Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, November 17, 2003 Volume 39—Number 46 Pages 1565–1617

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Addresses and Remarks Bill Signings See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Department of the Interior and Related Arkansas, Bush-Cheney luncheon in Little Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004, Rock—1567 statement—1576 Florida Bush-Cheney luncheon in Orlando—1590 Communications to Congress Engelwood Neighborhood Center in Iran, message on continuation of the national Orlando—1595 emergency—1588 Heritage Foundation President’s Club luncheon—1583 Interviews With the News Media Judicial nominees, meeting—1588 Exchanges with reporters in the Oval Office— National Employer Support of the Guard and 1588, 1599 Reserve Week, proclamation signing—1611 Presidential Medal of Freedom, presentation Interview with British journalists—1601 to NATO Secretary General Lord Meetings With Foreign Leaders Robertson—1586 Radio address—1566 Italy, President Ciampi—1599 South Carolina North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Secretary BMW Manufacturing Corp., discussion in General Lord Robertson—1586 Greer—1571 Bush-Cheney reception in Greenville—1577 Notices Virginia, Veterans Day ceremony in Continuation of the National Emergency With Arlington—1582 Respect to Iran—1587

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on November 14, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. 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.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under There are no restrictions on the republication of material regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; ments. 1 CFR Part 10).

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Proclamations Statements by the President—Continued America Recycles Day—1613 Senate action to block up-or-down votes on National Adoption Month—1565 judicial nominations—1613 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week—1612 Veterans Day—1577 Supplementary Materials World Freedom Day—1566 Acts approved by the President—1616 Statements by the President Checklist of White House press releases— See also Bill Signings 1615 House of Representatives action on the Digest of other White House Defense Authorization conference report— announcements—1614 1565 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1615

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Statement on House of On this day and all this month, we honor Representatives Action on the families that have opened their hearts and Defense Authorization Conference homes to a child. Report The number of children who are adopted has increased in recent years. Still, thousands November 7, 2003 of children in our country—many with spe- I commend the House for passing the De- cial needs—continue to wait in foster care fense Authorization conference report and for an adoptive family. showing strong bipartisan support for Amer- We are taking important steps to make ica’s national security, our troops, and their adoption more commonplace and to protect families. This bill includes my request for a the well-being of our children. We have third straight pay raise, more resources for eased the financial burden of adoption by equipment and training, and quality of life nearly doubling the maximum adoption tax improvements so that our military continues credit. We expanded the Promoting Safe and to be the finest fighting force in the world. Stable Families Program, which encourages The legislation also makes good progress adoption at the local level and supports adop- toward transforming and modernizing our tive families with services that ease a child’s military so that it is best prepared to protect transition into a new family and help to Americans. strengthen the family. The Department of Finally, I am pleased that the House has Health and Human Services provides incen- resolved the issue of concurrent receipt for tives to States that increase the number of military retirees in a fair and responsible children adopted from State-supervised fos- manner. ter care. Last year, my Administration launched NOTE: This item was not received in time for pub- the first Federal adoption website, lication in the appropriate issue. www.AdoptUSKids.org, which features pic- tures and profiles of children available for Proclamation 7731—National adoption. This site helps loving families con- Adoption Month, 2003 nect with waiting children across the country. Already, more than 1,700 children featured November 7, 2003 on the site have been placed with adoptive By the President of the United States families. This progress is testimony to the of America selfless spirit of American families. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, A Proclamation President of the United States of America, Every year, tens of thousands of American by virtue of the authority vested in me by families answer the call to adopt a child. Dur- the Constitution and laws of the United ing National Adoption Month, we recognize States, do hereby proclaim November 2003 America’s adoptive and foster families. We as National Adoption Month. I call on all also commit to helping all of our children, Americans to observe this month with appro- including those waiting in foster care, find priate programs and activities to honor adop- safe, permanent, and loving homes. tive families and to participate in efforts to On November 22, communities across the find permanent homes for waiting children. country will come together to celebrate Na- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set tional Adoption Day by finalizing the adop- my hand this seventh day of November, in tions of over 3,000 children from foster care. the year of our Lord two thousand three, and 1565

