be like them.’’ And I thank you them. The only thing—the way to protect us for being such good family men, setting such in the short term is to find them before they a good example for the kids here. And I’m hurt us again. And that’s what’s happening honored to have the jersey. every single day. I want to talk about a couple of issues with Dave Reichert understands it. He is a you. We’re a nation at war. I wish I didn’t strong supporter of law enforcement, of the have to say that. No President should ever intelligence community, and of the United want to come to any community in our coun- States military. And I appreciate that, Dave. try and say, ‘‘We’re at war,’’ but we are. And In the long run, the best way to protect the fundamental question facing this Nation you is to win this ideological struggle by de- is, how do we face this conflict? What do feating what they believe with something that we do? has worked throughout history, and that’s lib- The most important priority of govern- erty. I make my decisions based on just some ment—it’s one of the reasons I’m such a fundamental principles—principles, by the strong believer in Dave—is to protect the way, I’m not going to change; principles homeland. That’s our most important job. that—you know, I think the thing that mat- And Dave Reichert understands that. He un- ters most in life is when you finish the task derstands that it’s possible for government at hand, whatever that may be, that you can to balance the need to understand the enemy look in the mirror and say you stayed true and civil liberties. And we’re doing just that. to your principles; you stayed true to that He knows what I know, that we’ve got to which you believe. I’d rather be dealing with use all assets at our power to protect you. people who make decisions based upon You know, I was deeply affected on Sep- what’s right, not based upon the latest focus tember the 11th, 2001. I vowed that day that group or opinion poll. And that’s exactly what I would use all of our assets to keep the we need to do to protect this country. enemy from harming us again. And I’m I believe there’s an Almighty, and I believe proud to have an ally in Dave Reichert, who a great gift of the Almighty to each man, understands that as well. That’s why you’ve woman, and child on the face of the Earth got to send him back. is freedom. And I believe it’s in the interest The stakes are high. There are some—I of the United States to help people be free. recognize there are some who hear we’re at Freedom yields the peace we want. Freedom war and dismiss that as empty political talk. yields the—lays that foundation for peace so That’s either disingenuous or naive—either our children can grow up in a peaceful world. case it is dangerous because we face an And that’s what you’re seeing happening enemy that is ideologically bent, determined right now. to achieve their objectives and murder the Iraq is the central front of this war. This innocent. They are not religious people. They war is being fought on a variety of fronts, may have hijacked religion, but they’re not and Iraq, obviously, is the central front. It’s religious. I don’t believe you murder inno- the front that’s dominating the news. It’s the cent people to achieve political objectives front that appears on your TV screens. It’s and be a religious person. I just don’t believe the front in which there’s a lot of debate in that. As a matter of fact, I believe that’s the a free society, and there should be debate. definition of evil. And I think the United I happen to believe it’s essential that we win States must do everything we can to prevent this war in Iraq, that we do the job on this them from harming us and others again. front. And the stakes are high in this war. Our We’ve done some remarkable things there. strategy is to stay on the offense. I would First of all, we removed a brutal dictator. rather defeat them overseas than to face Getting rid of Saddam Hussein made the them here at home. And so every day, you’ve world safer. It was the right decision. The got really fine, decent people working hour Iraqis went to the polls and wrote a Constitu- after hour to find these killers and to bring tion. I mean, I wasn’t surprised they went them to justice. You can’t negotiate with to the polls. If you believe in the universality

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of freedom, it shouldn’t surprise you that The people are beginning to see that grass- people, if given a chance, will express their roots reconciliation is possible. Neighbors— desire to be free. I wasn’t surprised; I was listen, people want to live in peace. People pleased that 12 million people defied the car don’t like violence. They want their children bombers and killers and murderers to vote. to grow up in a peaceful world. If given a And then the thinking enemy, recognizing chance, I believe people will cling to liberty that a free society in the Middle East would and freedom. And I know it’s in our interests be a major blow to their ambitions to spread for us to deny Al Qaida a safe haven or the their caliphate throughout the Middle East, extremists an opportunity to become more tried to create sectarian violence. They mur- emboldened throughout the Middle East. dered the innocent in order to cause people What happens in Iraq matters in America. to doubt government and doubt the coalition. And that’s why I’ve asked Congress to wait These are coldblooded killers. These, by the until these commanders come back—the way, have sworn allegiance to—many of Ambassador and commander come back and them have sworn allegiance to Usama bin tell people exactly what’s happening. You Laden, the same person that ordered the at- know, when they open up a new school in tacks that killed nearly 3,000 of our citizens. Iraq, it doesn’t make headline news. When They can’t stand the thought of a free society Al Qaida kills a bunch of people, it does. And in their midst. An Iraq that can govern itself these folks are trying to shake our will. I’m and sustain itself and be an ally against these giving a speech to the American Legion to- radicals and extremists would be a major de- morrow, and a line in there is, ‘‘We will not feat in this ideological struggle. be intimidated by thugs and murderers. The And so they struck. And I was confronted United States of America will stand strong.’’ with a decision: You either leave, pull back, I’m confident we can succeed. I really am. or send more troops in to try to bring enough I could not look at a mother whose child was security so that the society can emerge and in combat if I didn’t believe, one, it was nec- evolve. And I chose the latter. I chose the essary, and two, we can succeed. I couldn’t latter because the consequences of failure in do that in good conscience. And one of the Iraq are enormous for the security of the reasons I’m confident we can succeed is be- United States of America. cause we have done this kind of work before. I gave a speech to the VFW the other day I like to remind people about the story of and talked about the different theaters of war my dad and my Presidency. I find it incred- in the past, whether it be Japan or Korea ibly ironic that George H.W. Bush went and Vietnam. I reminded the listeners, Viet- straight out of high school, became a Navy nam was much different from Iraq in that fighter pilot, and fought the Japanese, and you could leave Vietnam, and yeah, there was some 60 years later, his son sits down at the a human toll, huge human catastrophe as a table with the Prime Minister of Japan, the result of us leaving, but the enemy wasn’t former enemy, working to keep the peace. going to follow us here. In the beginning of Isn’t that interesting? I think it is. And you the 21st century, failure in Iraq would cause know what happens? Liberty has got the ca- the enemy not to retreat, but to follow us pacity to change an enemy into an ally. Lib- to America. The stakes of success for your erty and freedom have—are transformative. security are enormous. And that is why I lis- They’ve got the ability to transform an entire tened to our commanders and the experts region, one of hopelessness, where 19 kids and military folks about how to provide are willing to get on an airplane to kill, to enough security for democracy to have a one of hope, where people realize a better chance to succeed. future and a peaceful future. I sent a new commander there on the This is a long ideological struggle we’re in- ground, a fellow named General David volved in. And the fundamental question is, Petraeus. We’ve been there for—fully staffed will the United States of America take the and engaged for about 2 months, with a full lead? Will we be confident in the values that complement of manpower, and we’re making have made us a great nation? And I answered a difference. It’s changing on the ground. that question loud and clear: We’re in the

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lead; we’ll stay in the lead; and we’ll work businesses. Seventy percent of new jobs are for the peace that we all want. created by small businesses, and so when a You know, every time you run, at least small business has more money in its treas- every time I’ve run, the economy has always ury, it tends to expand and invest. When a been an issue. And I’m glad it is this time consumer has more money in his or her around. [Laughter] We have—I can remem- pocket, they either save or invest or spend. ber campaigning in Washington State and campaigning with Dave before and remind- And our plan worked. Cutting taxes works. ing people of another principle that I believe Cutting taxes has created a strong economy. in, and that is, you can spend your money We’ve created 8.3 million new jobs since Au- better than government can. There is a kind gust of 2003. Unemployment rates are down. of a philosophical divide in Washington. People are working; inflation is low; interest There are people that, one, don’t—believe rates are low; people are owning homes. This we don’t have enough money in Wash- economy is strong. And the best way to keep ington—I happen to believe we do—and sec- it strong is to put people in Congress that ondly, that they would rather figure out how won’t raise your taxes. to spend your money than you should. And make no mistake about it, the Demo- You know—and so our argument, how- crats are going to raise your taxes, pure and ever, wins when you look at the facts. We simple. They may say they’re not going to had to deal with a recession, an attack on in the campaign, but they’re going to raise the country, corporate scandals. This econ- your taxes. How do I know? Well, they sub- omy was not very good in the beginning of mitted a budget recently. Their budget calls my administration. So I went to Congress and for $205 billion of extra discretionary spend- said, ‘‘I’ve got an idea for us to get out of ing over the next 5 years. That’s their blue- this recession. Why don’t we let the people print for what they’re going to do with your have more of their own money? Rather than money—205 billion additional dollars. That taking money away from the spenders and averages out to $112 million a day, $4.7 mil- savers and investors, why don’t we try some- thing different? Why don’t we say, ‘Here, you lion per hour, $78,000 per minute, $1,300 can have your own money in your own pocket in higher discretionary spending every sec- so you can spend it yourself ’?’’ ond of every minute of every hour of every And it worked. Since August of 2003—by day of every year for the next 5 years. And the way, we didn’t cut taxes on a few people; you’re going to pay for it. That’s why we need we cut taxes on everybody that paid taxes. to reelect Dave Reichert. And that’s why they It wasn’t one of these special deals where give the President the power of veto. I’m you paid some, and you paid some, but you going to veto any tax threats. get the tax break; you don’t. If you have a What’s interesting is that we were able to family with children, you got a tax break. I cut taxes and grow the economy and, at the happen to think it was a mistake to penalize same time, reduce our deficit. That’s what marriage. We had a marriage penalty in the we told the people we would do. We said, Tax Code. It seems like to me, we ought to ‘‘Give us a chance. You’re going to have more be encouraging marriage rather than penal- money in your own pocket to spend, save, izing marriage. and invest, and we’re going to manage this We cut taxes on dividends and capital gains fiscal house in such a way that the deficit to encourage investment. We cut taxes on comes down.’’ Today, the projected deficit small businesses, and we reduced all the in- is about 205 billion—that’s a nice number; come tax rates. And by the way, most small that’s what the Democrats are going to take businesses pay tax at the individual income out of your pocket; that’s the size of the def- tax rate. See, if you’re a subchapter S or a icit, which, by the way, as a percentage of limited partnership, you pay income tax GDP is low. based upon individual rates. And so when you say you’re cutting the individual rates, And I’ve submitted a budget that will actu- you’re actually cutting taxes as well on small ally balance the budget by 2012, so long as

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we have fiscally responsible people in Wash- point where we can reduce our gasoline ington. And that means we need to elect peo- usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years ple who understand what it means to set pri- and replace it with alternative fuels. I believe orities. And the number-one priority, as far that. as I’m concerned, is to protecting the Amer- Your government is spending a fair ican people. The number-one priority is to amount of your money—if billions is fair— make sure our troops have the support they [laughter]—a lot of your money on tech- need and to make sure our veterans get the nologies because the truth of the matter is, care they need. the only way to be able to grow our economy And Dave is right there. You can count and, at the same time, be better stewards on him. You can count on him to be a watch- of the environment is to come up with new dog for your money in Washington, DC. technologies. It’s conceivable that relatively I want to talk about one other issue, and quickly, there are going to be automobiles that is—it’s a national security issue; it’s an where you can drive your first 40 miles on economic security issue; and it is an environ- a battery and the thing you’re in doesn’t look mental issue—and that is our dependency on like a golf cart. It will actually be a car, some- oil. Now, that probably comes as a shock to thing that you’d like to be in. [Laughter] you to hear a Texan say that, but I under- I’m a big believer in clean coal tech- stand what it means to be dependent on a nologies. We’re spending up to about $2 bil- product from parts of the world where some lion to be able to use this plentiful supply of the people don’t like us. I know what that of energy in an environmentally friendly way. means for our national security. And I think there’s going to be some break- I also understand, in this world we live in, throughs coming down the road. when demand for crude oil goes up in a de- veloping country like China and the cor- I believe in nuclear power. I believe if responding supply doesn’t keep up with the you’re really, truly interested in greenhouse demand, the price of gasoline goes up at the gases, then you ought to be supporting nu- pump here in Seattle, Washington. So it’s an clear power. If you’re really that concerned economic security issue as well. If the terror- about the environment, you ought to be say- ists and these radicals that would like to cre- ing, this great economy of ours can grow and, ate economic havoc on the United States at the same time, not pollute. Nuclear power were ever to able to significantly disrupt the doesn’t put one emission into the atmos- oil supply, you’d feel it. So it’s an economic phere. security issue. And obviously, burning fossil And so we’re spending money to come up fuels creates an environmental issue. with technologies that will enable us to be And so I look forward to working with less dependent on oil. And I think it makes Dave to come up with a practical plan that sense. And I’m proud to have Dave’s support. enables us, one, to grow the economy and, He’s an environmentally conscious guy. He at the same time, to become less dependent cares about the environment, like a lot of on oil and better stewards of the environ- people around the country do. But I want ment. And our strategy makes sense. It’s a to tell you something that’s interesting and commonsense strategy. something you probably haven’t spent much First, I believe that we can grow enough time reading about. Do you realize that the fuel to become less dependent on oil. I’d United States is the only major industrialized rather our farmers be producing fuel than nation that cut greenhouse gases last year? buying fuel from overseas. I think that’s a We grew our economy by 3.4 percent in the practical application of technology. We’re second quarter, and we cut greenhouse selling a little—we’re using a little more than gases. 7 billion gallons of ethanol now, made mainly Our strategy is working. Our philosophy from Midwestern corn. In other words, makes sense. It is a commonsense philosophy there’s a whole industry growing. And we’re that’s making a difference in the lives of the encouraging it. As a matter of fact, we believe average citizens. David Reichert understands that technology is going to advance to the that, and that’s why you need to send him

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back to the United States Congress. And I’m dent and the people of this country. Thank proud to be here for him. you for your service. Thanks for coming. God bless. I particularly appreciate the work you do with our country’s young. I like the fact that you have a oratorical competition that, ac- NOTE: The President spoke at 4:28 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency. In his remarks, he referred to cording to your organization, helps Ameri- Luke Esser, chairman, Washington State Repub- cans communicate their ideas clearly and ef- lican Party; Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback, and fectively. Paul suggested I might want to sign Mack Strong, fullback, Seattle Seahawks; Usama up. [Laughter] I appreciate the fact that bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist organi- through Boys and Girls Nation, you teach zation; Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA, com- young people who are interested in public manding general, Multi-National Force—Iraq; service about how Washington really works. and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. [Laughter] I’m not going there. [Laughter] We meet today at a critical time for our Statement on the Death of Police country. America is engaged in a great ideo- Officer Germaine Casey logical struggle, fighting Islamic extremists across the globe. Today I want to talk to you August 27, 2007 and to the American people about a key as- pect of the struggle: the fight for the future Officer Germaine Casey of the Rio Rancho of the Middle East. I’m going to explain why Police Department died today from injuries defeating the extremists in this troubled re- suffered while serving as a member of my gion is essential to our Nation’s security and security detail in Albuquerque, New Mexico. why success in Iraq is vital to winning this I am deeply saddened by his death and ex- larger ideological battle. traordinarily grateful for his protection. It is I do want to thank your commander. It’s a high calling to choose to serve and protect been my pleasure to work with Paul. He’s your fellow citizens, and I will always be in- been in the White House a lot, along with debted to Officer Casey’s service. the executive director, John Sommer. He’s He leaves behind his wife, Lisa, and their represented you well, and he’s served with two children. They are in my thoughts and distinction. I thank JoAnn Cronin, the na- prayers. May God comfort the Casey family tional president of the American Legion Aux- and his fellow law enforcement officials. iliary. I appreciate Bob Spanogle, the na- tional adjutant of the American Legion. I want to welcome the Governor of the Remarks at the American Legion great State of Nevada with us today—Gov- National Convention in Reno, ernor Jim Gibbons is with us. Mr. Governor, Nevada thanks for coming. The Congressman from August 28, 2007 this district is a fine Representative named Dean Heller. His wife, Lynne, sang the na- Thank you all very much. Thank you all. tional anthem. Thank you both for being here Please be seated. Commander, thank you today. very much for the invitation to come. I’m I’m honored to be in the presence of those honored to be here. I’m honored to represent who wear our Nation’s uniform. I thank Gen- Post 77 of Houston, Texas. I hope my fellow eral Charles Campbell, commanding general, Texans behave themselves here in Reno. U.S. Army Forces Command, for joining [Laughter] You won’t? Okay, well—[laugh- us—Major General Gale Pollock, Acting Sur- ter]. geon General of the U.S. Army. And for all I appreciate the fact that nearly every com- those who wear the uniform, thank you for munity in America has been enriched by the volunteering to defend this Nation in a time American Legion and the Women’s Auxiliary. of peril. I’m proud to be your Commander I appreciate the work that you do to remind in Chief. our citizens about the blessings of America. For nearly a century, Presidents have You have the profound gratitude of the Presi- looked to the American Legion to provide

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an example of vision, valor, and love of coun- less veterans in all 50 States and the District try. In times of peace, you counseled vigi- of Columbia. My point is this: The veterans lance. In times of war, you counseled resolve. were there when we needed them, and this And in every era, you have carried the well- administration will be with the veterans when being of our men and women in uniform in they need us. your prayers and in your hearts. We’re grate- Perhaps the most important duty that Le- ful to your service. gion members undertake is to serve as living You have an appreciation for how special reminders that a great country has great re- America is because you have defended her. sponsibilities. Once again, America finds You know how fragile freedom is because you itself a nation at war. Once again, we’re called have seen it under attack. And you know the to assume the mantle of global leadership. pain of war because you have lost friends and And once again, the American Legion is family members on distant shores, including walking point. I thank you for your fervent those whose fates are still unknown. We must and enthusiastic defense of our men and not and we will not end our search until we women in uniform as they take the fight to have accounted for every member of our the enemy in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and across Armed Forces from every war and every cor- the world. They’re the finest military on ner of the Earth. Earth, and we are right to be proud of them. I appreciate your efforts to honor the Many people in this country are asking American flag. There are those who say the whether the fight underway today is worth flag is just a piece of cloth. That’s not the it. This is not the first time Americans have view of those who bled for it and saw it drape asked that question. We always enter wars the caskets of some of our finest men and reluctantly, yet we have fought whenever women. It was the American flag that we dangers came. We fought when turmoil in planted proudly on Iwo Jima, that first graced Europe threatened to shroud the world in the silver surface of the Moon. The country darkness. America sent its military to fight is careful to protect many things because of two bitter and bloody conflicts—we did what what they symbolize. Surely we can find a we had to do to get the job done. We fought way to show equal respect for the symbol when powers in Asia attacked our country that our soldiers and sailors and airmen and and our allies. We sent Americans to restore marines and coast guards men and women the peace, and we did what we had to do have risked their lives for—the flag of our to get the job done. And we responded when Nation. So today I join the Legion in calling radicals and extremists attacked our home- on the United States Congress to make pro- land in the first ideological war of the 21st tection of the flag the law of our land. century. We toppled two regimes in Afghani- I also thank you for your strong support stan and Iraq that gave harbor to terrorists, of our Nation’s veterans. We share a common defied the international community, and goal: to make sure our veterans have all the threatened the security of our Nation. And help they need. We have worked together now we’re working to help build free and to achieve that goal. The budget this year secure societies in their place. And like the that I submitted is nearly $87 billion for our past, we will do what we have to do to get veterans. That’s a 77-percent increase since the job done. I took office. It is the highest level of support We’ve learned from history that dangers for veterans in America’s history. in other parts of the world—such as Europe I know health care is a concern of yours, and Asia—directly affect our security here and that’s why we’ve extended treatment to at home. On September the 11th, 2001, we a million additional veterans, including hun- learned that there’s another region of the dreds of thousands of men and women re- world that directly threatens the security of turning from Afghanistan and Iraq. We’re the American people, and that is the Middle building new VA facilities in places where East. America has enduring and vital inter- veterans are returning so more veterans can ests in the region. Throughout our history, get top-quality health care closer to your the American people have had strong links home. We’ve expanded grants to help home- with this region through ties of commerce

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and education and faith. Long before oil and And that is why they killed nearly 3,000 peo- gas were discovered in the Middle East, the ple on 9/11. And that is why they plot to region was a key source of trade. It is the attack us again. And that is why we must stay home to three of the world’s great religions. in the fight until the fight is won. It remains a strategic crossroads for the The other strain of radicalism in the Mid- world. dle East is Shi’a extremism, supported and Yet the hope and prosperity that trans- embodied by the regime that sits in Tehran. formed other parts of the world in the 20th Iran has long been a source of trouble in century has bypassed too many in the Middle the region. It is the world’s leading state East. For too long, the world was content sponsor of terrorism. Iran backs Hizballah, to ignore forms of government in this region who are trying to undermine the democratic in the name of stability. The result was that Government of Lebanon. Iran funds terrorist a generation of young people grew up with groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Is- little hope to improve their lives, and many lamic Jihad, which murder the innocent and fell under the sway of violent Islamic extre- target Israel and destabilize the Palestinian mism. The terrorist movement multiplied in Territories. Iran is sending arms to the strength, and bitterness that had simmered Taliban in Afghanistan, which could be used for years boiled into violence across the to attack American and NATO troops. Iran world. The cradle of civilization became the has arrested visiting American scholars, who home of the suicide bomber. And have committed no crimes and pose no resentments that began on the streets of the threat to their regime. And Iran’s active pur- Middle East are now killing innocent people suit of technology that could lead to nuclear in train stations and airplanes and office weapons threatens to put a region already buildings around the world. known for instability and violence under the The murderers and beheaders are not the shadow of a nuclear holocaust. true face of Islam; they are the face of evil. Iran’s actions threaten the security of na- They seek to exploit religion as a path to tions everywhere. And that is why the United power and a means to dominate the Middle States is rallying friends and allies around the East. The violent Islamic radicalism that in- world to isolate the regime, to impose eco- spires them has two main strains. One is nomic sanctions. We will confront this dan- Sunni extremism, embodied by Al Qaida and ger, before it is too late. its terrorist allies. Their organization ad- I want our fellow citizens to consider what vances a vision that rejects tolerance, crushes would happen if these forces of radicalism all dissent, and justifies the murder of inno- and extremism are allowed to drive us out cent men, women, and children in the pur- of the Middle East. The region would be dra- suit of political power. We saw this vision matically transformed in a way that could im- in the brutal rule of the Taliban in Afghani- peril the civilized world. Extremists of all stan, where women were publicly whipped, strains would be emboldened by the knowl- men were beaten for missing prayer meet- edge that they forced America to retreat. ings, and young girls could not go to school. Terrorists could have more safe havens to These extremists hope to impose that same conduct attacks on Americans and our dark vision across the Middle East by raising friends and allies. Iran could conclude that up a violent and radical caliphate that spans we were weak and could not stop them from from Spain to Indonesia. So they kill fellow gaining nuclear weapons. And once Iran had Muslims in places like Algeria and Jordan nuclear weapons, it would set off a nuclear and Egypt and Saudi Arabia in an attempt arms race in the region. to undermine their Governments. And they Extremists would control a key part of the kill Americans because they know we stand world’s energy supply, could blackmail and in their way. And that is why they attacked sabotage the global economy. They could use U.S. Embassies in Africa in 1998 and killed billions of dollars of oil revenues to buy sailors aboard the USS Cole in 2001 [2000] *. weapons and pursue their deadly ambitions. Our allies in the region would be under * White House correction. greater siege by the enemies of freedom.

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Early movements toward democracy in the The future course of the Middle East will region would be violently reversed. This sce- turn heavily on the outcome of the fight in nario would be a disaster for the people of Iraq. Iraq is at the heart of the Middle East. the Middle East, a danger to our friends and And the two dangerous strains of extremism allies, and a direct threat to American peace vying for control of the Middle East have and security. This is what the extremists plan. now closed in on this country in an effort For the sake of our own security, we’ll pursue to bring down the young democracy. our enemies, we’ll persevere, and we will In Iraq, Sunni extremists led by Al Qaida prevail. are staging sensational attacks on innocent In the short term, we’re using all elements men, women, and children in attempt to of American power to protect the American stoke sectarian violence. Their operatives people by taking the fight to the enemy. Our have assassinated those seeking to build a troops are carrying out operations day by day new future for the Iraqi people. Their targets to bring the terrorists to justice. We’re keep- include everyone they consider infidels, in- ing the pressure on them. We’re forcing cluding Christians and Jews and Yazidis and them to move. Our law enforcement and in- Shi’a and even fellow Sunnis who do not telligence professionals are working to cut off share their radical distortion of Islam. Their terrorist financing and disrupt their net- ranks include foreign fighters who travel to works. Our diplomats are rallying our friends Iraq through Syria. Their operations seek to and allies throughout the region to share in- create images of chaos and carnage to break telligence and to tighten security and to rout the will of the American people. These killers out the extremists hiding in their midst. don’t understand our country. America does Every day we work to protect the American not give in to thugs and assassins, and Amer- people. Our strategy is this: We will fight ica will not abandon Iraq in its hour of need. them over there so we do not have to face Shi’a extremists backed by Iran are train- them in the United States of America. ing Iraqis to carry out attacks on our forces In the long term, we are advancing free- and the Iraqi people. Members of the Quds dom and liberty as the alternative to the Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard ideologies of hatred and repression. We seek Corps are supplying extremist groups with a Middle East of secure, democratic states funding and weapons, including sophisti- that are at peace with one another, that are cated IEDs. And with the assistance of participating in the global markets, and that Hizballah, they’ve provided training for these are partners in this fight against the extrem- violent forces inside of Iraq. Recently, coali- ists and radicals. We seek to dry up the tion forces seized 240-millimeter rockets that stream of recruits for Al Qaida and other ex- had been manufactured in Iran this year and tremists by helping nations offer their people that had been provided to Iraqi extremist a path to a more hopeful future. We seek groups by Iranian agents. The attacks on our an Iran whose Government is accountable to bases and our troops by Iranian-supplied mu- its people instead of to leaders who promote nitions have increased in the last few months, terror and pursue the technology that could despite pledges by Iran to help stabilize the be used to develop nuclear weapons. We security situation in Iraq. seek to advance a two-state solution for the Some say Iran’s leaders are not aware of Israelis and Palestinians so they can live side what members of their own regime are by side in peace and security. We seek justice doing. Others say Iran’s leaders are actively and dignity and human rights for all the peo- seeking to provoke the West. Either way, ple of the Middle East. they cannot escape responsibility for aiding Achieving this future requires hard work, attacks against coalition forces and the mur- strategic patience over many years, yet our der of innocent Iraqis. The Iranian regime security depends on it. We have done this must halt these actions. And until it does, kind of work before in Europe. We have I will take actions necessary to protect our done this kind of work before in Japan. We troops. I have authorized our military com- have done this kind of work before, and it manders in Iraq to confront Tehran’s mur- can be done again. derous activities.

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For all those who ask whether the fight help bring security to the Iraqi population, in Iraq is worth it, imagine an Iraq where especially in Baghdad. It was designed to militia groups backed by Iran control large help clear the terrorists out of Iraqi cities parts of the country. Imagine an Iraq where and communities so that local governments Al Qaida has established sanctuaries to safely could retake control, resume basic services, plot future attacks on targets all over the and help revive businesses in their commu- world, including America. We’ve seen what nities. It was designed to give the Iraqi secu- these enemies will do when American forces rity forces time to grow in size and capability are actively engaged in Iraq. And we can en- so that they can ultimately bring security to vision what they would do if we—if they were their country. It was designed to provide a emboldened by American forces in retreat. secure environment in which national rec- The challenge in Iraq comes down to this: onciliation could take place. And it was de- Either the forces of extremism succeed or signed to encourage more members of the the forces of freedom succeed; either our en- international community to recognize their emies advance their interests in Iraq or we interests in a free and democratic Iraq and advance our interests. The most important to do more to make that possible. and immediate way to counter the ambitions The central objective of this strategy was of Al Qaida and Iran and other forces of in- to aid the rise of an Iraqi Government that stability and terror is to win the fight in Iraq. can protect its people, deliver basic services, Together our coalition has achieved great and be an ally in this war on terror. And we things in Iraq. We toppled one of the world’s understood that none of these goals could most brutal and dangerous dictators. This be met until the Iraqi people feel safer in world is better off without Saddam Hussein their own homes and neighborhoods. in power. The Iraqi people held three na- To carry out this new strategy, I sent rein- tional elections, choosing a transitional gov- forcements to Baghdad and Anbar Province. ernment, adopting the most progressive and I put a new commander in place, General democratic Constitution in the Arab world, David Petraeus, an expert on counter- and then electing a Government under that insurgency. Those reinforcements have been Constitution. Despite endless threats from fully operational for just over 2 months, yet the car bombers and assassins, nearly 12 mil- there are unmistakable signs that our strategy lion Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show is achieving the objectives we set out. Our of hope and solidarity that we should never new strategy is showing results in terms of forget. security. In 2006, a thinking enemy struck back. Our forces are in the fight all over Iraq. The extremists provoked a level of sectarian Since January, each month we have captured violence that threatened to unravel the or killed an average of more than 1,500 Al democratic gains the Iraqi people had made. Qaida terrorists and other enemies of Iraq’s Momentum was shifting to the extremists. elected Government. Al Qaida is being dis- The Iraqi people saw that their Government placed from former strongholds in Baghdad could not protect them or deliver basic serv- and Anbar and Diyala Provinces. We’ve con- ices. Many Shi’a turned to militias for secu- ducted operations against Iranian agents sup- rity. Many Sunnis did not see a place for plying lethal munitions to extremist groups. them in the new Iraq. Baghdad was descend- We’ve targeted Shi’a death squads and their ing into chaos. And one of our military intel- supply networks. The Prime Minister of Iraq, ligence analysts wrote that Anbar Province— Prime Minister Maliki, has courageously Al Qaida’s base in Iraq—was lost to the committed to pursue the forces of evil and enemy. destruction. Sectarian violence has sharply Given the stakes in Iraq, given the fact that decreased in Baghdad. The momentum is what happens in Iraq matters in the United now on our side. The surge is seizing the States, it became clear that we needed to ad- initiative from the enemy and handing it to just our approach to address these changes the Iraqi people. on the ground. So in January, I laid out a Our new strategy is also showing results new strategy. This strategy was designed to in places where it matters most, the cities

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and neighborhoods where ordinary Iraqis grassroots level is working. And over time, live. In these areas, Iraqis are increasingly see—and over time, as the Iraqis take control reaching accommodations with each other, over their lives at the local level, they will with the coalition, and with the Government demand more action from their national in Baghdad. This reconciliation is coming leaders in Baghdad. That’s how democracy from the bottom up. It’s having an impact works. And that’s why the encouraging devel- in the fight against the enemy, and it’s build- opments at the local level are so important ing a solid foundation for a democratic Iraq. for Iraq’s future. In Anbar, the Province that had been At the moment, our new strategy is show- thought to be lost to the enemy is increas- ing fewer results at the national level. Iraq ingly becoming more peaceful because mem- is overcoming decades of tyranny and depri- bers of local Sunnis are turning against Al vation, which left scars on Iraq’s people and Qaida. They’re sick and tired of the dark vi- their psyche. The serious sectarian violence sion of these murderers. Local sheikhs have of 2006 and early 2007 further tore at the joined the American forces to drive the ter- fabric of Iraqi society, increasing distrust be- rorists out of the capital city of Ramadi and tween Iraq’s ethnic and religious commu- elsewhere. Residents are providing critical nities. In the midst of the security challenges, intelligence, and tribesmen have joined the Iraq’s leaders are being asked to resolve po- Iraqi police and security forces. litical issues as complex and emotional as the People want to live in peace. Mothers want struggle for civil rights in our own country. to raise their children in a peaceful environ- So it’s no wonder that progress is halting and ment. The local Iraqis, given a chance, are people are often frustrated. The result is that turning against these murderers and extrem- it has been harder for—than anticipated for ists. Iraqis to meet the legislative benchmarks on Many Iraqis who once felt marginalized in which we have all been focused. a free Iraq are rejoining the political process, In my weekly consultations with Ambas- and now it’s the enemy of a free Iraq that sador Crocker, we discuss these challenges. is being left on the margins. Last month, Pro- We also discuss the signs of hope. We’re en- vincial officials reopened parts of the war- couraged by the agreement reached Sunday damaged government center with the help night by the top leaders in Iraq’s Govern- of one of our Provincial Reconstruction ment. They agreed on several draft pieces Teams. Listen, similar scenes are taking of legislation that are at the core of national place all across Anbar, the Province once reconciliation and are among the bench- thought lost. Virtually every city and every marks identified by the United States Con- town in the Province now has a mayor and gress. For example, the draft law on de- a municipal council. Local officials are form- Ba’athification reform addresses the question ing ties with the central Government in of how Iraqis will deal with their past. The Baghdad because these Sunni leaders now draft legislation on Provincial powers tackles see a role for their people in a new Iraq. how Iraqis will map out their future. These And in an encouraging sign, the central Gov- measures still have to be passed by the Iraqi ernment is beginning to respond with fund- Parliament. Yet the agreement shows that ing for vital services and reconstruction and Iraq’s leaders can put aside their differences, increased security forces. they can sit down together, and they can In other Provinces, there are also signs of work out tough issues central to the fate of this kind of bottom-up progress. In Diyala their country. Province, the city of Baqubah reopened six The agreement by Iraq’s leaders was sig- banks, providing residents with capital for the nificant for another reason. It thanks the coa- local economy. In Ninawa Province, local of- lition for our sacrifices and recognizes the ficials have established a commission to in- importance of maintaining a coalition pres- vestigate corruption, with a local judge em- ence in Iraq. It also calls for the development powered to pursue charges of fraud and rack- of a long-term relationship with the United eteering. These are signs that our strategy States. I welcome this invitation. I’ve com- to encourage political cooperation at the mitted our Government to negotiating such