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of the Independence of the United States of the Constitution and laws of the United America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. States, do hereby proclaim November 9, George W. Bush 2003, as World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, this day with appropriate ceremonies and ac- 8:45 a.m., November 12, 2003] tivities and to affirm their dedication to free- dom and democracy for all. NOTE: This proclamation was published in the In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Federal Register on November 13. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- my hand this seventh day of November, in priate issue. the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. Proclamation 7732—World Freedom Day, 2003 George W. Bush November 7, 2003 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, By the President of the United States 8:45 a.m., November 12, 2003] of America NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- A Proclamation fice of the Press Secretary on November 8, and it was published in the Federal Register on No- Fourteen years ago, freedom-loving peo- vember 13. ple tore down the Berlin Wall and began to set a nation free from Communist oppres- sion. On World Freedom Day, the United The President’s Radio Address States joins with other countries in com- November 8, 2003 memorating that historic day. The United States is committed to liberty, freedom, and Good morning. This week, we heard some the universal struggle for human rights. We good news about the effects of tax relief on strive to advance peace and democracy and the American economy. The Department of to safeguard these ideals around the world. Labor reported that our economy added After dividing families, friends, and com- 126,000 new jobs in October. And over the munities for 28 years, the dismantling of the past 3 months, there were 286,000 new jobs. Berlin Wall reunited Germany and helped The unemployment rate fell to 6 percent. spread freedom across Central and Eastern The 4-week average for jobless claims has Europe. With free elections and the spread declined in 6 of the past 7 weeks, and manu- of democratic values, these countries won facturers reported that orders and shipments their liberty, and their people became free. are both rising. These democracies today contribute to a This news comes one week after we heard strong Europe, and the United States values that economic output rose at a 7.2 percent their friendship and their partnership. annual rate in the third quarter, the fastest On World Freedom Day, Americans ex- pace of growth in nearly 20 years. America’s press gratitude for our freedom and dedicate economy is getting stronger every day. Amer- ourselves to upholding the ideals of democ- ican companies are investing. Americans are racy. Today, we are working with other na- buying homes at a record pace, and home- tions to bring freedom to people around the ownership is near record levels. Stock market world. American and coalition forces are sac- values have risen, adding about $2 trillion in rificing to bring peace, security, and liberty wealth for investors since the beginning of to Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. This is the year. a mission for all who believe in democracy, We can all be encouraged, but we cannot tolerance, and freedom. be satisfied. These are early signs of progress. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Now we must turn this progress into broad President of the United States of America, and lasting gains for all Americans. Our im- by virtue of the authority vested in me by proving economy is also a changing economy,

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and some workers need help preparing for The tax relief of the past 2 years was based new jobs and new industries. on a principle that when Americans keep In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where more of their own earnings, they spend more I traveled this week, manufacturing jobs have and invest more and move the economy for- been declining for decades. The textile in- ward. We’re now seeing that happen. Our dustry and furniture makers and farmers are economy is on a rising road, and now we hurting. In Winston-Salem, I also saw a good must take the remaining steps to ensure that program at a community college that is train- our economy becomes a lasting expansion ing unemployed workers for new jobs in in- and our prosperity extends to every corner dustries which are growing, such as bio- of America. technology. Local businesses, along with the Thank you for listening. Department of Labor, are supporting this job training program. We must give more work- NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:20 a.m. on ers the opportunity to learn new skills so they November 7 in the Cabinet Room at the White can get ahead and provide for their families. House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November My administration is investing more than 8. The transcript was made available by the Office $15 billion each year in job training and em- of the Press Secretary on November 7 but was ployment services. Americans can go to more embargoed for release until the broadcast. The than 1,900 one-stop career centers around Office of the Press Secretary also released a Span- the country, where, in a single location, they ish language transcript of this address. can check job listings, get help with a job application, and sign up for job training pro- Remarks at a Bush-Cheney grams. We’re also helping more students attend Luncheon in Little Rock, Arkansas community colleges, where so many people November 10, 2003 find new skills. We boosted our request for Pell grants, which help adults of all ages pay Thank you all. Thank you all very much. for college, by 45 percent since I took office. Thanks for coming. Thank you. Please be And I’ve asked Congress to establish personal seated, thanks. Thanks for coming. Thanks reemployment accounts for out-of-work for the warm welcome. I appreciate your fine Americans to help them in their job search. words, Skinny. [Laughter] I got off the air- These accounts would give up to $3,000 to plane, I wasn’t sure who I was looking at. unemployed workers to get training, to find [Laughter] child care, or to relocate to a city where there So we get in the limousine, and we’re driv- is a job. ing here from the airport, and the Governor The most important thing we can do to says, ‘‘Do you still follow college football?’’ help those looking for work is to make sure [Laughter] I wasn’t exactly sure what he was our current economic growth results in more driving at. I said, ‘‘Yeah, I pay attention to new jobs. I have proposed a six-point eco- it.’’ He said, ‘‘Were you paying attention to nomic plan to encourage companies to ex- it a couple of weeks ago?’’ I said, ‘‘Yes, I pand and hire workers. We must bring health sure was, Governor. Congratulations to the care costs under control, reform our civil Hawgs.’’ courts to end the junk lawsuits hurting small Thank you all for coming today. What businesses, cut needless regulations so that we’re doing today is we’re laying the founda- small-business owners can focus on pleasing tion for what is going to be a victory in Arkan- their customers instead of pleasing bureau- sas in ’04 and a nationwide victory in ’04. crats. We must pass a national energy policy I want to thank you for your hard work to ensure an affordable and reliable supply and for your strong support. I want to thank of energy to our economy, promote free you for what you did in 2000. I remember— trade agreements that bring good jobs to [applause]—yes. I remember coming as the America, and make tax relief permanent, so last stop we made prior to getting back to the gains we have seen do not disappear Texas after a long, long campaign. And we when tax relief is scheduled to go away. went to northwest Arkansas, and the crowds

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were huge. I remember flying over and see- who have made this event such a great suc- ing the line of red lights, all trying to get cess. Most of all, I thank you all for coming. into the event. It was really a—put the wind In the last 21⁄2 years, our Nation has acted at my back coming off of a tough campaign, decisively to confront great challenges. I the people of Arkansas did. I want thank you came to this office to solve problems instead for support then. I want to thank you for the of passing them on to future Presidents and support that you’ve shown today. I want to future generations. I came to seize opportu- thank you for what you’re fixing to do, which nities instead of letting them slip away. My is to man the grassroots and to get on the administration is meeting the tests of our phones and get the signs out and to turn out time. the vote. When you’re out working the vote Terrorists declared war on the United right now, you tell them the President is fo- States of America, and war is what they got. cused on keeping America strong and secure We’ve captured or killed many of the key and prosperous and free. leaders of the Al Qaida network, and the rest The political season will come in its own of them know we’re on their trail. In Afghani- time. I’m loosening up—[laughter]—and I’m stan and in Iraq, we gave ultimatums to ter- getting ready. But I got a job to do, and I’ll ror regimes. Those regimes chose defiance, keep working on the people’s business, doing and those regimes are no more. Fifty million what’s right for America. I’ve got a job to people in those two countries once lived do for everybody who lives in this country. under tyranny, and today, they live in free- dom. My regret today is that the First Lady isn’t Two-and-a-half years ago, our military was traveling with me. You drew the short straw. not receiving the resources it needed, and [Laughter] But I’m proud of Laura. She’s a morale was beginning to suffer. So we in- great wife, a great mother, and is a fantastic creased the defense budgets to prepare for First Lady for America. She sends her very the threats of a new era. And today, no one best to all her friends here in Arkansas. in the world can question the skill and the Speaking about our friends, I’m proud to strength and the spirit of the United States call your Governor friend and Janet military. Huckabee friend. Mike is doing a great job Two-and-a-half years ago, we inherited an for the people of Arkansans. He’s a strong economy in recession. And then our Nation leader. I appreciate his friendship, and I ap- was attacked, and we had some scandals in preciate his leadership. I also want to thank corporate America, and we went to war to your Lieutenant Governor, Win Rockefeller, make America more secure, all of which af- and Lisenne for being here today. It’s good fected the people’s confidence. But we acted. to see you again, Governor. I appreciate your We passed tough new laws to hold corporate friendship. criminals to account. And to get the economy You got a fine Congressman named going again, I have twice led the United Boozman representing you in Washington, States Congress to pass historic tax relief for DC. John, you’re doing a great job. I’m proud the American people. to call you ally and friend. I want thank all I know that when Americans have more the State and local officials who are here. take-home pay to spend, to save, or invest, I see former—some former Congressmen. the whole economy grows and people are Jay Dickey and John Paul, it’s good to see more likely to find a job. So we’re returning you. more money to the people to help them raise I appreciate the grassroots folks who are their families. We’re reducing taxes on divi- here, the people who are making this party dends and capital gains to encourage invest- work. I want to thank Warren Stephens and ment. We’re giving small businesses incen- French Hill, who are the State finance co- tives so they can hire new people. With all chairmen, for taking on the task of seeing these actions, we have laid the foundation to it that my campaign and the campaign of for greater prosperity and more jobs across Vice President Cheney’s is well-organized America so every single person in this coun- and well-funded. I appreciate all the folks try can realize the great American Dream.