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a partnership soon. This long-term relation- the importance of a free Iraq. They under- ship need not require the level of engage- stand a free Iraq is important for world ment that we have in Iraq today, but it can peace. And that is why we’ll continue to rally serve the common interests of both Iraq and the world for this noble and necessary cause. the United States to combat terrorism and All these developments are hopeful— to help bring stability to an important country they’re hopeful for Iraq, and they’re hopeful and region. for the Middle East, and they’re hopeful for Iraq’s Government still has more work to peace. In 2 weeks, General Petraeus and Am- do to meet many of its legislative bench- bassador Crocker will return to Washington marks. Yet it’s also important to note that to deliver an interim assessment of the situa- many of the goals behind these benchmarks tion on the ground and the prospects for the are being achieved without legislation. future. This status report comes less than 3 Here’s an example. Now, we believed that months after the surge became fully oper- an equitable sharing of oil revenues would ational. It will likely assess what’s going well require the Iraqi Parliament to pass an oil in Iraq and what needs to be improved and sharing law. In fact, the national Government what changes we need to make in our strat- is already sharing oil revenues with the Prov- egy and force deployments in the months inces, despite the fact that no formal law has ahead. Congress asked for this assessment. been passed. Iraq’s Government is making Congress should listen to it in its entirety. gains in other important areas. Electricity And I ask Members of the Congress to with- production is improving. The Parliament has hold any conclusions until they can hear passed about 60 pieces of legislation, includ- these men out. ing a $41-billion budget. Despite the slow Unfortunately, some who had complained progress in the Iraqi Parliament—here’s the about a lack of security in Iraq are now at- evidence—Iraq as a whole is moving forward. tempting to change the terms of the debate. Our strategy is also showing results at the Their argument used to be that security was international level. The United Nations and bad, so the surge has failed. Now their argu- Iraq, with support from the International ment seems to be security is better, so the Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and na- surge has failed. They disregard the political tions from around the globe, have finalized advances on the local level and instead an International Compact for Iraq that will change—charge that the slow pace of legisla- bring new economic assistance and debt re- tive progress on the national level proves our lief in exchange for aggressive economic re- strategy has not worked. This argument gets forms. So far, the Iraqis have made signifi- it backwards. Improving security is the pre- cant progress in meeting the IMF’s economic condition for making gains in other areas. benchmarks. The Iraqis have convened a Senator Joe Lieberman puts it this way: Neighbors Conference that’s bringing to- ‘‘While it is true there is no pure ‘military’ gether nations in the region. The goal is to solution to the violence in Iraq, it is worth help the Iraqis through specific security and remembering that neither is there any pure economic and diplomatic cooperation. ‘political’ solution.’’ Security progress must As part of these diplomatic initiatives, come first. And only then can political Prime Minister Maliki has met with counter- progress follow—first locally and then in parts in Turkey, Syria, and Iran to urge the Baghdad. So it’s going to take time for the support for his nation. Saudi Arabia is looking recent progress we have seen in security to to open a new Embassy in Baghdad. The translate into political progress. In short, it United Nations Security Council has decided makes no sense to respond to military to expand its mission in Iraq and is seeking progress by claiming that we have failed be- to help with local elections and reconcili- cause Iraq’s Parliament has yet to pass every ation. The United Nations will soon name law it said it would. a new, high-ranking envoy to Iraq to coordi- The American people know how difficult nate the UN’s expanded effort to that coun- democracy can be. Our own country has an try. Here’s what I’m telling you: The inter- advanced and sophisticated political system national community increasingly understands in place. Yet even we can’t pass a budget

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on time, and we’ve had 200 years of practice. dent will look out upon a sea of caps worn Prime Minister Maliki and other Iraqi lead- by those who show a quiet pride in their serv- ers are dealing with the issues far more con- ice. Some in that audience will include peo- troversial and complicated, and they are try- ple who won the fight against fascism and ing to do it all at once, after decades of a nazism and communism. You’ll be joined by brutal dictatorship. Iraq’s leaders aren’t per- younger veterans who have fought in places fect, but they were elected by their people. like Kandahar and Ramadi. And just like you, They want what we want: a free Iraq that the new generation of veterans will be able fights terrorists instead of harboring them. to say proudly they held fast against deter- And leaders in Washington need to look for mined and ruthless enemies, helped salvage ways to help our Iraqi allies succeed, not ex- an entire region from tyranny and terror, and cuses for abandoning them. made a safer world for the American people. The challenge is before us—the challenge To those future members of the American before us is hard, but America can meet it. Legion and to all of you, I offer the gratitude And the conflict has come at a cost, on behalf of our Nation, and I offer my prayers for a of a cause that is right and essential to the future of peace. Thank you. And may God American people. It’s a noble cause. It is a bless America. just cause. It is a necessary cause. I wouldn’t have asked the young men and women of NOTE: The President spoke at 10:14 a.m. at the our military to go in harm’s way if I didn’t Reno-Sparks Convention Center. In his remarks, think success in Iraq was necessary for the he referred to Paul A. Morin, national com- security of the United States of America. I mander, American Legion; Gen. David H. know it can be difficult to see sometimes, Petraeus, USA, commanding general, Multi-Na- but what happens on the streets of Baghdad tional Force—Iraq; Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey; President Bashar al-Asad of and in the neighborhoods of Anbar has a di- Syria; and President Mahmud Ahmadi-nejad of rect impact on the safety of Americans here Iran. at home. And that is why we’re in this fight, and that’s why we’ll stay in the fight, and that is why we’re going to win this fight. Statement on the National Economy One of the great blessings of this country August 28, 2007 is that our men and women in uniform un- derstand it. One of those young men was When we keep taxes low, spending in Specialist First Class Steven Davis of Fay- check, and our economy open—conditions etteville, North Carolina. Steven came from that empower businesses to create new a proud military family. His father and grand- jobs—all Americans benefit. Census Bureau father were veterans. His younger brother, data released today confirms that more of our his mother, and her father were all stationed citizens are doing better in this economy, with him in Iraq. with continued rising incomes and more When Steven was killed by an insurgent Americans pulling themselves out of poverty. grenade on the Fourth of July, their hearts The Census data shows that income gains were broken. And yet somehow this remark- in 2006 were substantial and widespread able family found a way to put aside their across all income categories. And the largest grief and continue to serve our country. Ste- percentage income gains occurred for people ven’s mother said that Steven was proud of in the bottom 20 percent of incomes. what they were doing in Iraq, so 6 days after The data also shows that poverty levels im- the funeral, she went back on duty as a proved significantly, with nearly half a million medic. His father, Buck, a gulf war veteran, fewer people living below the poverty line says he wants to go to Iraq today. This family in 2006 than in 2005. Moreover, the poverty represents the best of the American spirit— rate in 2006 was lower than all but one year a spirit that shows we have the grit and the in the 1980s and 1990s. will to defend the American people. The Census data also shows that chal- One day years from now, another Presi- lenges remain in reducing the number of un- dent will be in a room like this. That Presi- insured Americans. Containing costs and

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making health insurance more affordable is your spirit. You’re one of the leaders here the best way to reverse this long-term trend. in this community. I have put forth a reform proposal that would fairly distribute the tax advantages to pur- NOTE: The President spoke at 7:55 p.m. at Dooky chasing health insurance, encouraging more Chase’s Restaurant. In his remarks, he referred workers to purchase their own health insur- to Leah Chase, owner, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant; ance. Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Senator Mary What American workers do not need right L. Landrieu, and Representative William J. Jeffer- now are tax increases to fuel excess spending son of Louisiana; Mayor C. Ray Nagin of New by the Congress. I encourage Democratic Orleans, LA; and Secretary of Housing and Urban leaders in Congress to resist their urge to Development Alphonso R. Jackson. Also partici- increase taxes on Americans and to live with- pating in the dinner were Donald E. Powell, Fed- in the budget limits I’ve proposed. It’s vital eral Coordinator, Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding; that we do not undermine an economy that Raymond S. ‘‘Coach’’ Blanco, husband of Gov. has created more than 8.2 million new jobs Blanco; Tommy Andrade, owner, Blanca, LLC; John Besh, executive chef, Restaurant August and over the past 4 years and is improving stand- Besh Steakhouse at Harrah’s Casino; Dr. Dale ards of living for so many American families. Betterton, comanager, Operation Blessing Med- ical Clinic; Julia Bland, executive director, Lou- NOTE: The Office of the Press Secretary also re- isiana Children’s Museum; Drew Brees, quarter- leased a Spanish language version of this state- back, New Orleans Saints; Joseph C. Canizaro, ment. chairman and chief executive officer, Columbus Properties; Daryn Dodson, IDEAcorps fellow, Idea Village; Norman C. Francis, chairman, and Remarks Following a Dinner With Kim M. Boyle, member, Louisiana Recovery Au- Elected Officials and Community thority; Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, USA, com- Leaders in New Orleans, Louisiana manding general, First United States Army; Jared August 28, 2007 Kahan, volunteer, AmeriCorps; Jay Lapeyre, chairman, Business Council of New Orleans; The President. Ms. Chase, thank you for Agustin ‘‘Augie’’ Lopez, owner, Smilie’s Res- having us here. Laura and I are thrilled to taurant; Rev. Fred Luter, Jr., pastor, Franklin be here with the Governor and the mayor Street Baptist Church; musician Irvin Mayfield; and the Senator, the Congressman, members Father Nguyen The Vien, pastor, Mary Queen of of my Cabinet, distinguished leaders in this Vietnam Church; and Becky Zaheri, president and founder, Katrina Krewe. community, and quiet heroes who have helped bring optimism and hope to New Or- leans. Memorandum on Assignment of We’ve got social entrepreneurs in our Function Concerning Assistance to midst, artists in our midst, all of whom have Afghanistan dedicated their lives to the renewal of New Orleans. And we’re so honored to be in this August 27, 2007 restaurant. I know you would want me to say that the food here is about as good as any Presidential Determination No. 2007–29 place here in New Orleans. [Laughter] And I will say it. [Laughter] Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Reverend Fred Luter, Jr. It is that good. Director of National Drug Control Policy, The President. It is good. And we’re so and the Director of National Intelligence honored that you gave us a chance to come to the renovated restaurant. I know you’re Subject: Assignment of Function Concerning opening in a couple of weeks. Assistance to Afghanistan Leah Chase. In a couple of weeks, yes. By the authority vested in me as President The President. Well, we’re thrilled that by the Constitution and laws of the United you would allow us to come and taste your States, including section 301 of title 3, United beautiful food in this spectacular room. We States Code, the function of the President love your art, but more importantly, we love under the heading ‘‘Economic Support

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Fund’’ in the Foreign Operations, Export Fi- Administration has worked with the Con- nancing, and Related Programs Appropria- gress to deliver needed tax relief, and this tions Act, 2006 (Public Law 109–102)(the has left more money in the hands of minority ‘‘Act’’), as carried forward by the Revised business owners to reinvest in their employ- Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 ees, their communities, and our country’s ro- (Public Law 110–5), that relates to waiver bust economy. By adopting sound policies of a provision is assigned to the Secretary that help our businesses continue to grow of State. The Director of National Drug Con- and expand, we are ensuring that America trol Policy and the Director of National Intel- remains the land of the entrepreneur. ligence shall, consistent with applicable law, provide the Secretary of State with such in- Our Nation has the most innovative, indus- formation as may be necessary to assist the trious, and talented people on Earth and Secretary in the performance of such func- when we unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, tion. there is no limit to what the American people Reference in this memorandum to the can achieve. During Minority Enterprise De- provision in the Act shall be deemed to in- velopment Week, and throughout the year, clude references to any provision of law that we recognize the vital contributions of mi- is the same or substantially the same as such nority business owners. These dedicated in- provision. dividuals are helping create a more hopeful The Secretary of State is authorized and society for themselves and their families. We directed to publish this memorandum in the will continue to strive for a society where per- Federal Register. sonal effort is rewarded and where the Amer- ican dream is within the reach of all our citi- George W. Bush zens. NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, fice of the Press Secretary on August 29. President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Proclamation 8169—Minority the Constitution and laws of the United Enterprise Development Week, 2007 States, do hereby proclaim September 9 through September 15, 2007, as Minority August 28, 2007 Enterprise Development Week. I call upon By the President of the United States all Americans to celebrate this week with ap- of America propriate programs, ceremonies, and activi- ties to recognize the many contributions of A Proclamation our Nation’s minority enterprises. Minority Enterprise Development Week is In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set a chance to highlight the accomplishments my hand this twenty-eighth day of August, of minority business owners and underscore in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, our commitment to strengthening minority and of the Independence of the United businesses and helping these entrepreneurs States of America the two hundred and thir- succeed. ty-second. Minority business owners have made our Nation stronger. Our thriving and resilient George W. Bush economy is the envy of the world, and minor- ity business owners are expanding opportuni- ties for their fellow Americans. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, More than 8 million jobs have been cre- 9:03 a.m., August 30, 2007] ated in our country since August 2003, and minority businesses have contributed to this NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- progress. Our economy has experienced fice of the Press Secretary on August 29, and it more than 5 years of uninterrupted growth, was published in the Federal Register on August and the unemployment rate remains low. My 31.

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Remarks on Hurricane Katrina Catholic school system here. I thank all the Recovery Efforts in New Orleans teachers, students, and parents who’ve joined August 29, 2007 us. Hurricane Katrina broke through the lev- The President. Madam Principal, thank ees; it broke a lot of hearts; it destroyed you for having us. buildings. But it didn’t affect the spirit of a Principal Doris Hicks. You’re quite wel- lot of citizens in this community. This spirit come. It’s our pleasure. can be best reflected when you think about The President. Laura and I are honored a principal who refused to allow a school to to be here. During the moment of reflection, be destroyed by the flood and worked hard it is a time to ask for the Almighty’s blessings to not only rebuild the building but keep the on those who suffered, those who lost a loved spirit alive. Or it can be reflected in the fact one, and remember that there’s always a that teachers commute. We met a seventh more blessed day in the future. And that’s grade teacher today who commutes 30 miles what we’re here to celebrate, a more blessed every day to be able to impart knowledge day. And there’s no better place to do so than and to share wisdom with students who will in a place of hope, and that’s a school. And be leading New Orleans in the future. so we’re honored that you would welcome And so it’s—my attitude is this: New Orle- us. We love being with your teachers and ans, better days are ahead. It’s sometimes your students. Thanks for being here. hard for people to see progress when you Governor, thanks for coming. Governor live in a community all the time. Laura and Kathleen Blanco is an educational reformer. I get to come—we don’t live here; we come She has done what leaders are supposed to on occasion. And it’s easy to think about what do, and when she sees a problem, address it was like when we first came here after the them head on and pass law and budget nec- hurricane and what it’s like today. And this essary to achieve educational excellence. And town is coming back. This town is better you’ve done so, Governor. I congratulate you today than it was yesterday, and it’s going for your leadership. to be better tomorrow than it was today. And I’m proud to be with the Congressman. there’s no better place to find that out than Jeff, thanks for coming. You care deeply in the school system. about the students of this district, and we’re First, I do want to thank our fellow citizens glad you’re here. for their generosity when it comes to helping I do want to thank Don Powell for joining New Orleans and the gulf coast rebuild. The us. Don is the recovery man who represents citizens of this country thus far have paid out the White House and the administration here $114 billion in tax revenues—their money— in Washington—from—in Louisiana from to help the folks down here. And I appreciate Washington. And I thank you for your serv- the Governor. Last night we went to—we ice. had a nice dinner here in New Orleans— I appreciate the State education super- by the way, I have yet to recover. [Laughter] intendent, Pastorek. Superintendent, thanks Dooky Chase’s—if you want to eat a lot of for coming. He’s got a vision of excellence good food, go there. But during that dinner, for the schools in New Orleans and for Lou- the Governor expressed her appreciation to isiana. He shared that vision with us earlier. the taxpayers of America. In other words, the I appreciate Paul Vallas, superintendent taxpayers and people from all around the here in New Orleans, for his willingness to country have got to understand, the people take on this challenge. He doesn’t view it as of this part of the world really do appreciate a problem; he views it as an opportunity. I the fact that the American citizens are sup- first met Paul in Chicago, where he was an portive of the recovery effort. advocate then like he is today of high expec- Of the 114 billion spent so far and re- tations and strong accountability to make sources allocated so far, about 80 percent of sure every child learns. the funds have been disbursed or available. I appreciate Hilda Young; Sister And, of course, Don and I will try to work Finnerty—she’s the superintendent of the through the bureaucracy in Washington, just

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like folks down here are trying to work eral Government can help on local law en- through the bureaucracy, to make sure that forcement matters. I firmly believe local law there are adequate plans for the money. And enforcement is just that—local. It requires so we’re working through this kind of col- a commitment by the local folks to hold peo- laborative effort of Federal, State, and local ple to account for crime. But the Federal folks working together to make sure that tax- Government can help. And so Al was down payers’ money is spent wisely on priorities. yesterday, announcing and opening a family But there’s been a commitment—and a justice center to help the victims of domestic strong commitment. A lot of people down violence. The VA is going to build a medical here probably wondered whether or not center in downtown New Orleans as part of those of us in the Federal Government not the Federal commitment to helping people from Louisiana would pay attention to Lou- here recover. isiana or Mississippi. In other words, it’s one And so I come telling the folks in this part thing to come and give a speech in Jackson of the world that we still understand there’s Square; it’s another thing to keep paying at- problems and we’re still engaged. And Don tention to whether or not progress is being will continue to make sure that we listen and made. And I hope people understand we do. respond when possible. We’re still paying attention. We understand. But let me talk about the school system. One of Don Powell’s jobs is to make sure There is nothing more hopeful than a good that the Federal Government understands school system. And I firmly believe that ex- the hurdles that remain for recovery. One cellence in education is going to be the lead- hurdle was the levee system. We fully under- ing edge of change for New Orleans. Mar- stand that New Orleans can’t be rebuilt until garet Spellings, who is the Secretary of Edu- there’s confidence in the levees. It’s one cation, understands this concept. The Gov- thing to plan; it’s another thing to convince ernment has provided Louisiana with more people that the levees will work. And there’s than $700 million in emergency education been a lot of effort by the Army Corps of funds to help not only the public school sys- Engineers. A matter of fact, Don Powell an- tem but also the parochial school system. nounced the other day that we’re going to And that’s money well spent. It’s money complete work to improve storm and flood spent on construction; it’s money spent on protection infrastructure to a 100-year pro- creating incentives for teachers to return; it’s tection level by 2011. And that’s a commit- money incent to make sure children who ment, and it’s an important commitment to went to other school districts—those school make. districts got reimbursed. It was good money We’re also going to fund $1.3 billion net- spent because education needs to be the work of interior drainage projects to ensure number-one priority of the State, just like the area has better hurricane protection. In Kathleen Blanco has made that the priority. other words, there’s Federal responsibilities. New Orleans is about to open 80 schools— The levee system is the Federal responsi- nearly 80 schools this fall. That’s a remark- bility, and we’ll meet our responsibility. And able achievement—nearly half of which hap- there’s a—obviously, we want to work to- pen to be charter schools. I believe in free- gether with the State and local governments dom to manage and accountability to make as well. Obviously, it’s a collaborative effort. sure everybody learns. And that’s the essence One of the things that Kathleen and I have of the charter school movement: freedom to been working on a long time is wetlands res- manage, but accountability to make sure no toration in order to provide more protection child gets left behind. for the folks down here. We got a good bill And that’s the spirit of the super- out of the Congress, and there’s an oppor- intendent—both superintendents here. They tunity now for Louisiana to have the cash believe in high expectations and measuring. funds necessary to begin a serious and sub- It’s what I call challenging the soft bigotry stantive wetlands restoration program. of low expectations. If you don’t believe that I appreciate the fact that Al Gonzales was somebody can learn, you’ll set low expecta- down yesterday, talking about how the Fed- tions. If you believe every child can learn,

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you’ll raise the expectations, and then you’ll them, because what matters more than any- insist upon measurement to make sure that thing is teaching a child.’’ each child is tracked, that we disaggregate I was impressed that when they got into results. That’s a fancy word for making sure the school system there, when they first got that we understand whether or not each going in this particular school, they extended school is meeting certain standards and then the school day with class every other Satur- help for those that aren’t, changes for those day. They said, ‘‘What does it take to catch that aren’t, and praise for those that are. And up? What do we need to do to meet stand- we’re at MLK, and we’re here to heap praise. ards?’’ And the principal—the former prin- Mrs. Hicks. Thank you. I agree. cipal put it this way: ‘‘It took a hurricane to The President. This is the first public speed up and really jump-start the reform school to open in the Lower Ninth Ward. efforts in New Orleans.’’ In other words, the It is a tribute to volunteers, concerned par- hurricane was disastrous for many reasons, ents, and citizens who care about education. but it also gave a great opportunity for a new It is a tribute to the fact that there’s teachers way forward, seized by the Governor and the who taught in makeshift classrooms during superintendents and the principals, by the renovations. In other words, they care about way. the buildings, but they care more about edu- Laura and I care a lot about the libraries. cation and were willing to teach no matter That’s why we’re dedicating books. We’re proud to be a part of the rebuilding of this what the circumstances may be. And it’s a library. Laura has got a foundation and has tribute to a principal who had a clear vision. established the Gulf Coast Library Recovery Mrs. Hicks. Thank you. Initiative, all aiming to make sure that these The President. And so we’re here to her- libraries are stocked with books. You ought ald excellence and to thank the good folks to apply to her foundation, by the way. in this community for supporting this school, [Laughter] I think you’ll have a good oppor- with the understanding that this school is one tunity. [Laughter] of the great beacons for hope. The First Lady. Absolutely. I want to thank the educational entre- Mrs. Hicks. I know. preneurs who’ve joined us, those who are in The President. I’ll try to work it for you. the process of helping find new teachers. Mrs. Hicks. Good. [Laughter] Teachers—there was a great concern, obvi- The President. I’ll never forget, one time ously, when the schools were reopening as when I was Governor of Texas, a woman to whether or not there would be enough looked at me, and she said, ‘‘Reading is the teachers. And people responded. People re- new civil right.’’ It had a profound impact sponded to the call to help provide, at a on the policies that we have pursued since grassroots level, the support necessary to en- I’ve been in public office and Laura has pur- courage people to teach. TeachNOLA is such sued as a lifelong reader. And that person an example. If you’re interested in being a was right. We’ve got to start making sure teacher, from around the country, get on the those youngsters can read at grade level and Internet on teachNOLA and you’ll find op- stay reading at grade level. No better way portunities to come here to New Orleans to to send the message that that is a commit- teach. We’ve got somebody from Washington ment, by making sure the libraries are who came down to help rally support for the stocked. school system. Teach For America is active I want to share a story with you about a in this community. woman named Rebecca Jeanfreau who’s The charter school system, by the way, here. Where are you, Rebecca? There you spawns all kinds of different opportunities for go; thanks for coming. She was a Boston ar- people to be involved with schools. I think chitect. She studied to become an architect of KIPP McDonogh 15 School. It’s a high and was in a firm. But she is from New Orle- standard school. It is a school that says, ‘‘If ans. And she started thinking about the com- there are rules that prevent us from teaching, munity she loved. And so she said, ‘‘I needed we’ll try to figure out how to get around to act, and I’m ready to act.’’ And she came

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back to be a teacher. She left a promising Gen White. Yes. This weekend. career as a architect to come back to a com- The President. There’s nothing more munity that is dear to her heart. hopeful than to be with somebody who says, It’s that spirit, by the way, that is going ‘‘Welcome to my home,’’ particularly given to allow me to predict with certainty, New the fact that these mixed-use housing Orleans’ better days are ahead for the New projects have replaced old-style, low-income Orleans people. I mean, this is a—and there housing projects that, frankly, didn’t work. are stories like Rebecca all over this commu- In other words, the storm came, created a nity, people who have heard a call to come lot of heartbreak and heartache, but people back and help. No better way to help, by took a different look at how best to help peo- the way, than to teach. ple in their homes. But there are all kinds of different ways And we’re in this beautiful project. This people can help the people of New Orleans is a stunning project. So I’m with home- and the gulf coast recover. You can con- owners-to-be, renters. Here’s a homeowner- tribute to the NGOs or the local organiza- to-be right here. Right across the street, as tions that are still helping heal hearts. You a matter of fact, isn’t that right? People are can help with sending books to schools. You going to be able to say, ‘‘This is my home.’’ can get on web sites to determine where the This is really a remarkable project. For needs are. And if you’re a citizen of this coun- people in New Orleans who remember what try who cares about making sure this part this site was like compared to what it is today, of the region fully recovers, please partici- they’ve got to be full of hope. And so I appre- pate. Please find a way to help and continue ciate the builders. I appreciate Alphonso to do so. Jackson in Housing and Urban Develop- So, Governor, I’m honored you’re here. ment, the group that have helped get this Laura and I are thrilled to be in this school. project started. But most of all, I appreciate We’re really pleased that MLK School has the homeowners-to-be, people who are given us an opportunity to herald excellence. working hard to be able to say, ‘‘This is my We care deeply about the folks in this part home.’’ And we really appreciate you giving of the world. We ask for God’s blessings on us a chance to come by. the families who still hurt and suffer. And Ms. White. Thank you. we thank God for the recovery efforts that The President. And we wish you all the thus far have taken place. very best in your new home. Congratulations Thank you for your time. to you. Thank you all. Good job. Thank you. Good NOTE: The President spoke at 9:40 a.m. at the luck to you. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology. In his remarks, he re- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:06 a.m. at the ferred to Representative William J. Jefferson of River Garden Housing Complex. Louisiana; Hilda Young, president, Friends of King Board; Eric Johnson, seventh grade math teacher, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter Remarks on Gulf Coast School for Science and Technology; and Gary Robichaux, former principal, KIPP McDonogh 15 Reconstruction in Bay St. Louis, School for the Creative Arts. Mississippi August 29, 2007 Remarks Following a Visit With New Thank you all for coming. This is the sec- Homeowners in New Orleans ond anniversary of an event that changed a August 29, 2007 lot of people’s lives here in southern Mis- sissippi and up and down the coast. And The President. We have just—Laura and Laura and I are honored to be with some I have just been given a tour by the Whites of those who endured the storm and have in their new home. And they’re going to be dedicated their lives to rebuilding this part moving into this home this weekend maybe. of the world.

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We’ve been down here a lot, and as a re- There’s still obstacles, and there’s still sult, I’ve gotten to know the local officials work to be done. But there’s been a lot of and have come to admire them as people progress made, and that’s what people have dedicated to public service the way it ought got to understand. And I have come to this to be. I, first of all, want to thank the Senator, site, it’s what we call ground zero—this is Trent Lott, and his wife, Tricia, for joining where the worst of the worst of the storm us. Nobody cares more about the people of hit—to be able to show the American people southern Mississippi than the Lotts. The peo- that through their generosity, this infrastruc- ple of southern Mississippi are fortunate to ture has been rebuilt. have not only a active Senator but a powerful Before I get there, I do want to thank Phil Senator working on their behalf. And so, Sen- Bryant, the State auditor, for joining us. Ap- ator, thank you for being here. preciate you coming, Phil. And then I want Gene Taylor cares a lot. Laura and I are to pay tribute to the local folks that I men- proud to be here with Congressman Taylor. tioned. Gene was raised here. The Taylors’ daughter First of all, Eddie Favre—he’s the mayor was married right there recently. This is of the city of Bay St. Louis. Eddie’s—for where he told me he was baptized, married, those of you who may be paying attention and if you’re compassionate enough, will be to this from around the country, he’s the man buried. [Laughter] In other words, this is who—would be known as the man who wears home. And when you’re talking about a man’s short pants. [Laughter] Eddie is—he’s a home, you hear a sense of passion in his colorful character, but he also is a smart man voice. The Congressman has worked hard to who has dedicated more in his life than he make sure the people down here are well ever dreamed to helping rebuild a city he represented, and he’s doing a fine job for loves. the people of southern Mississippi. Congress- Tommy Longo—he’s from Waveland. I’ve man, thank you for being here. always viewed Waveland as a benchmark to The Governor of Mississippi has shown his determine whether or not this recovery is true mettle and his value to the people of more than just shallow. In other words, I’ll Mississippi. When crisis hit, he was calm. never forget seeing Waveland as we When the crisis began to abate a little bit, choppered over Waveland. It was, like, noth- he planned. And he’s been good for the peo- ing; it was gone, completely destroyed. And ple down here. He’s taken a problem on, and so when I talk to Tommy—I really view he’s coordinated it and managed in a way Tommy as a barometer, and if Tommy is op- that you’d expect your chief executive to do. timistic, I’m going to be optimistic; if Tommy And so, Governor, I want to congratulate you says there is progress, I’m going to say, on a job well done. I appreciate the First thanks. And Tommy is okay. [Laughter] I Lady being here as well. Thanks for working wouldn’t call him the most optimistic guy on hard for the people down here. the face of the Earth, but given what he’s Joining us are members of—a member of been through and given what he has seen, my Cabinet, Alphonso Jackson, Housing and it is remarkable that he’s still willing to serve Urban Development man. Don Powell is with optimism. here. He is the Federal Coordinator of the And so we’ve got a lot of work to do. These Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding. That really two mayors brought their problems to us— means that he is the President’s eyes and ears people are worried about insurance here. on the ground. And while we recognize that They’re worried about bureaucracy. I’ll tell there are bureaucracies that we have to deal you what they’re really worried about; they’re with in order to make sure the taxpayers’ worried about the President and other folks money is spent wisely, sometimes the bu- in Washington, other than the Mississippi of- reaucracies get in the way of common sense. ficials, are going to forget what took place And one of Don’s jobs is to help spot those down here. And so one of the reasons that obstacles to progress and work with the local Laura and I have come back is to remind folks to try to clear them out of the way. people that we haven’t forgotten and won’t.

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Somebody who sometimes is worried infrastructure. I think the Congressman told about getting forgotten is the county super- me we’ve written a little more than $260 mil- visor, Rocky Pullman. Now, Rocky—I guess lion worth of checks to help get this bridge we’ve probably met a dozen times, haven’t built, but more importantly, this bridge was we, Rock? And Rocks reminds me of the built in record time because of the close co- county commissioners from the State I’ve operation between the State and the Federal come from. County commissioners are al- Government and the local folks. And it’s a ways worried that the city folks are going to beautiful looking bridge, and it’s working. get the attention, but the rural folks will be There’s another bridge in the foreground ignored. Not in this case. Rocky has rep- here, and that’s a private sector bridge. That’s resented the people of Hancock County well, the railroad bridge that’s up and running. and we spent a lot of time talking to Rocky The private sector is responding here in about debris and trees and other issues still southern Mississippi. The State of Mis- facing the people down here. sissippi—it’s interesting—I want to tell our Ground zero got hit really hard. I mean, fellow citizens about what they have done it’s the place where the storm did its most here in 2 years’ period. One, they’ve helped damage. And while there is better recovery move 31,000 families out of temporary hous- down the coast, people here are still trying ing into permanent homes. I don’t think we to crawl out from underneath the extensive would have been that optimistic 2 years ago damage. It’s really one of the messages I when we were recovering from the storms, heard. And we’re proud that Pascagoula is that it would be possible to make those kind doing better and Biloxi is doing better. That’s of moves that quickly. good. It’s good for the State, and we’re This is a State that opened virtually every thrilled that that’s happening. But the folks public school that was damaged in the storm, here had a special, extra problems to deal a State that understands that education is with, and I heard you loud and clear. And part of the—an important part of the recov- I want to thank you for sharing that with me. ery effort. There’s a billion dollars have gone The American people have written a out to help homeowners with repairs and re- check—written checks for $114 billion to building. The State is active in trying to help help the people on the coast. And so one the citizens regain their footing. Tax reve- thing I do want the American people to know nues are up. is how grateful the people of this part of the Now, that’s positive, but that doesn’t mean country are for their generosity. We felt we there’s not more work to be done and more had an obligation to help, and we’ve helped. efforts made to help ground zero recover. Now, of that 114 billion, about 80 percent The interesting thing about the folks who live has been obligated. Mississippi has taken the in this part of the world, they may have lost obligated money and is spending it wisely. their building, but they never lost their soul There’s still 20 percent of the authorized that or their spirit. I think the Senator called hasn’t been shipped out yet, so there’s more them—resilience is what he’d like to define money coming. And there’s—obviously, people. I call them optimistic about life. we’ve got some more issues that we’re trying And one such person is Kay Gough, who to work through in time. is with us today. Kay is somewhere—there One area where there’s been great State- she is, right there. Here’s an interesting story. Federal cooperation and local cooperation is First of all, she’s a—she loves Bay St. Louis. the rebuilding of this Bay St. Louis Bridge. She recognizes the uniqueness of the com- Now, remember when we first choppered munity. She’s a lifelong reader. She was con- over here, Governor; the bridge was—there cerned about what happened to her commu- might have been a few pylons showing. You nity. So what did she do? She opened a book- could see the planks underwater of that store on Main Street, Bay St. Louis. First bridge. And this is a major connector for the business up, right? One of the first, yes. And people in this part of the world. This is a it’s an interesting example of the entrepre- economic lifeline. So the Federal Govern- neurial spirit and a—combined with a civic ment said, we have an obligation to repair duty. She said there’s still a lot of work that

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needs to be done to get people back in these clear warhead storage sites under the communities so that they can be buying her Bratislava Nuclear Security Cooperation Ini- books. She said, ‘‘We want people to know tiative announced by President Putin and me that we want to be a part of the recovery, in 2005. To date, over 75 percent of the Rus- and we want to be a part of the community.’’ sian warhead sites and 160 buildings con- It’s that community spirit that has been taining hundreds of metric tons of weapons- very impressive to me and Laura. It’s that usable nuclear material have been secured. can-do attitude. It’s the attitude that said, Work is underway at the balance of the war- ‘‘Okay, a storm came. We understand it; we head and material sites, to be completed on don’t like it; but we’re going to deal with it.’’ an accelerated basis by the end of 2008 under That’s the Mississippi spirit. the Bratislava Initiative. And so we’re glad to be back. We’re glad to be back in a part of our country that is We have also achieved nearly 75 percent going to be better than it was before. It’s— completion toward our goal of shutting down there’s still work. We understand that. two of the last three remaining Russian There’s work in Louisiana to be done; there’s weapons-grade plutonium production reac- work in Mississippi to be done. But the tors by the end of 2008 and nearly one-third progress that has been made really speaks completion toward shutting down the last re- to the coordination of Government effort, actor by the end of 2010, thus eliminating but it really speaks to the great spirit of the approximately 1.2 metric tons of weapons- people who live down here. grade plutonium per year. Through the CTR May God bless them, and may God con- Program, several large-scale Soviet biological tinue to bless our country. Thank you. and chemical production facilities have been safely dismantled in Russia, Uzbekistan, NOTE: The President spoke at 1:23 p.m. at Our Kazakhstan, and Georgia. Lady of the Gulf Parish Community Center. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Haley Barbour By working to secure, eliminate, and ac- of Mississippi and his wife, Marsha. count for weapons and materials of mass de- struction, the CTR Program supports the Na- Statement on the 15th Anniversary of tional Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction and remains the cornerstone for the Cooperative Threat Reduction U.S. funding of the G–8 Global Partnership Program Against the Spread of Weapons and Mate- August 29, 2007 rials of Mass Destruction. Today is the 15th anniversary of the Coop- Another important accomplishment of erative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program, CTR is the redirection of thousands of established in 1992 under the leadership of former weapons scientists in the former So- President George H.W. Bush and Senators viet Union, Libya, and Iraq into commercial Richard Lugar and Sam Nunn. CTR pro- or other nonmilitary pursuits. In addition, the grams are a critical tool used to address one CTR Program has helped Albania destroy all of the gravest threats we face—the danger of its chemical weapons. that terrorists and proliferators could gain ac- cess to weapons or materials of mass destruc- As the threat continues to evolve else- tion. where, U.S. CTR efforts are expanding to in- Under the CTR Program, thousands of nu- clude the work of securing dangerous bio- clear warheads have been deactivated, and logical pathogens, rapidly detecting disease thousands of delivery systems—including outbreaks, and improving export controls and missiles, strategic bombers, and strategic bal- border security to stop the movement of ma- listic nuclear submarines—have been elimi- terials of mass destruction worldwide. nated. Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Ukraine are free of nuclear weapons and strategic deliv- ery systems. The CTR Program is working NOTE: The statement referred to President Vladi- to complete security upgrades to Russian nu- mir Putin of Russia.