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Two-and-a-half years ago, there was a lot worthy of a great nation. First, America is of talk about education reform, but there committed to expanding the realm of free- wasn’t much action. So I acted. I called for dom and peace for our own security and for and the Congress passed the No Child Left the benefit of the world. And second, in our Behind Act. With a solid bipartisan majority, own country, we must work for a society of we delivered the most dramatic education re- prosperity and compassion so that every sin- forms in a generation. gle citizen has a chance to work and to suc- I appreciate your Governor leading on this ceed and to realize the promise of America. issue. I appreciate the fine reading initiative It should become clear—it should be clear— you got here in this State. You see, we believe that the future of freedom and peace depend that every child in every public school can on the actions of America. This Nation is learn to read and write and add and subtract. freedom’s home and freedom’s defender. We We are challenging the soft bigotry of low welcome this charge of history, and we are expectations. keeping it. We’ve increased the Federal budget to The war on terror continues. The enemies help Title I students, to help make sure every child can read. But we expect results. The of freedom are not idle, and neither are we. days of excusemaking are over. We want re- This country will not rest; we will not tire; sults in every single classroom so that not we will not stop until this danger to civiliza- one single child is left behind. tion is removed. We reorganized our Government and cre- We are confronting that danger in Iraq, ated the Department of Homeland Security where Saddam holdouts and foreign terror- to better safeguard our borders and ports and ists are desperately trying to throw Iraq into to protect the American people. We passed chaos by attacking coalition forces and aid trade promotion authority to open up new workers and innocent Iraqis. They know that markets for Arkansas’ farmers and ranchers the advance of freedom in Iraq would be a and entrepreneurs. We passed budget agree- major defeat for the cause of terror. This col- ments that are helping to maintain spending lection of killers is trying to shake the will discipline in Washington, DC. On issue after of America and the civilized world. America issue, this administration has acted on prin- will not be intimidated. ciple, has kept its word, and has made We’re aggressively striking the terrorists in progress for the American people. Iraq, defeating them there so we will not And the United States Congress has have to face them in our own country. We’re shared in these substantial achievements. I calling on other nations to help Iraq to be- want to thank John. I also want to thank come a free country, which will make the Speaker Hastert and Leader Frist. They’re world more secure. We’re standing with the good friends. We’re working hard to change Iraqi people as they assume more of their the tone in Washington, DC. There’s a lot own defense and move toward self-govern- of needless politics in the Nation’s Capital. ment. These are not easy tasks, but they are We’re focused on the people’s business. You essential tasks. We will finish what we have sent us to Washington to work on behalf of begun, and we will win this essential victory the people, not special interests, not lobby- ists, but the people. And that’s what we’re in the war on terror. doing. Our greatest security comes from the ad- I’ve surrounded myself with people in my vance of human liberty, because free nations administration who are focused on results. do not support terror. Free nations do not I have put together a fine team of public attack their neighbors. Free nations do not servants to represent America. There is no threaten the world with weapons of mass ter- finer Vice President in our Nation’s history ror. Americans believe that freedom is the than Dick Cheney. Mother may have a sec- deepest hope and need of every human ond opinion. [Laughter] heart. And I believe that freedom is the right In 21⁄2 years, we have come far, but our of every person, and I believe that freedom work is only beginning. I’ve set great goals is the future of every nation.

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America also understands that unprece- that requires a national solution. I submitted dented influence brings tremendous respon- a good bill to reform the medical liability sys- sibilities. We have duties in this world, and tem of our country to the House—to the when we see disease and starvation and Congress. The House of Representatives has hopeless poverty, we will not turn away. On acted. It is stuck in the United States Senate. the continent of Africa, America is now com- It is time for some Senators to understand mitted to bringing the healing power of med- that no one in this country has ever been icine to millions of men and women and chil- healed by a frivolous lawsuit. We need med- dren now suffering with AIDS. This great, ical liability reform. powerful Nation is a compassionate nation, I have a responsibility as the President to and we are leading the world in this incred- make sure the judicial system runs well, and ibly important work of human rescue. I have met that duty. I’ve nominated superb We face challenges here at home, and our men and women to the Federal courts, peo- actions will prove worthy of the challenges. ple who will interpret the law, not legislate So long as any of our citizens who want to from the bench. Yet some Members of the work can’t find a job, we must work to make sure the entrepreneurial spirit, the environ- United States Senate—you might even know ment for job growth is strong. The numbers some—[laughter]—are trying to keep my look good. I’m encouraged by what I see, nominees off the bench by filibusters, by but too many of our fellow citizens aren’t blocking up-or-down votes. Every judicial working. nominee deserves a fair hearing and an up- I’ve laid out a six-point plan to the United or-down vote on the Senate floor. Is it time States Congress to make sure job creation for Members of the Senate to stop playing remains strong and vibrant. I will stay fo- politics with American justice. cused on our economy until the American Congress needs to complete work on a people are able to put food on the table and comprehensive energy plan. We must pro- take care of their family responsibilities by mote energy efficiency and conservation. We finding a job. must use technologies to be able to use the We have a duty to keep our commitment resources at hand. But for the sake of eco- to America’s seniors by strengthening and nomic security and for the sake of national modernizing Medicare. Congress has taken security, this Nation must become less reliant historic action to improve the lives of older on foreign sources of energy. Americans. For the first time since the cre- A strong and prosperous nation must also ation of Medicare, the House and the Senate be a compassionate nation. I will continue have passed reforms to increase choices for to advance our agenda of compassionate con- seniors and provide coverage for prescription servatism, which means we will apply the drugs. It is time for the House and the Senate best and most effective and most innovative to reconcile their differences and to get a ideas to the task of helping our fellow citizens bill to my desk. We owe it to our seniors in need. Still, millions of men and women to have a modern health care system avail- who want to end their dependence on Gov- able for them, and we owe it to those of us ernment and become independent through who are going to be seniors to make sure the Medicare system is modern. hard work must build on the success of wel- And for the sake of our health care system, fare reform to bring work and dignity into we need to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits the lives of more of our fellow citizens. Con- which increase the cost of medicine. People gress should complete the ‘‘Citizen Service who have been harmed by a bad doctor de- Act’’ so more Americans can serve their com- serve their day in court. Yet the system munities and their country. And both Houses should not reward lawyers who are simply should reach agreement on my Faith-Based fishing for a rich settlement. Because frivo- Initiative to support the armies of compas- lous lawsuits drive up the cost of health care, sion that are mentoring our children, caring they affect the Federal budget. Therefore, for the homeless, and offering hope to the medical liability reform is a national issue addicted. Our Government should not fear