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Statement on the Situation in Burma and recover from all types of emergencies. August 30, 2007 Together, Americans can significantly en- hance the level of national preparedness to I strongly condemn the ongoing actions of further safeguard our communities and se- the Burmese regime in arresting, harassing, cure our homeland. and assaulting prodemocracy activists for or- This month is also an opportunity to pay ganizing or participating in peaceful dem- tribute to America’s first responders who put onstrations. These activists were voicing con- themselves at risk for the safety of their fel- cerns about recent dramatic increases in the low citizens. These brave police officers, fire- price of fuel, and their concerns should be fighters, and emergency service personnel listened to by the regime rather than silenced exemplify the compassion and commitment through force. that help strengthen our country. We will be The Burmese regime should heed the forever grateful for their service and sac- international calls to release these activists rifice. immediately and stop its intimidation of During National Preparedness Month, I those Burmese citizens who are promoting encourage all Americans to get involved in democracy and human rights. I also call on their community’s preparedness efforts. Citi- the regime to release all political prisoners, zens may visit ready.gov and citizencorps.gov including Aung San Suu Kyi, and to lift re- to learn more about emergency preparedness strictions on humanitarian organizations that and ways to take action. seek to help the people of Burma. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Proclamation 8170—National the Constitution and laws of the United Preparedness Month, 2007 States, do hereby proclaim September 2007 August 30, 2007 as National Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize By the President of the United States the importance of preparing for potential of America emergencies and to observe this month by participating in appropriate events, activities, A Proclamation and preparedness programs. National Preparedness Month is an oppor- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set tunity to raise awareness about the impor- my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the tance of emergency preparedness and to en- year of our Lord two thousand seven, and courage all Americans to better prepare their of the Independence of the United States of homes and communities for emergencies. America the two hundred and thirty-second. Protecting America’s homeland and citi- zens is the shared responsibility of the entire George W. Bush Nation. Individuals can prepare themselves and their families for emergencies by taking [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, simple steps such as organizing an emer- 8:45 a.m., September 4, 2007] gency supply kit, making a personal pre- NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the paredness plan, becoming informed about Federal Register on September 5. different threats, and getting involved in pre- paring their community. These activities cre- ate a culture of preparedness and can help Interview With Foreign Print Media save lives. August 30, 2007 My Administration continues to improve our Nation’s ability to prepare for emer- The President. So, like, what are the gencies. The Department of Homeland Se- rules? curity is working with other Federal, State, National Security Council Senior Di- and local government organizations, as well rector for Asian Affiars Dennis Wilder. as the private sector, to prevent, respond to, On the record.

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The President. I’m talking about for these partnership there and to move forward. people back here. We’ve got a lot of—we’ve got some free trade National Security Council Press Sec- agreements with people, and that will be at retary Gordon Johndroe. It’s all on the the table. I’d like to see those free trade record. It’s embargoed until these fine peo- agreements become regionalized. ple have a chance to run their stories. Opportunity for me to continue to talk The President. Good. Thanks. I’m looking about the struggle between radicalism and forward to my trip. This is the seventh APEC reasonableness, between extremism and peo- summit that I’ve been to. I find them to be ple that want to live in peace. I happen to important for the United States in the fol- believe—I’m sure you’ve heard me say this— lowing ways. that we’re in a major ideological struggle— One, it’s an opportunity to stress the im- a struggle we will win, by the way. But it’s portance that we place upon basic values, going to require resolve and dedication. And basic value of liberty, basic value of open this will be an opportunity for me to remind markets in order to enhance prosperity. It’s our friends at the table that this is the call a chance to remind people that we are linked of our time and that we have an opportunity together. It’s an interesting setting, when you to write a hopeful chapter here in the begin- have people from different cultures, different ning of the 21st century and to thank people languages come together for a common pur- around the table for understanding this is the pose. I think that’s important. call of the time, because there’s been a lot It’s also a chance for me to remind our of constructive engagement and good work, country how important it is to have construc- all aimed at protecting ourselves from short- tive ties in Asia. Asia is a place where we’ve term attack—in the short term from attack spilt a lot of blood in the past, and now it’s and recognizing that changing conditions of a place of peace. Asia is a place where the life in the long term will enable us to live United States was engaged militarily, and in peace. now we’re engaged culturally and socially and economically in a way that is constructive And finally, I’m looking forward to re- for our peoples. minding people that I take the climate It will be an opportunity for—remind me change issue seriously; that we recognize that that it’s possible for enemies to be allies and there needs to be international—an inter- for enemies to be friends. It’s a lesson for national accord to get people at the table who a lot of us to think about when we think about are the major emitters to set a goal. Step the Middle East, that forms of government one to solving a problem is to set the goal matter and hopeful societies yield peace. on what we ought to achieve. If you want I’m looking forward to the discussions somebody to be a part of the problem—a about trade. The first priority for trade for part of the solution, you need to let them me at the meeting will be on Doha. I’m a be a part of defining what the goal ought firm believer in free trade. I believe the to be. That’s the strategy. Doha round is the best opportunity for us So many of the people at the APEC table to accomplish a couple of objectives. One is are going to come to the major economy con- to fight off protectionism and trade freely, ference that—those of us who are emitters and secondly is to help eliminate poverty. will be there, including China, which will be This will be an opportunity for the leaders at the table. I don’t want to single China out, of the APEC summit to express their desire but China has got a major role to play. Any to see the Doha round succeed. We’ll take agreement without China is not going to be the lead in that, along with other nations. an effective agreement. So my strategy has There’s also an opportunity for us to start been to get China at the table. We will fur- talking about a free trade agreement of the ther the dialog. John Howard has got some Pacific region. And I’m looking forward to very interesting ways to further the dialog in having that dialog, begin the dialog. It would a constructive way, particularly talking about just be kind of an interesting opportunity to energy usage. So we’ll be looking forward to have the dialog on this aspect of our strategic his leadership on the issue. When I told him

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I was looking forward to coming, we dis- One problem, of course, is North Korea. cussed this issue. He’s concerned about When I came into office, the world was ex- greenhouse gases. And so he’ll take the lead pecting the United States to solve the North here at the conference, and the United States Korea issue alone. To me—and the North will play a constructive role. Korean leader had basically not honored the Anyway, that’s why I’m looking forward to bilateral agreement that had been struck, and going. We’ve got a big agenda. It’s my second therefore, felt like we needed to put this trip to Australia. I remind people that Aus- issue in a position in which others were tralia—parts of Australia reminds me of speaking besides the United States—and Texas—[laughter]—and there’s no higher have started the six-party talks. Five coun- compliment. [Laughter] tries were convinced to come to the table So, given that, Geoff, why don’t you start on one side to convince the North Korean off? We’ll do two rounds, then I’ve got to leader to give up his nuclear weapons ambi- go. tions. It’s working. That wouldn’t have hap- pened without engagement and good, solid Asia-Pacific Region-U.S. Relations/North relations. Korea/China Another issue, obviously, is our bilateral relations with China. It’s the same—you’re Q. Thanks, Mr. President. I think on be- in a little different position in that you’ve got half of all of us, I can say thank you very a nice trade surplus with China. We’ve got much for this opportunity today. a trade deficit with China. And it’s important The President. Thanks. for us to have a—given the complexity of our Q. As you’ve just analyzed, Mr. President, relationship, that we’ve got a strategic rela- obviously Iraq and the Middle East, the war tionship that allows for engagement and for on terror is an overarching policy issue for us to help deal with a major trade deficit, the Bush administration. Nonetheless, there for example, and/or product safety or a SARS has been a perception in the region that this outbreak. Secretary Paulson—I empowered has distracted Washington from engagement Secretary Paulson to develop this special in Asia. There’s been some criticism on that working relationship with China. And it re- score. Some people are calling this the Pa- quires a lot of engagement. It requires en- cific century. You’re cutting short your trip gagement at the top, with President Hu to Sydney because of the Iraq issue. I’m just Jintao, who I respect, as well as people in wondering, do you think that’s warranted, my Cabinet. So there’s a lot of interchange. that criticism, and do you see China, for in- For those who argue that, they really stance, playing the role—the driver in the haven’t—frankly haven’t followed how en- Pacific century, not the U.S.? gaged we have been. The President. No, it’s interesting—first Is China an issue for the world? Abso- of all, this administration has got good bilat- lutely. But I don’t view it as a negative issue; eral relations with Japan, good bilateral rela- I view it as an opportunity to work with a— tions with China, good bilateral relations with one of the really significantly growing econo- Korea. Our relationship with the ASEAN mies in the world. countries are as strong as America has ever Here’s the way I view it: First, I view that been, and of course our ties with Australia a growing middle class in China is good for are tight, really tight. U.S. exporters. It provides opportunity. And And the reason I say that is, is that this it’s—by the way, it’s not only good for U.S. just doesn’t happen without work. And I have exports; it’s good for Australian exporters, worked hard to develop bilateral relations in and it’s good for Japanese exporters, and it’s such a way that we can achieve strategic ob- good for Singaporean, Malaysian. Anybody jectives. I believe the relations with the who is making a product somebody wants, United States and the Asian-Pacific region it’s just a good opportunity. have never been better, and as a result, we’re And so as a part of our engagement with addressing problems and creating opportuni- China, we have worked with Hu Jintao to ties. convince him to help convert his economy

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from one of savers to one of consumers, China-U.S. Relations/War on Terror which means—and, by the way, that takes Q. Just following up about China. Do you a lot of effort and work to get in a position consider actually China is a friend or an where you can even make those kind of con- enemy? And how do you plan to win the structive suggestions—which means the de- hearts and win the markets in the world, in- velopment of a pension system or health cluding in Southeast Asian countries like In- care, so that people don’t feel like they have donesia? to hoard their money to save for a rainy day, The President. Well, I think, first of all, but in fact there’s some kind of safety net we have a complex relationship with China. that is predictable, which then would convert It is one that—where it is growing; it’s chang- a Chinese person who is beginning to realize ing. The United States strongly supports better income into a consumer. And then all markets. China is a market that’s developing. of a sudden, you’ve got consumers, which On the other hand, we also support open so- provide opportunity. cieties, transparency, where people are al- lowed to express themselves in a free society. Now, Hu Jintao actually gave these re- I believe in freedom of religion. I believe marks at the White House—along these in basic freedoms. lines—at the East Room there. It took a lot So our relationship with China is, on the of trust and work to get—to enable him to one hand, we welcome trading opportunities. make that statement, but that’s the kind of We want there to be free trade and fair trade; statement which people around the region we want the currency to float. These are ought to say, thankfully—I’m thankful that complex issues. And what makes the relation- he was able to say that, because it takes what ship even more complex is, at the same time, some view as a problem and converts it into we believe in human rights and human dig- a great opportunity for all of us to grow our nity. And we worked with the Chinese lead- respective economies. ership to promote human rights and human dignity. So it’s not—it’s hard to define the relation- Trade ship in kind of a simple, one-sentence struc- Q. Huge economic opportunity—you see ture. And so ‘‘complex,’’ is probably the best China as the big grower of the economy in way to say, but positive. As I told you, I view the Asia Pacific? China as a positive opportunity. And from The President. No, I see the United a personal perspective, have got warm and States as the big driver for trade. We’re a cordial relationships with President Hu significant economy. At APEC people ought Jintao. I like him; I like to talk to him. He’s to be wondering whether or not George Bush a smart man. We can share issues together. is going to keep taxes low to make sure our I can say, ‘‘What are your biggest problems?’’ economy continues to grow, because we’re And he can say to me, ‘‘What are your prob- a significant trading partner. I view China lems?’’ In other words, we’ve got a personal as an opportunity. relationship. And that’s the way I try to do with all lead- I think the United States is going to drive ers because the best diplomacy is when you a lot of the trade. That’s why we conducted— can sit down with somebody one on one and now, having said that, I think China will pro- speak candidly about issues and problems. vide opportunity for Australian producers, We’re problem-solvers. See, that’s what lead- but we also provide the same opportunity. ers do. You see problems, and you anticipate I don’t view it as a zero-sum game. Let me problems and work together to accomplish put it to you that way. I view it as an—I something. And therefore, there has to be view—all of us contribute, so long as the a personal relationship. world doesn’t slip into protectionism. And I’ve also got a very good relationship with part of the reason one goes to APEC is to your leader. And so bilateral relations—first promote trade and opportunity. of all, in the Muslim world, it’s very impor- Tia. tant for people to understand that the war

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on terror is not a war against Muslims; it’s formance based. In other words, we expect a war against murderers. I don’t believe reli- people to honor their agreements. gious people, truly religious people kill the Finally, as I assured Prime Minister Abe, innocent. At least that’s not the religion I be- that we’re not going to forget the abductee lieve in. And therefore, it’s important for issue. He and the Japanese people are very leaders and countries to work together to concerned that once certain aspects of the prevent the murder of the innocent and, at agreement are achieved, that we will forget the same time, make sure that we respect— the fact that Japanese citizens have been ab- America, in my case, respects religion, values ducted. the right for people to worship, and, in the Well, let me tell you something, Otsuka— case of Islam, values Islam as an important Ryuichi. part of the international scene in the world Q. Ryuichi. we live in. The President. Ryuichi. I’ll never forget Otsuka. the meeting I had with the mother—it’s very important for your readers to know that that North Korea/Abduction of Japanese had a deep impression on me—the mother Citizens whose daughter was abducted by North Ko- reans. I can’t imagine what that would mean. Q. Thank you very much, sir. I guess I can imagine what it would mean; The President. How are you? I just can’t understand, fully understand the Q. Good. pain that she felt—still feels. And I’ll never The President. Have we met before? forget her coming to the Oval Office with Q. No, first time. the picture of that little girl, picture of her The President. Yes, well, I’m better for daughter who got abducted. She sat right it. [Laughter] there in the Oval Office. And my point to Q. I have a question on North Korea. you is, is that I’m not going to forget the The President. North Korea, sure. mother or forget the fact. Q. Is it possible that North Korea will give And so we’ll work with the—continue to up nuclear weapons program by the end of work with the Japanese to make it clear to your term? And to help achieve it, are you the North Koreans that we also expect there ready to remove North Korea from the State to be resolution to this issue. In other words, Sponsors of Terrorism list, even without the I understand, as well as I possibly can, the resolution of Japanese abductee issue? emotion that people attach to this issue. The President. Yes, thank you. As to the Salmy. first part of your question, I certainly hope that North Korea honors its agreements. Organization of Islamic Conference/War They—in September of 2006, they made a on Terror substantial agreement to disclose and dis- Q. Yes, sir. Mr. President. mantle all aspects of a nuclear weapons pro- The President. By the way, happy 50th. gram. Is that right, September 6th? Q. Thank you, sir. National Security Adviser Stephen J. The President. I remember when I Hadley. 2005. turned 50; I felt old. [Laughter] But now that The President. Yes, 2005, excuse me. And I’m over 60, it’s not that old. here we are in 2007, nearly 2 years later, Q. Not that bad. where we’re still reminding them of that The President. No, it really isn’t. You’re agreement. On the other hand, a lot has hap- not even close. You wouldn’t even know. pened in the last couple of months that Q. You look very young, sir. would lead me to believe that we’re on— The President. You are young. Oh, I look we’re making progress. And we will continue young? [Laughter] Good. I’m feeling pretty to push toward the full disclosure and dis- young, thanks. It’s all in your mind. mantlement. Q. Sir, your administration has indicated Secondly, we have—different aspects of interest to appoint a special envoy to the Or- our relationship are on the table, but it’s per- ganization of Islamic Conference, or the