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faith. We should welcome faith and the heal- In these challenging times, the world has ing power of faith into the lives of more of seen the resolve and the courage of America. our citizens. And I’ve been privileged to see the compas- A compassionate society must promote op- sion and the character of the American peo- portunity for all, including the independence ple. All the tests of the last 21⁄2 years have and dignity that come from ownership. This come to the right nation. We’re a strong administration will constantly strive to pro- country, and we use that strength to defend mote an ownership society in America. We the peace. We’re an optimistic country, con- want more people owning their own home. fident in ourselves and in ideals bigger than Today in America, we have a minority home- ourselves. Abroad, we seek to lift up whole ownership gap. I’ve submitted plans to the nations by spreading freedom. At home, we United States Congress to close that gap. We seek to lift up lives by spreading opportunity want more people owning and managing to every corner of America. This is the work their own retirement accounts, owning and that history has set before us. We welcome managing their own health care plans. And it. And we know that for our country, the we want more people owning their own small best days lie ahead. business. We understand that when a person May God bless you all. Thank you all. owns something, he or she has a vital stake in the future of America. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. at the In a compassionate society, people respect Statehouse Convention Center. In his remarks, he one another and take responsibility for the referred to Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and decisions they make. The culture of America his wife, Janet; Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller of Arkan- is changing from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels sas and his wife, Lisenne; Representative John good, do it. If you’ve got a problem, blame Boozman and former Representatives Jay Dickey somebody else,’’ to a new culture in which and John Paul Hammerschmidt of Arkansas; and former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. He each of us understands we are responsible also referred to Title I of the Improving America’s for the decisions we make. Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law No. 103–382), If you’re fortunate enough to be a mom which amended Title I of the Elementary and or a dad, you’re responsible for loving your Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Public Law No. child with all your heart. If you’re worried 89–10). about the quality of the education in Little Rock, Arkansas, or anywhere in Arkansas, you’re responsible for doing something about Remarks in a Discussion With it. If you’re a CEO in corporate America, Employers and Employees at BMW you’re responsible for telling the truth to Manufacturing Corporation in your shareholders and your employees. Greer, South Carolina And in the new responsibility society, each November 10, 2003 of us is responsible for loving a neighbor just like we’d like to be loved ourselves. The cul- The President. Well, Carl, thanks. Yes, ture of service, the culture of responsibility I’m delighted to be here. I appreciate so very is growing here in America. You know, I much you all letting me come by to say a started what’s called the USA Freedom few words. We’re going to have kind of a Corps to encourage Americans to extend a discussion about jobs. When I hear some- compassionate hand to neighbors in need, body in our country wants to work and can’t and the response has been great. People want find a job, it says to me we’ve got a problem, to serve. People want to help their commu- we’ve got to keep working to make sure peo- nities. Policemen and firefighters and people ple are able to work. So we’re here to really who wear our Nation’s uniform are remind- talk about jobs. ing us what it means to sacrifice for some- Before we do, I do want to say something, thing greater than yourself. Once again, the though, about this company. I understand 26 children of America believe in heroes, be- of your employees, your fellow employees, cause they see them every day. are in Iraq. I know a lot of you have got