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OIC. Have you identified the person? And world is today, that that kind of ideologue what will he or she do to bridge relations provided safe haven for people who plotted with the Islamic countries in the Muslim and killed people in our country. One, I’m world, in light of the war in Iraq and in light not going to stand for it; I’m going to protect of the detention of extremists from Muslim America, just like any other leader would countries? protect their own country. And two, one way The President. First of all, we have not to achieve long-term peace is to help people identified the person yet. We’re working to- realize forms of government that give hope. ward that end. As a matter of fact, I spoke And so whether it be in Afghanistan and Iraq, to the Secretary of State about this this morn- we’re helping people realize the blessings of ing, coincidentally enough. And she’s coming freedom. And frankly, the world ought to be in, I think, tomorrow. Anyway, we’re working in there helping. And they are, many are. the issue. Freedom yields peace. Asia is peaceful. Secondly, the reason why I suggested—or Why? Because freedom is prevailing, that’s announced that we’re going to do this is be- why. Forms of government matter. And so cause I am concerned about the perceptions the ambassador to the OIC or the President in the Muslim world that the United States or any other representative of America will views the war on terror as a war against a be expressing this deep desire to work to- particular religion. And I just explained to gether to achieve peace. you that this is a war of extremists and radi- Derwin. cals, ideologues driven by a vision that is not—that hijacks religion in order to justify Six-Party Talks/U.S. Foreign Policy in their position. And any chance we have to Asia dispel false notion and to reinforce the reali- ties is helpful to the United States and, frank- Q. Mr. President, what do you think you ly, others as well. And so that’s the reason have achieved with regards to U.S. ties with to name the envoy. Asia during your time in office? And what It also is a clear signal that we respect na- do you consider to be unfinished business? tions and that we treat the Islamic world seri- The President. Unfinished business is ously. And you can do that all different kinds North Korea. It’s—let me just say, it is fin- of ways. It’s just another statement. It’s an- ishing. In other words, we’re making other moment for people to see the serious- progress. The six-party talks is working. The ness of intent. In terms of—murder is mur- first step was to get people to the table, to der, and murder to achieve political objec- remind people that it’s just not the United tives is—needs to be stopped. People mur- States with responsibility. The purpose of dered Americans to achieve a political objec- the—getting all five of us to the table is so tive. There’s a debate in our country whether that if North Korea tried to say, ‘‘Well, I’m that’s true or not. I’ve made up my mind. really—I said I was going to do it, but I’m I believe it’s absolutely fundamentally true not going to do it,’’ then there is somebody because I’m listening to what the enemy says, else also saying, ‘‘And here are the con- the enemy of freedom, what they’re saying. sequences.’’ They say, ‘‘We want a caliphate; we want to And so that’s a major step forward. And spread our vision.’’ now it’s beginning to work because they’re It took a military action, by the way, to verifiably beginning to shut down the reactor. liberate people from that vision in Afghani- And so we’ve got more to do. stan. This wasn’t an attack on Islam; this was So it’s finishing but unfinished. ‘‘Unfin- an attack for liberty. Think about a society ished’’ is kind of a loaded word, in a way. in which you two could not function in what Sort of like—the question is, can it happen you’re doing because of your gender. Why? before I’m through? Yes, it can. I hope so. Because the vision of these people—who But I’m not—we’re not in control of—we’re murder the innocent, by the way, to achieve in control of putting the process in place and their vision—is that women aren’t equal. And making sure it’s consequential if somebody it just so happened that, given the way the doesn’t go forward. But it’s the leader of

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North Korea who gets to the make the deci- trading together. And therefore—and that’s sion. It’s his choice to make. I’ve made my manifested, by the way, in, for example, the choice. It’s his choice to make. free trade agreement with Australia, which Let me reiterate a little bit of what I said wasn’t a given. And there were some difficul- earlier. The definition of successful foreign ties to overcome in Australia and in the policy is to be in a position to work with oth- United States, but nevertheless, we got it ers to solve problems. And this administra- done. And entering into free trade agree- tion has worked hard to be in a position to ments with other nations, such as Singapore, convince others to work together to solve has been good ways of making sure that we problems. codify the benefits of open trading relation- I’ve just outlined some of the problems, ships. some of the problems—whether or not trade And so there’s been a lot of progress made, is open and people are treated fairly. One and the North Korean issue is the issue that classic example of this is intellectual property we’re spending a lot of time on and hopefully rights. I know that’s a deep concern to your we can get completed. Government, just like it is to all our Govern- One more round. Geoff. ments, that if you’re trading with a country, you want to make sure that those intellectual Leader of the Opposition Kevin Rudd of property rights are treated respectfully. Australia/President’s Upcoming Visit to And in some societies, it’s difficult. And Australia therefore, we have to be in a position to work Q. Okay. Mr. President, thank you. Just collaboratively and bilaterally to convince to the domestic scene—we’ve got Federal countries that in order to be a part of the elections, as you know, coming up in Aus- international world, you have to honor con- tralia. Last time around, you had some com- tract. And one contract is, you don’t steal ments with regards to the then opposition somebody else’s intellectual property. That’s leader’s policies on Iraq. You described his hard work. But nevertheless, those kind of policy of withdrawal from Iraq as disastrous. relationships exist now; we’re able to have You have a one-on-one meeting with the op- those kind of dialogs. position leader, Kevin Rudd; he’s ahead in There’s been a lot of cooperation on the the polls. He’s also got a policy in Iraq which security front in remarkable ways since I’ve talks about withdrawal, albeit with caveats. been President. The leadership of your coun- I’m just wondering, what’s your view of the try knows full well the dangers of extremism opposition leader, Kevin Rudd? What will prevailing and have been very strong in work- you discuss in the meeting? And what do you ing, for example, on the Proliferation Secu- make of his Iraq policy? rity Initiative. This is an initiative where The President. Yes, first of all, I think it many APEC nations have agreed to help find makes sense for me to reach out to leading and stop the shipment of materiels which political figures when I go to other countries. could end up in the hands of extremists and And so I’m looking forward to this meeting. radicals that could harm us. I don’t know much about him, frankly. Obvi- And it took awhile to get this relationship ously I haven’t—maybe I met him; I don’t in place. But it’s a relationship that is nec- remember meeting him. When I spoke to essary to help prevent weapons of mass de- the Parliament—— struction from being moved. And it’s been Q. He was an opposition member then. a very effective relationship. And here’s a The President. Could have been shaking classic case of a successful collaborative ef- hands. I’m going to remind him that, one, fort. the stakes in Iraq are very high for peace; The biggest danger we have, it seems like that the liberation of a country—that country to me, is isolationism and protectionism be- was important for peace; and that a democ- coming prevalent philosophies. One of the racy—Iraqi-style democracy in the heart of things that this administration has done in the Middle East is part of winning this ideo- working with our friends is to work hard to logical struggle. So the first thing I’m going explain to people the beneficial nature of to do is explain to him my views about this—

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the world in which we live. And I’ll remind The President. I view both Iraq and Af- him that, as far as I’m concerned, that leaving ghanistan as theaters of the same war against Iraq before the job is done will cause an radicals and extremists and look forward to enemy that attacked us before to become sharing my views with Mr. Rudd, of course, emboldened. And as John Abizaid put it, to and continue our discussions, strategic dis- think the enemy will stay there and not follow cussions with John Howard. I mean—all us here is—in other words, we leave before right. the job is done, they will follow us home. Tia—back to you again. That—I will remind him that the best way to conduct policy is based upon conditions Abu Bakar Ba’asyir on the ground; that success is important; that Q. Thank you, Mr. President. My next conditions ought to be driving troop deploy- question would touch on Indonesian cleric ments. And that’s how—I’ll tell him how— Abu Bakar Ba’asyir. what I would hope all our coalition partners The President. About what? would view the situation in Iraq and Afghani- Q. Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir. stan. The President. Yes, right, right. Having said that, I do appreciate very Q. As you might know, since he was re- much the fact that the Australians have sac- leased from jail, has been exercising activities rificed and have served. And I’m looking for- like any other citizens, including recently— ward to seeing some Australian troops with last weekend he inaugurated a long march Prime Minister Howard to thank them and, participated by about 1,000 of his followers, as importantly, thank their families for join- in connection with that commemoration, or ing America and a lot of other countries in welcoming the Ramadan, Islamic fasting the great cause of liberation and peace. month. Actually, how close has your Govern- It’s going to be an interesting trip, and ment monitored the activities of Abu Bakar what’s interesting about these trips is that the Ba’asyir? And my main question is do you time around the table with leaders is impor- think Ba’asyir is still dangerous? tant, but also the time sitting down with indi- The President. First of all, I didn’t know viduals is important as well. It’s a good op- he led a parade of a thousand people. So portunity to conduct foreign policy. And as that may answer your first question. I’m sure I told you, a lot of foreign policy, for me, our Embassy is aware of the activities that is the capacity to just look at somebody in take place in your country. I mean, you are the eye and tell them what I think and listen a free country where people are allowed to to what they think. It’s finding that common express themselves in the public square, ground, if possible, to solve problems. Lead- which is a sign of a healthy society. ers are problem-solvers. And sometimes you I am concerned, however, about anybody can solve problems by anticipating them and who preaches violence and extremism and putting the conditions in place so that they radicalism in a world in which innocent peo- won’t arise in the first place. And sometimes ple just get simply murdered for ideological they just show up, and you better be in a purposes. There were some terrible murders position to deal with them. in your country, as you know, just like in mine, and I’m confident that by far the vast War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan majority—all of Indonesia rejects that kind Q. Can I just clarify something? of behavior. Innocent people were killed in The President. Yes. Bali for no other reason than they just hap- Q. Mr. Rudd is—his theater—he’s talked pened to be vacationing and because some- about the importance of Afghanistan, talking body wanted to send a political message be- about withdrawing our troops from Iraq. But cause they’re involved with this ideological do you support that they stay, that view? struggle. And those of us who want there to The President. Support what view? be peace have got to reject this kind of be- Q. That he is determined to—he has de- havior. termined that the issue on Afghanistan, to And so your Government is a government keep troops in Afghanistan. of law; your Government will conduct itself

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according to your laws. But anybody who Q. So what are your outlook and hopes preaches that kind of violence in the name for U.S.-Malaysia relations, and especially of what I would call a dark political vision with Malaysia being the 10th largest trading needs to be taken seriously. partner? The President. First of all, I do believe Japan’s Role in the War on Terror we ought to have—take this notion of trade Q. My next question is about the U.S.- and have meaningful discussions with a po- Japan relationship and the war on terror. tential free trade agreement with Malaysia. The President. Yes, sir. Secondly, I respect Prime Minister Badawi, Q. The opposition party in Japan is threat- admire his leadership. When his wife died, ening to cut the extension of Japanese partici- I tried to call him early just to let him know pation in the antiterrorism operations in the I cared about him. Indian Ocean. Q. He has remarried. The President. Yes. The President. Has he? Good. I’ll con- Q. What do you—question: Are you con- gratulate him. Thanks for giving me that cerned about that? And will you be—will you heads-up. Don’t put that in the article, that raise this issue when you will meet Prime you had to tell me that. You can put it in Minister Abe in Australia? there if you want. [Laughter] I’ll be glad to— The President. First of all, Japan has been I’m going to congratulate him. That’s neat. a positive contributor to dealing with the ex- Mr. Wilder. You did, sir. tremists in this ideological war. And I thank The President. What? the Japanese Government and the people of Mr. Wilder. You did congratulate him. Japan for their contributions. And I would The President. Exactly. I’m going to con- hope that they would continue to maintain gratulate him again. [Laughter] I’ll double this—their positive influence. the congratulations. [Laughter] That’s right; And of course, my conversations with I did write him a note. I forgot. Did I call Prime Minister Abe, whom I respect a great him or write him a note? deal, will center on the war on terror, as well Mr. Wilder. You wrote him a note. as a lot of other key issues. Japan has played The President. That’s right, yes. Sent him a significant role in many of the things we’ve a couple flowers. Anyway, Malaysia is an in- discussed here, like Proliferation Security teresting example of how a free society can Initiative, six-party talks. They’ve been a con- deal with movements that could conceivably structive partner in peace, and I will—we will change and alter the nature of the free soci- talk about all aspects of our relationship. ety. And I respect the way the Prime Min- ister has used freedom and used the open- Malaysia-U.S. Relations/Democracy in ness of society to kind of deal with frustra- Malaysia/President’s Upcoming Meeting tion. I mean, all societies have frustrated peo- With ASEAN Leaders ple. And the question is, will the outlet of Q. Mr. President, tomorrow, August 31st, that frustration lead to violence or lead to Malaysia celebrates its 50th—— peace? And Malaysia is an example of a coun- The President. Fiftieth—make sure my try where frustrations have been channeled congratulatory remarks get in your article. in a constructive way. And therefore, he’s a Headline: Bush Congratulates Malaysia. leader, as far as I’m concerned, and a very [Laughter] Do you think that’s what it will constructive force for Southeast Asia. say? By the way, I am going to meet with the Q. Something like that. ASEAN leaders, which is an important meet- The President. Upbeat, optimistic George ing as well. It’s an opportunity for the United Bush—[laughter]. States to stay very much engaged with Q. War on terrorism. ASEAN. I unfortunately will not be there for The President. Yes, sure. the 60th, but look forward to having an event Q. It also marks the 50th relations be- that would kind of recognize the importance tween the U.S. and Malaysia—— of ASEAN as far as the United States is con- The President. Yes. cerned.

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President’s Upcoming Meeting With Asia-Pacific Region-U.S. Relations ASEAN Leaders/Alternative Fuel Q. There appears to be a perception in Sources/Environment Southeast Asia that this administration has Q. So this is a side meeting with the neglected the region. How do you plan to ASEAN leaders after APEC meeting, sir? convince them otherwise when you meet in The President. Yes, a side meeting with APEC? the ASEAN leaders at APEC. I try to do that The President. Well, I—do you want to every time. So they’ll have somebody like— ask another question, because I already an- I’ll sit down and meet with the ASEAN na- swered it. I’ll be glad to answer it again— tions as well. which is, we’ve got strong bilateral—first of The other thing that’s interesting about all, the number of trips I’ve taken—I’ve gone Malaysia is, they’re going to be one of the to every APEC meeting. I’ve spent a lot of leaders on alternative fuels. time with leaders both here and in your re- Q. Biofuel. spective countries—that we’ve got relations The President. Biofuels—absolutely. And to a point where we can work together to that’s another area where we can work to- solve common problems. PSI is one such ex- gether. As you know, I’m an alternative fuels ample of a strategy we’ve implemented to person. I believe that it’s in our interests that deal with the realities of the world. North we develop the technologies necessary to Korea is another example. deal with energy dependence as well as And so it’s—the truth of the matter is, I greenhouse gases. Back to the climate spend a lot of time working on Asian matters. changes—the way—if you’re truly interested And all I’ll ask you to do is, look at the results in dealing with greenhouse gases, people of the individual relationships and the ability need to focus on the development of tech- to put processes in place to deal with the nologies that will enable us to, on the one threats we live in and the capacity to work hand, grow our economies, on the other together to solve problems and to create op- hand, be good stewards of the environment. portunities. And to me, that’s a sign of a Just for the record—and this probably healthy, robust relationship with an impor- won’t be a headline, although I’ve tried to tant part of the world. make it one a lot—when it comes time to Okay. Thank you all. Enjoyed it. Looking climate change, there’s one major industri- forward to making the trip. alized nation that actually grew its economy and reduced greenhouse gases, that would be the United States of America—that actu- ally had greenhouse gases go down and the economy go up. So something is working NOTE: The interview was taped at 11:30 a.m. in here, and it’s technologies, use of tech- the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his nologies. And so I’m going to be reminding remarks, the President referred to Prime Minister people about—that we can come up with a John Howard of Australia; Chairman Kim Jong strategy that doesn’t impoverish our people Il of North Korea; President Hu Jintao of China; and, at the same time, takes advantage of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indo- technologies. And we’re going to need to nesia; Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan; Sakie share some technologies with newly emerg- Yokata, mother of Megumi Yokata, who was ab- ing economies in order to achieve this objec- ducted by North Korean authorities; and Gen. tive. John P. Abizaid, USA, combatant commander, U.S. Central Command. A reporter referred to Anyway, I forgot to make that point. Mark Latham, former leader, Australian Labour Q. Mr. President, there appears to be—— Party. The transcript was released by the Office The President. I’m not making the point of the Press Secretary on August 31. A tape was to you, as you can tell. That’s why I’m kind not available for verification of the content of this of looking over your shoulder. [Laughter] interview.

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Interview With David Speers of Sky I’ll be meeting with Mr. Rudd, and I’m look- News ing forward to it. He doesn’t know me, and August 30, 2007 I don’t know him. And so I look forward to sharing my views and would ask, if he were Australia’s Role in the War on Terror to win, that he consider conditions on the Mr. Speers. Mr. President, the United ground before making any decisions; that States has around 160,000 troops in Iraq at what matters is success. And I believe we the moment. Australia has, in its battle group, can be successful. And I know it’s important only around 500 in the relatively safe Dhi to be successful. And I will be glad to explain Qar Province. Is this just a symbolic con- to him why I’m optimistic that this hard work tribution? Would it really matter if they were will achieve what we all want, which is, over brought home? time, fewer troops and peace. The main thing The President. First, I want to thank the we want is to make sure that we deal these Howard Government and the people of Aus- radicals and extremists a major blow, which tralia for joining this global struggle against is success in Iraq. extremists and radicals who are trying to im- See, here’s the interesting thing that I pose their vision on the world. And that hope the people of Australia understand: struggle is found—being played out in Iraq There are two forms of extremism that have and Afghanistan right now and other places. now converged on Iraq. One is Sunni extre- And so I view Australia’s contribution to mism in the likes of Al Qaida. These people peace and freedom as more than just Iraq. in Iraq swore allegiance to the very same per- I view it as, one, a strategic partnership with son that ordered the attack on the United the United States. I view their contribution States of America. Sunni extremists have as intelligence contributions. But I also un- killed Australians. Sunni extremists that are derstand that there’s a commitment to help- inspired by this ideology are killing around ing people live in freedom as a long-term the world. solution to this ideological struggle. And I’m often asked about coalition And then there’s the strain of Shiism extre- troops. And my attitude is, our coalition part- mism that is fostered by Iran. And these are ners ought to be making decisions based the two major threats to world peace, and upon conditions on the ground, because fail- they’ve converged on Iraq, which should say ure in Iraq would lead to, in my judgment, that we need to do the hard work necessary to turmoil, chaos in the Middle East, and so we can have peace in the long term for other attacks on the United States and other children growing up both in the United nations. Success will be a major blow to these States and Australia. radicals and extremists that will make it easi- er for us to say we’ve done our duty and laid War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq the foundation for peace. Mr. Speers. So you need those Australian Leader of the Opposition Kevin Rudd of troops there. Australia/War on Terror The President. We need all our coalition Mr. Speers. Well, as you know, there’s an partners. And I would hope that—and I un- election only 2 or 3 months away in Australia, derstand, look, everybody has got their own and Kevin Rudd, the Opposition Leader, is internal politics. My only point is, is that ahead in all of the polls. And he has promised whether it be Afghanistan or Iraq, we’ve got to pull those combat troops out of Iraq if more work to do. We, the free world, has he wins. He says he’ll consult with the U.S. got more work to do. And I believe those So, if he does win, what would you be saying of us who live in liberty have a responsibility to him? Would you be trying to convince him to promote forms of government that deal not to do that? with what causes 19 kids to get on airplanes The President. Well, actually, I believe to kill 3,000 students [citizens]. * he’s on my calendar. I, of course, will be meeting with the Prime Minister, and then * White House correction.

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United Kingdom’s Role in Iraq tionship is good. But I don’t buy into your Mr. Speers. What, then, do you say about hypothesis. the British withdrawing significant numbers Mr. Speers. But essentially, the relation- from southern Iraq in what many of your offi- ship won’t suffer if Kevin Rudd becomes cers say is still a dangerous zone of the coun- Prime Minister? try? The President. Look, I’ll be glad to deal The President. Well, I’ve talked to—I’ve with the situation. See, that’s a loaded ques- said the exact same thing to Gordon Brown: tion. In this sense, you’re trying to get me Make sure you’re dictated by conditions on to predict the outcome of the election, and the ground. And he—listen, that’s exactly I’m not going to do it. I don’t know enough what he said he’s going to do. about it, and I am going down there to deal Mr. Speers. So that’s not premature, that with the current Prime Minister, who, no British withdrawal. doubt about it, is a close personal friend of The President. Well, he said that he’s mine. And I think a man—he is a man of going to make decisions based upon condi- steel, because he’s a person who stands on tions. And by the way, the Brits are going conviction and principle. I don’t know Mr. to keep a presence. When you say ‘‘with- Rudd; I’m looking forward to getting to know draw,’’ it makes it sound like all their troops him. But that’s all I really want to comment are coming home, but that’s not what’s going about your elections. to happen. Mr. Speers. A lot of Australians will be Mr. Speers. But a significant number of weighing out, what’s going to happen to the them are. alliance if Labor wins the election? The President. Well, you know, he will The President. Yes, as I said, I really am let me know when he makes that decision. not going to get involved in your election He has said that he is going to make decisions down there. I am going to be—I’m going in southern Iraq based upon conditions. down as the U.S. President, proud of the re- They’re now moved out of the Basra Palace lationship between the United States and into an air base, which is fine. But they will Australia. It is a relationship based upon our have a presence there to help this Iraqi Gov- common values; it’s a relationship based ernment succeed. upon good economic ties; and it’s a really important relationship. And I presume who- Australian Elections/Australia-U.S. ever the U.S. President is after me and the Relations Prime Ministers to come in Australia will un- Mr. Speers. You’ve had a very close rela- derstand how important that is. tionship with John Howard. You famously called him the ‘‘man of steel.’’ If he doesn’t China win the election, and Kevin Rudd does be- Mr. Speers. Labor also wants the alliance come Prime Minister, given that you have to focus more on China and its military build- differences over such a big issue as Iraq, will up in particular, its nuclear arms stocks. the alliance still be the same? Will the rela- Should more attention be given to that and tionship be the same? China’s tensions with Japan? The President. I refuse to accept your hy- The President. Well, we spend a lot of pothesis. time on China in this administration. I’ve got Mr. Speers. If he wins. good relations with both the Japanese and The President. Well, that’s if. You’re ask- Chinese leadership. My view is, is that it’s ing me to answer a hypothetical. important for there to be an active U.S. pres- Mr. Speers. But will the alliance change? ence in Asia, precisely to make sure that old The President. All I can tell you is, is that tensions don’t flare up. I remember John Howard has been behind And I’m pleased with the progress that’s in polls before and he’s won. And so cer- being made in Asia. And obviously, the inter- tainly, I’m not going to prejudge the decision esting relationship now in Asia is the trading of the Australian people. And I will end up relationship. Australia, fortunately, has got a dealing with whomever and work hard to surplus with China. And America, however, make sure that the Australian and U.S. rela- has got a major deficit with China.

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Mr. Speers. Does the military issue con- The President. I’m looking forward to it. cern you? Thank you for your time. The President. It only concerns me if Mr. Speers. Thank you. there’s hostility. In other words, it only con- cerns me if the Government declares its hos- NOTE: The interview was taped at 3:39 p.m. in tility toward the world. I happen to believe the Map Room at the White House for later that China’s most important issue internally broadcast. In his remarks, the President referred is for them to grow their economy to deal to Prime Minister John Howard of Australia; and with—they’ve got to create, like, 25 million Prime Minister Gordon Brown of the United new jobs a year in order to stay even, in order Kingdom. This transcript was released by the Of- to keep their economy growing. And so fice of the Press Secretary on August 31. A tape therefore, my view of China is that they’re was not available for verification of the content internally focused to the extent that they of this interview. want economic growth and vitality; they’re externally focused in order to get the raw Interview With Kensuke Okoshi of materials they need. But if they ever turn NHK Japan hostile, I would be concerned about, you know, a military—— August 30, 2007

President’s Upcoming Visit to Australia Japan-U.S. Relations/Japan’s Mr. Speers. Mr. President, just finally, a Antiterrorism Law lot of Sydneysiders are complaining about Mr. Okoshi. Thank you, Mr. President. the impost of APEC, in particular your secu- My first question is on the U.S.-Japan alli- rity detail and how that will affect the city ance. It has been said that relationship be- for a week while you’re there, almost a week tween our two countries grew closer than while you’re there. Do you have any message ever before under your leadership. On the for them? other hand, in Japan, the opposition party The President. Well, first I’m looking for- blocked the extension of the antiterrorism ward to coming to the beautiful city, and to special law, which can be seen as a symbol the extent that I inconvenience them, I of the U.S.-Japan alliance. How serious do apologize. I’m not exactly sure what you’re you think this is? talking about, in terms of—— The President. First of all, we do have Mr. Speers. The security lockdown in the a good relationship with Japan, and it’s an city. important relationship. The relationship be- The President. It’s the first—thank you tween the United States and Japan is good for sharing that with me. I got a lot on my for the American people; I believe it’s good mind, and one of the things that’s one [on] * for the Japanese people; and I believe it’s my mind is I’m looking forward to coming good for stability in not only Southeast Asia to one of the most beautiful cities in the but where we cooperate in other parts of the world. If I inconvenience people, that’s not world. And so therefore, I would hope that my intent. My intent is to represent my coun- the Government would keep this important try in an important meeting in a country that law in place so that Japan and the United I admire a lot and a country with whom we’ve States and other nations can continue to work got great relations. And it’s important that for peace and stability. And it’s an important we continue to have great relations. piece of legislation, as far as we’re concerned. I hope people—I hope people understand why it’s done, and I just hope it doesn’t dis- rupt their lives too much. President’s Meeting With Prime Minister Mr. Speers. Mr. President, we do look for- Shinzo Abe of Japan ward to seeing you in Sydney. Thank you very Mr. Okoshi. Will you talk about this issue, much for your time. about the extension of the antiterrorism spe- cial law with Prime Minister Abe at the next * White House correction. meeting in Sydney?

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The President. I’m not exactly sure what Abduction of Japanese Citizens he wants to talk about. I’d be happy to talk Mr. Okoshi. How much will the abductee about anything he wants. Of course I’ll be issue be taken into consideration in terms of wanting to make sure that our relationship removing North Korea from the State Spon- remains as close as it is. Secondly, we’ll be sors of Terrorism? talking about economic issues. Thirdly, I The President. I told the Prime Minister know we’ll be talking about North Korea, and this is an important issue for me. Our Ambas- I will once again make it clear that the sador, Ambassador Schieffer, asked me to abductee issue is an important issue for the meet the mom of a young girl who had been United States of America. We want this issue abducted. And that’s probably the most—one resolved. of the most profound meetings I’ve had in This battle against extremism and radi- the Oval Office, to see her emotion, to feel calism that is manifested in two theaters right her sense of hurt as a result of the callous now, which is Afghanistan and Iraq, is going actions of a state. to be a subject matter. And to the extent that And so the abductee issue is an important we can work together, it’s going to be helpful issue. Of course the Japanese are concerned for peace. The Japanese presence helps that what will happen is, is that we’ll con- peace, helps achieve peace. And that’s what clude the nuclear weapons issue and then we want. We’ll talk about every aspect of our forget about the abductee issue. And the an- relationship. swer is, I won’t forget about the abductee issue. Six-Party Talks War on Terror in Iraq Mr. Okoshi. On North Korea, in conjunc- Mr. Okoshi. Moving on to Iraq. You made tion with six-party talks, there has been an a decision to implement surge. And so far, effort regarding the U.S.-North Korea bilat- what are some of the things that have met eral meeting. Do you regard this softer and with your expectation, and on the other hand, more direct approach towards North Korea what are the elements that have fallen short? as a success? The President. First of all, the surge, from The President. The discussion was as a a military perspective, from a security per- part of the six-party talks. I am not for under- spective, is successful. There are still suicide bombers, and there are still these murderers mining the six-party talks. As a matter of fact, who are killing people, but we’re slowly but the six-party talks is the most successful surely, along with the Iraqis, taking back forum, because I want to make it clear to neighborhoods and Provinces. Al Anbar the North Koreans that should they choose Province used to be a safe haven—not a safe to ignore what they’ve agreed to do, that it’s haven, used to be kind of the grounds where not just the United States that will be at the it looked like Al Qaida was going to be the table, but China and, of course, Japan and predominant force, and now we’ve got them South Korea and Russia. So in other words, on the run. And so there’s been success in there’s got to be a sense of accountability if the security. somebody says they’re going to do one thing, That’s not to say everything is perfect, but like shut down their weapons programs, and there’s been good successes. At the grass- they don’t do it. And there’s going to be bet- roots level, in other words at the local level, ter accountability when they have said that when people feel secure, they start asking to five countries as opposed to one. And so questions about what does it take to create it’s important that we all stay at the table. peace so their families can grow up peace- My approach hasn’t changed. My approach fully. In other words, when the thugs get re- is firm. They’re making some progress now. moved and people start saying, ‘‘I’ve got a Obviously, we want to make sure that this different attitude,’’ that’s called reconcili- continues. But the reactor has been shut ation. They’re beginning to say, ‘‘What do we down. But they’ve got a lot more work to need to do to build on this momentum, so do. we can live in peace?’’

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At the Government level, they’re still States and Japan cooperates on technologies, struggling with—frankly, trying to recover it will help the world. We’re wealthy nations, from a dictatorship. And it takes awhile. And and these developing nations are going to we’ve asked them to—hopefully they would look to us to help them develop technologies pass some laws—some laws they haven’t that will enable them to grow their econo- passed. But I believe, one, we can succeed; mies and, at the same time, be better stew- two, I know it’s important that we do suc- ards of the environment. ceed. And I’m looking forward to our people So the way I see it is, post-Kyoto is going on the ground coming back and charting a to be setting goals, helping countries with the way forward so that we can continue to be technological developments they need so in a position to succeed. that each country could meet the goal it sets. And collectively we’ll have done a better job Environment on the environment. Mr. Okoshi. Moving on to your climate Mr. Okoshi. Time is up. Thank you very change. Are you really inviting the major much, Mr. President—— emitters, including China, to Washington, The President. Thank you, sir. DC, at the end of this month? What kind Mr. Okoshi. ——for spending time for of initiatives or roadmaps do you have in Japanese people. mind for the post-Kyoto framework? The President. Glad to do it. Proud to The President. Yes, look, I think we need be a friend. Thank you. to make sure that we get the major emitters, NOTE: The interview was taped at 3:50 p.m. in the big economies of the world that are emit- the Map Room at the White House for later ting greenhouse gases to the table so that broadcast. In his remarks, the President referred we can all be at the same table. And the first to Sakie Yokata, mother of Megumi Yokata, who step toward coming up with a common ac- was abducted by North Korean authorities. The cord is to recognize there’s a problem and transcript was released by the Office of the Press set a goal, a reduction goal, because I believe Secretary on August 31. once you get people to sign up to a goal, it makes it easier to begin to get—ask them Proclamation 8171—National to sign up to a solution. So that’s the purpose. The purpose is to Employer Support of the Guard and set up a process that includes everybody. Reserve Week, 2007 Now, the United States, by the way, has re- August 30, 2007 duced greenhouse gas emissions last year. By the President of the United States We grew our economy at about 3 percent, of America and our greenhouse gases went down. So our strategy is beginning to work. But the truth A Proclamation of the matter is, if we really want to be seri- During National Employer Support of the ous about solving this problem, the question Guard and Reserve Week, we recognize the is, how fast can we get new technologies to vital contributions of the brave men and the marketplace? And the countries that are women who serve our great Nation, and we going to be leading the way and developing pay tribute to the employers who support new technologies will be the United States them. and Japan. The courageous men and women of the For example, I believe that the Japanese National Guard and Reserve are fighting a battery makers will be coming to the market, new and unprecedented war, having an- hopefully relatively soon, with a new battery swered the call to defend our freedom and that will enable us to drive a regular-size way of life. At home, the National Guard is automobile for 40 miles on electricity. That working to protect our borders, and provide will, of course, achieve a couple of objectives: vital aid and assistance in times of crisis and one, less dependence on oil, which will help natural disasters. The dedicated service of both our countries, and two, it will help us those who wear the uniform reflects the best clean up the environment. And so tech- of America, and all Americans are proud to nologies is going to really make an enormous stand behind the men and women of the Na- difference. And to the extent that the United tional Guard and Reserve.