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relatives who serve in the United States mili- is all about. In other words, we welcome peo- tary. I want to thank you. I want you to tell ple coming here. We welcome their money. them thank you on behalf of a grateful nation I know the workers welcome the chance to for working to see to it that this Nation is work. And we’re good about it. We’re good secure. You’ve got to understand that free at workers. And that’s what this plant shows. nations are peaceful nations. The more free- And so I appreciate very much, most im- dom there is in the world, the more secure portantly, the—I appreciate the deployment America becomes. We must never forget the of capital from overseas to America. But most lessons of September the 11th, 2001. And importantly, I appreciate the hard-working I want you to pass on to your fellow employ- Americans who are making it an attractive ees and loved ones, this Commander in Chief place for people to invest right here in South is grateful for the sacrifice and service. Carolina. We’re the most productive work- Before we get kind of this discussion going force in the world right now by far. Our pro- on, I want to say a couple of things. I want ductivity per worker is way out of sight. And to thank the Governor for being here. Gov- we’ve just got to keep it that way because, ernor Sanford is here. Senator Lindsey you see, high productivity, it creates a short- Graham is with us. Congressmen DeMint, term problem, unemployment. If one worker Brown, Wilson, and Barrett are with us as can put out more goods, unless the economy well. Speaker Wilkins. When the President grows, it’s going to be hard to hire new peo- shows up, you know, all kinds of people show ple. But in the long run, high productivity up. [Laughter] But I’m glad to be in their means better pay, better living. company. They’re good folks. They’re And so what you’ve just told me is, this friends. workforce is doing its job. And there’s no The other thing is, is that we come in a doubt in my mind this workforce can com- time of pretty upbeat assessment about our pete with anybody in the world. And my job economy. More than pretty upbeat—third is to make sure that we have a level playing quarter growth was strong. Last week we saw field, see that we’ve got fair trade—free and the unemployment numbers drop. The pri- fair trade. We want free trade because we vate sector is growing. Entrepreneurship is want you to be able to sell what you make vibrant. And about—over 280,000 new jobs here out of the State of South Carolina over- were created over the last 3 months, and seas. That’s what we want. Because if you’re that’s positive. That’s really good, particularly not selling those cars overseas, then it’s— if you’re somebody looking for work. some of you may not be working, and we But we’re here to talk about policies to want you working. make it even better. That’s what we want. But I appreciate that, Carl. Thanks. We’re not satisfied. And we’re not satisfied Carl Flescher, Jr. Steve, I wonder if you because I do understand some are struggling. might want to tell the President a little bit But with that, Carl, I want to thank you about your company. for your hospitality. I look forward to hearing Stephen Thies. Sure, Carl. Mr. President, from our fellow citizens about what’s on your Spartanburg Steel and Spartanburg Stainless mind and really am grateful so many of you are two privately held manufacturing compa- all showed up and gave me a chance to come nies here. We call ourselves ‘‘SSP’’; it’s a little and to say hello. easier to say than the full name. Spartanburg Steel began production here in 1962, so it’s [The discussion continued.] an old company. But we make metal The President. Well, I appreciate it. First stampings—today, we make metal stampings of all, it says to me that our workers are the in welded assemblies for BMW, principally best in the world. People are really produc- for the X5 sport activity vehicle, which is pro- tive. You know, you hear this—a lot of talk duced here at the plant. You can see some about trade. You’re living the trade world. of our parts are surrounding us here today. And if we do a good job about making sure You see some metal parts around the room, trade is free and fair, people are going to around the stage. A number of these assem- find work here in America. That’s what this blies are made at our company. Spartanburg

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Steel has grown nicely because of its relation- to make sure that people can plan for capital ship with BMW. That growth is helping our investment and you can plan your lives, the owners, our associates, and our suppliers as Congress needs to make the tax relief perma- well. nent. Now, we have a second company here in Spartanburg as well. It’s called Spartanburg [The discussion continued.] Stainless Products, also ‘‘SSP,’’ okay? And The President. Good. Well, I presume Spartanburg Stainless makes metal stampings your company wouldn’t be doing well if it and assemblies, but we also make beer kegs. hadn’t been for somebody willing to invest We’re the only American beer keg manufac- here in South Carolina and the BMW plant. turer in North America. [Laughter] What people have got to understand is that The President. I quit drinking in ’86. when BMW builds cars, there’s a spinoff ef- [Laughter] But I bet some of the people out fect. Businesses in the area benefit as well. here use the product. [Laughter] I’m not The more work you all do at BMW, the more going to point out which ones. [Laughter] likely somebody is going to be doing work Mr. Thies. Well, we did notice a dip in in an associated supplier. Economic vitality demand at a point in time—[laughter]—but depends upon the money circulating in our probably no relationship. [Laughter] economy. And not only does tax policy help, The President. Pretty observant fellow, but good trade policy helps, being willing to aren’t you? [Laughter] welcome foreign investment into the State [The discussion continued.] of South Carolina. What I’m more interested in is, are you The President. Yes. Let me amplify on working? I don’t really care who owns the that real quick. Sorry to interrupt. Tax pol- plant. What I want to know is, are they paying icy—good tax policy is important for eco- you when they say they’re going to pay you? nomic growth. And if you—and I just want Is your job—is your check showing up? to make sure everybody understands what he’s talking about there. First of all, I hope [The discussion continued.] you saw the tax relief. Particularly if you’re a mom or a dad, you did, because we in- The President. Yes, I appreciate that. creased the child credit. We reduced rates. These stories are stories of an economy that’s I’m going to tell you why, just so that you changing. We went through—we’ve been understand the logic. If you have more through a tough time. There’s no doubt money in your pocket, you’re going to de- about it. We’ve been through a recession. mand an additional good or a service. And The enemy hit us on September the 11th. when you demand an additional good or a It affected not only our psychology but it af- service, somebody is going to produce the fected the economy. It just did. It’s just a good or a service. And when somebody pro- reality. duces it, it means somebody is more likely Unfortunately, we had some corporate citi- to, first, keep a job, and if there’s enough zens who didn’t tell the truth. They forgot demand out there, somebody is—it means what it means to be a responsible citizen. the job base will expand. They kind of fudged the numbers. They’re What he’s talking about was incentives we going to be held to account, by the way. provided to encourage businesses to invest. That’s how you need to treat people who— And when a business invests in, say, a piece [applause]. of equipment, somebody has to make the We marched to war. I don’t if you remem- equipment. That in itself encourages eco- ber, on your TV screens last summer it— nomic vitality and growth. The tax relief we a year ago, summer—it said, ‘‘March to passed came at the right time. What we now War.’’ You turn on the TV, and there it says, need to do is make it permanent. Interest- ‘‘March to War.’’ That’s not a very conducive ingly enough, because of a quirk in the rules environment in which people are willing to in the United States Senate, the tax relief take risk. It’s not a positive thought. It’s a— we passed begins to go away in ’05. In order necessary, in my judgment, obviously, to

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make America secure, but it’s not positive. has got the skills necessary to meet the jobs I know it’s not. of the future. So we’ve overcome a lot. Plus, the econ- I want to thank you two guys for taking omy is restructuring. And so the fundamental the initiative. We can have every job training question is, what do you do about it? One, program in the world sitting out there, but you encourage growth, the creation of new it also requires people willing to take the ini- jobs. Most new jobs in America are created tiative and be responsible citizens. I appre- by small businesses. And so we had a small- ciate the example you set. I’m glad BMW business focus. But the other thing we’ve got is vibrant and doing well. I’m glad you’re sell- to understand is that as the society becomes ing products overseas as well as here at more productive and the nature of the jobs home, so Spartanburg has had the oppor- change, we’ve got to make sure there’s work- tunity to hire these two guys. This is a success er training programs. We’ve got over 1,700 story. And I want to thank you very much one-stop sites for workers to go to. These for being a part of it. I appreciate you. guys did their own one-stop shopping. But The discussion continued. not everybody may have the same ability to [ ] do that. And you can get on a computer and The President. Good job. Remember, I find out the jobs available in your neighbor- talked about job training. A good company hood. is one that works hard to train the workforce. And as importantly, the job training pro- A good company is a company which says, grams available—I mean, somebody listening ‘‘How do we keep our workers on the front out there today who is wondering whether edge of change?’’ It sounds like BMW does or not they can find work, there are ample that, and I appreciate you then passing on opportunities to find job training programs the skills you learned. And a good company that will help train you for jobs which actually also provides good health care, good retire- exist. And that’s a very important concept. ment, and obviously, the added benefit of let- There’s a little bit of a change—it used to ting people travel to see a different part of be that Government would judge you on just, the world, which is a pretty interesting con- did you have job training programs. And cept when you think about it, yes. therefore, they have 1,000 hairdressers for Well, thank you for sharing your story with 50 jobs, which didn’t make sense. What us. you’re trying to do now is match demand for The discussion continued. jobs with jobs—with the people. [ ] There’s a lot of Pell grant money available, The President. Well, I appreciate that and that’s important for people to know, so story. Look, I know there’s a lot of textile they can go to a community college. And workers here in this State who are worried then there’s monies available for community about their future. Some have lost their job, colleges—I know the Governor is working on and obviously we care about that a lot. And this—to make sure the community colleges in the Government we’ll try to do everything become laboratories for educating workforce we can to make sure that the rules are fair. for the jobs which exist. There are jobs avail- But Henry’s story is an interesting story, able. and the wife’s story is an interesting story, And so the fundamental question is, how about somebody who said, ‘‘Wait a minute, do we help people find those jobs? And one there’s a better job.’’ And it does take—and thing we’ve got to do is focus on—you know, it’s hard to leave work; I understand that. technology roars through the economy and It’s unsettling. But you’ve just got to know— society, and labor is left behind. And so we’ve and I want to emphasize again what Henry got to make sure labor stays caught up. As said—there are programs to help people society changes, as the economy changes, transition from one kind of job to a job which we’ve got to have programs that actually has got more security and a better paying make sense and programs that focus—the job job—and a better paying job. training programs—on making sure that the And that’s what’s happening in the work- workforce, the most productive in the world, force, the jobs are better paying. There’s