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Our Nation also appreciates the sacrifice Remarks on Homeownership of employers across our country who support Financing and an Exchange With the important mission of our National Guard Reporters and Reserve personnel. Employers across August 31, 2007 America demonstrate their patriotism by pro- viding time off, pay, health-care benefits, and The President. Good morning. Thank you job security to their Guard and Reserve em- for joining me. Secretary Paulson and Sec- ployees, helping them prepare for their re- retary Jackson gave me an update on the turn to families and to civilian life. The com- strong fundamentals of our Nation’s econ- mitment of our Nation’s employers is a vital omy. Economic growth is healthy, and just and integral part of the success of our Armed yesterday we learned that our economy grew Forces. at a strong rate of 4 percent in the second quarter of this year. Wages are rising; unem- During National Employer Support of the ployment is low; exports are up; and steady Guard and Reserve Week, we offer our coun- job creation continues. try’s deepest gratitude to the dedicated men We also had a good discussion about the and women of the National Guard and Re- situation in America’s financial markets. The serve and to the employers who support markets are in a period of transition as par- them in their important service to our Na- ticipants reassess and reprice risk. This proc- tion. ess has been unfolding for some time, and Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, it’s going to take more time to fully play out. President of the United States of America, As it does, America’s overall economy will by virtue of the authority vested in me by remain strong enough to weather any turbu- the Constitution and laws of the United lence. States, do hereby proclaim September 9 One area that has shown particular strain through September 15, 2007, as National is the mortgage market, especially what’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve known as the subprime sector of the mort- Week. I encourage all Americans to join me gage market. This market has seen tremen- in expressing our thanks to members of our dous innovation in recent years as new lend- National Guard and Reserve and their civil- ing products make credit available to more ian employers for their patriotism and sac- people. For the most part, this has been a rifices on behalf of our Nation. I also call positive development, and the reason why is, upon State and local officials, private organi- millions of families have taken out mortgages zations, businesses, and all military com- to buy their homes and American home- manders to observe this week with appro- ownership is at a near alltime high. priate ceremonies and activities. Unfortunately, there’s also been some ex- cesses in the lending industry. One of the In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set most troubling developments has been the my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the increase in adjustable rate mortgages that year of our Lord two thousand seven, and start out with a very low interest rate and of the Independence of the United States of then reset to a higher rate after a few years. America the two hundred and thirty-second. This has led some homeowners to take out loans larger than they could afford based on George W. Bush overly optimistic assumptions about the fu- ture performance of the housing market. Others may have been confused by the terms [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of their loan or misled by irresponsible lend- 8:45 a.m., September 4, 2007] ers. Whatever the reason they chose this kind of mortgage, some borrowers are now unable NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- to make their monthly payments or facing fice of the Press Secretary on August 31, and it foreclosure. will be published in the Federal Register on Sep- Complicating the situation for borrowers tember 5. is the nature of today’s mortgage market. In

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many cases, the neighborhood banker who Last year, the House passed this bill with issued a family’s mortgage does not own that more than 400 votes. Unfortunately, Con- mortgage for long. Instead, mortgages are gress hasn’t acted this year. It would be a sold as securities on the global market. And good task for Congress to come and get FHA that makes it harder for the lender and bor- modernization done so that we can help rower to renegotiate. these people refinance their homes, so more The recent disturbances in the subprime people can stay in their homes. I look for- mortgage industry are modest—they’re mod- ward to signing a bill as quickly as possible. est in relation to the size of our economy. In the coming days, the FHA will launch But if you’re a family—if your family is one a new program called FHASecure. This pro- of those having trouble making the monthly gram will allow American homeowners who payments, this problem doesn’t seem modest have got good credit history but cannot af- at all. I understand these concerns, and ford their current payments to refinance into therefore, I’ve made this a top priority to FHA-insured mortgages. This means that help our homeowners navigate these finan- many families who are struggling now will cial challenges so that many families as pos- be able to refinance their loans, meet their sible can stay in their homes. That’s what monthly payments, and keep their homes. In we’ve been working on, a plan to help home- other words, we’re going to start reaching out owners. and making sure people know that this option is available to them so they can stay in their We’ve got a role—the Government has got homes. a role to play, but it is limited. A Federal Second, I’m going to work with Congress bailout of lenders would only encourage a to temporarily reform a key housing provi- recurrence of the problem. It’s not the Gov- sion of the Federal Tax Code, which will ernment’s job to bail out speculators or those make it easier for homeowners to refinance who made the decision to buy a home they their mortgages during this time of market knew they could never afford. Yet there are stress. Under current law, homeowners who many American homeowners who could get are unable to meet their mortgage payments through this difficult time with a little flexi- can face an unexpected tax bill. For example, bility from their lenders or a little help from let’s say the value of your house declines by their Government. So I strongly urge lenders $20,000 and your adjustable rate mortgage to work with homeowners to adjust their payments have grown to a level you cannot mortgages. I believe lenders have a responsi- afford. If the bank modifies your mortgage bility to help these good people to renego- and forgives $20,000 of your loan, the Tax tiate so they can stay in their home. And Code treats that $20,000 as taxable income. today I’m going to outline a variety of steps When your home is losing value and your at the Federal level to help American fami- family is under financial stress, the last thing lies keep their homes. you need to do is to be hit with higher taxes. First, we’re going to work to modernize So I believe we need to change the Code and improve the Federal Housing Adminis- to make it easier for people to refinance their tration—that’s known as the FHA. The FHA homes and stay in their homes. And to this is a Government Agency that provides mort- end, I’ve called Senator Debbie Stabenow of gage insurance to borrowers through a net- Michigan and told her that she’s on to a good work of private sector lenders. Sixteen idea with the bill that she and George months ago, I sent Congress an FHA mod- Voinovich have submitted to the Senate. The ernization bill that would help more home- House has got Rob Andrews of New Jersey owners qualify for this insurance by lowering and Ron Lewis of Kentucky introducing leg- downpayment requirements, by increasing islation that is a positive step toward changing loan limits, and providing more flexibility in the Tax Code so people aren’t penalized pricing. These reforms would allow the FHA when they refinance their homes. With a few to reach families that need help, those with changes in the Senate version and the House low incomes, less-than-perfect credit version, this administration can support these records, or little savings. bills, and we look forward to working with

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them—the Senators and the Members of the And we’ll continue to do our part to help House—to pass commonsense legislation to improve all aspects of the mortgage market- help us address this issue. place that is really important to this economy Third, my administration will launch a new of ours. foreclosure avoidance initiative to help strug- With all the steps I’ve outlined today, we gling homeowners find a way to refinance. will deliver help and hope to American fami- Secretary Jackson and Secretary Paulson are lies who need it. We’ll help guard against going to reach out to a wide variety of groups future problems in the housing sector. We’ll that offer foreclosure counseling and refi- reaffirm the vital place of homeownership in nancing for American homeowners. These our Nation. When more families own their groups include community organizations like own homes, neighborhoods are more vibrant NeighborWorks and mortgage lenders and and communities are stronger and more peo- loan servicers and the FHA as well as Gov- ple have a stake in the future of this country. ernment-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Owning a home has always been at the Mae and Freddie Mac. These organizations center of the American Dream. Together exist to help people refinance, and we expect with the United States Congress, I will con- them to do that. tinue working to help make that dream a re- See, it’s easy for me to stand up here and ality for more of our citizens. Thank you. talk about refinancing—some people don’t even know what I’m talking about. And we Banking Industry need to have a focused effort to help people understand the mortgage financing options Q. Sir, what about the hedge funds and available to them or to identify homeowners banks that are overexposed on the subprime before they face hardships and help them un- market? That’s a bigger problem. Have you derstand what’s possible. got a plan? Finally, the Federal Government is taking The President. Thank you. a variety of actions to make the mortgage in- dustry more transparent, more reliable, and NOTE: The President spoke at 11:05 a.m. in the more fair so we can reduce the likelihood Rose Garden at the White House. that these kind of lending problems won’t happen again. Federal banking regulators are improving disclosure requirements to ensure Remarks on the Resignation of Tony that lenders provide homeowners with com- Snow as Press Secretary and the plete and accurate and understandable infor- Appointment of Dana Perino as Press mation about their mortgages, including the Secretary and an Exchange With possibility that their monthly payments could Reporters rise dramatically. In other words, we believe August 31, 2007 that if the consumer is better informed, these kind of problems won’t arise—are less likely The President. Thank you. Good after- to arise in the first place. Banking regulators noon to you. are also strengthening lending standards to Tony Snow informed me he’s leaving. And help ensure that borrowers are not approved I sadly accept his desire to leave the White for mortgages larger than they can handle. House, and he’ll do so on September the This administration will soon issue regula- 14th. He is—it’s been a joy to watch him tions that require mortgage brokers to fully spar with you. He’s smart; he’s capable; he’s disclose their fees and closing costs. We’re witty. He’s capable of—he’s able to talk pursuing wrongdoing and fraud in the mort- about issues in a way that the American peo- gage industry through the Department of ple can understand. Housing and Urban Development, the De- And I don’t know what he’s going to do; partment of Justice, the Federal Trade Com- I’m not sure he does yet either. But whatever mission, and other Agencies. In other words, it is, it’s going to be—two things: One, he’ll if you’ve been cheating somebody, we’re battle cancer and win, and secondly, he’ll be going to find you and hold you to account. a solid contributor to society.

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I do want to thank Jill and Kendall, Robbie Press Secretary Snow and Press Secretary-des- and Kristi. They have watched a man they ignate Perino. love take on a big job and, at the same time, fight disease with a lot of courage. And so I accept; I love you; and I wish you all the Statement Following a Meeting With best. Military Leaders And so I had to make a choice, who to August 31, 2007 replace Tony, and I’ve chosen Dana Perino. I did so because Dana is a smart, capable The Vice President and I met today with person who is able to spell out the issues Secretary of Defense Gates and the Joint of the day in a way that people listening on Chiefs of Staff. We had a very productive TV can understand. She can handle you all. discussion. [Laughter] She’s capable of handling your We discussed our commitment to provide questions. our military all it needs to meet the chal- Q. She has done—[inaudible]. lenges of this new century. This includes a The President. She has? Good. Okay. I’m larger Army and Marine Corps. In January, glad to get a little—I’m glad to get that choir I accepted Secretary Gates’s recommenda- singing. [Laughter] So I’m not worried about tion to increase the overall strength of the her standing here at the podium. What I look two services by 92,000 soldiers and marines for in somebody like Dana is somebody who over the next 5 years. This will strengthen can walk in that Oval Office and give me our military and help reset our forces to re- sound judgment and good advice. And I have spond to multiple contingencies around the found that over the course of the time I’ve known her, she’s capable of doing that. And world at any given moment. The effort is well she’s also capable of running the shop that underway, but there is more to do, and the she’ll be in charge of. Joint Chiefs are doing a terrific job moni- And so we say to the man we admire a toring the health of our All-Volunteer Force. lot, good luck; Godspeed. And to Dana We also discussed military and civilian co- Perino, I’m looking forward to working with ordination. We now have joint civilian and you, and I’m looking forward to the American military teams deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, people to get to know you like I’ve gotten the Horn of Africa, and the Philippines. In to know you. Iraq, we have more than doubled the number Tony. of civilian-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams this year, most of which are embed- President’s Staff ded with U.S. combat brigades. These teams Q. You’ve lost a lot of members in your are a force multiplier for our men and administration—— women in uniform, and they are essential to The President. Hold up there, we’re not the bottom-up political progress taking place quite through yet. [Laughter] in Anbar, Diyala, and other Provinces across [At this point, Press Secretary Snow and Iraq. The Civilian Reserve Corps now being Press Secretary-designate Perino made re- developed will enlarge the pool of civilian marks.] volunteers to support and enhance our mis- The President. Thank you. sions. The American people will soon hear an as- President’s Staff sessment of the situation on the ground in Q. How do you feel about losing every- Iraq and recommendations from Ambassador body? Crocker and General Petraeus. This status The President. Thank you all. report comes less than 3 months since our new strategy became fully operational and NOTE: The President spoke at 12:45 p.m. in the will assess what is going well, what can be James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White improved, and what adjustments might be House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of made in the coming months. Congress asked

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for this assessment, and Members of Con- nesses to keep our economy strong and grow- gress should withhold judgment until they ing. have heard it. On Labor Day, we honor the hard work The stakes in Iraq are too high and the and dedication of the men and women of consequences too grave for our security here our workforce. Their efforts contribute to the at home to allow politics to harm the mission prosperity of our great Nation. of our men and women in uniform. It is my Laura and I send our best wishes. hope that we can put partisanship and poli- George W. Bush tics behind us and commit to a common vi- sion that will provide our troops what they NOTE: An original was not available for need to succeed and secure our vital national verification of the content of this message. interests in Iraq and around the world. I always leave these meetings inspired by our men and women in uniform and resolved to do everything I can to support them. The Digest of Other brave men and women of our Armed Forces and their families are making heroic sac- White House Announcements rifices to secure our country. America will honor these sacrifices by ensuring that our The following list includes the President’s public children and grandchildren inherit a more schedule and other items of general interest an- peaceful, just, and democratic world. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue.

NOTE: The statement referred to Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA, commanding general, Multi-Na- August 25 tional Force—Iraq. In the morning, at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Message on the Observance of Labor Day August 26 August 31, 2007 In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush had lunch with Attorney General I send greetings to those celebrating Labor Alberto R. Gonzales and his wife, Rebecca Day 2007. Turner Gonzales. Our country’s economy is built on the hard The President declared a major disaster in work and ingenuity of the American people. Wisconsin and ordered Federal aid to sup- There is no limit to what our citizens can plement State and local recovery efforts in accomplish when they have the skills to com- the area struck by severe storms and flooding pete and the freedom to achieve their beginning on August 18 and continuing. dreams. Through vision and determination, American workers are transforming their August 27 neighborhoods, strengthening our economy, In the morning, the President had an intel- and realizing the great promise of our Na- ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Albu- tion. querque, NM, where, upon arrival, he met Today, productivity is high, consumers are with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Pat confident, and incomes are rising across our Dee. While en route aboard Air Force One, country. Our economy has experienced one he had separate telephone conversations with of the fastest growth rates of any major indus- President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nuri trialized nation. More than 8.3 million jobs al-Maliki, and Vice Presidents Tariq al- have been created in America since August Hashimi and Adil Abd Al-Mahdi of Iraq, and 2003, and the unemployment rate remains Masoud Barzani, president, Kurdistan region low. My Administration is committed to pro- in Iraq. moting pro-growth economic policies, keep- In the afternoon, at a private residence, ing taxes low, and supporting small busi- the President attended a People for Pete

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Domenici reception. Later, he traveled to Later in the morning, the President and Bellevue, WA, where, upon arrival, he met Mrs. Bush traveled to Bay St. Louis, MS, ar- with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Bernie riving in the afternoon. Krane. While en route aboard Air Force Later in the afternoon, at Our Lady of the One, he had a telephone conversation with Gulf Parish Community Center, the Presi- Scott Kellogg, deputy director, Rio Rancho dent and Mrs. Bush participated in a briefing Police Department, NM, to express his con- on Mississippi rebuilding efforts. Later, they dolences for the death of Rio Rancho Police returned to Washington, DC. Officer Germaine Casey, who was killed in The President declared a major disaster in a motorcycle accident while protecting the Nebraska and ordered Federal aid to supple- President’s motorcade. ment State and local recovery efforts in the Later in the afternoon, while en route to area struck by severe storms and flooding the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, from June 11–16. the President had a telephone conversation with Lisa Casey, wife of police officer August 30 Germaine Casey, to express his condolences for the death of her husband. In the morning, the President had an intel- In the evening, the President traveled to ligence briefing. Reno, NV, where, upon arrival, he met with The White House announced that the USA Freedom Corps volunteer Cathy Le- President will welcome Prime Minister Jose vine. Socrates of Portugal to the White House on The President declared a major disaster in September 17 in his dual roles as Prime Min- Ohio and ordered Federal aid to supplement ister and President of the European Council. State and local recovery efforts in the area The President declared a major disaster in struck by severe storms, flooding, and torna- Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supple- does beginning on August 20 and continuing. ment State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding August 28 from August 7–8. In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Later, he met with family August 31 members of military personnel killed in the In the morning, the President had an intel- war on terror. ligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President traveled to The President declared a major disaster in New Orleans, LA, where, upon arrival in the New York and ordered Federal aid to supple- evening, he was joined by Mrs. Bush. While ment State and local recovery efforts in the en route aboard Air Force One, he had a areas struck by severe storms, flooding, and telephone conversation with President-elect tornadoes on August 8. Abdullah Gul of Turkey to congratulate him The President declared a major disaster in on his election victory. Oklahoma and ordered Federal aid to sup- Later in the evening, the President met plement State and local recovery efforts in with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Allison the area struck by severe storms, flooding, Stouse. and tornadoes from May 24–June 1.

August 29 In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Later, at the Dr. Martin Lu- ther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Nominations Technology, he and Mrs. Bush participated Submitted to the Senate in a meeting with Louisiana education offi- cials. They then participated in a moment of silence to honor the second anniversary of NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the Hurricane Katrina. Senate during the period covered by this issue.

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Checklist Released August 30 of White House Press Releases Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Tony Snow Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- The following list contains releases of the Office curity Council Senior Director for Asian Af- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of fairs Dennis Wilder and Deputy National Se- Other White House Announcements. curity Adviser for International Economic Affairs Dan Price on the President’s trip to Australia and the APEC summit Released August 26 Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates assistance to Wisconsin Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Illinois Released August 27 Released August 31 Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Scott M. Stanzel Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Tony Snow Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Ohio Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to New York Released August 28 Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press assistance to Oklahoma Secretary Scott M. Stanzel and Gulf Coast Fact sheet: New Steps To Help Homeowners Region Recovery and Rebuilding Coordi- Avoid Foreclosure nator Donald E. Powell Fact sheet: Making America Safer by Defeat- ing Extremists in the Middle East Acts Approved Released August 29 by the President Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Nebraska NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Fact sheet: The Two-Year Anniversary of received by the Office of the Federal Register Hurricane Katrina during the period covered by this issue.

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