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health care jobs; there’s jobs in the manufac- for me, the kind of guy I want working with turing sector. And a productive workforce me. I appreciate that. means that people are going to be able to make more money over the long term. That’s [The discussion continued.] what that means. And we’ve just got to make The President. Well, I appreciate that. sure that we help people get there. It’s like, I was in North Carolina the other And part of the reason I’ve come to talk day, and the hospital people are looking for with people who’ve been through this before work, so they went to this junior college, a is, I want people who are listening to know community college, and helped the people that there is hope, that they’re going to have design a curriculum that would then enable to have a little drive, but there’s plenty of people to come out of the course with the help for people who are trying to transition skills necessary to be hired. And that’s what from an industry that may not be on firm we’ve got to do. We’ve got to make sure that footing to other jobs that will be long-lasting we tailor curriculum for the jobs which will jobs. It’s important for people here in South exist, because there’s a lot of fine people in Carolina to know that. And I want to thank our country, hard-working, decent, honor- you, Henry, for sharing your story, and tell able people, that all they want is a chance. your wife congratulations on being—where And when the economy races by them, all is she? Yes, I’ll tell her. I’ll tell her myself. they’re asking for is, ‘‘Give me some skills [Laughter] Thank you for doing what you so I can go out and be a productive em- did. It’s a great example to set. And congratu- ployee.’’ And sometimes you find it inside lations. your company. Sometimes it requires a com- [The discussion continued.] munity college to have the program nec- essary. All the time it requires a citizen initia- The President. Yes, Barry, before you tive; that’s what it requires. begin, tell them what you told me about You did mention Government. Just re- Texas. Remember, you were going to—— member, the role of the Government is to Barry Bell. Well, actually, I was supposed see to it that this economy gets going by hav- to be going to Texas this week for a hunting ing good policy. The tax policy is good policy. trip. But I sort of backed out of that, and The health care policy for small business is I’m here with you now. [Laughter] important. We’ve got one other thing—edu- The President. That’s right, yes. I knew cation policy is important, obviously. he was my kind of guy when he said he want- There’s one other thing I want to mention ed to go on a hunting trip. I don’t know if right quick, because it’s now up in Congress. I would have canceled if I’d have been him, Manufacturing companies need energy. but thank you. [Laughter] Like, you’re not going to be working long if you don’t have energy to run this plant. [The discussion continued.] It’s a practical matter. And we’ve got an en- The President. I appreciate the story. Let ergy bill that we’re trying to get out, an en- me pick up on one thing. Again, obviously ergy bill which says we’ll work on conserva- it’s a good company, which is one that keeps tion, an energy bill that says our electricity your people on the cutting edge of change system needs to be modern. You may re- by having training. member what happened last summer. I I also want to pick up on what he just said. mean, there was a pretty clear signal that It’s a little off the subject, but a responsible parts of the electricity grid need to be mod- citizen is somebody who loves their child ernized; they’re old and ancient and tired. with all their heart, a citizen who says, ‘‘I The utilities—we’re working on voluntary re- want to put my family’’—is a citizen I’d love liability standards; I think they ought to be to have working for me—a citizen who said, mandatory reliability standards. That means ‘‘I want my family first, I weep when I think if you’re responsible for moving electricity, about the thought of missing my child’s base- it must be mandatory that you’ve got reli- ball games,’’ the kind of guy I want working ability in your system.

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So we’ve got an energy bill up there. Let of South Carolina; and David H. Wilkins, speaker, me just make this very clear to you. We can South Carolina House of Representatives. find energy at home, and we need to do that. We can do it in environmentally friendly ways by using technology. We need to have clean coal technology. We need to be finding Statement on Signing the natural gas in our own hemisphere. For the Department of the Interior and sake of your economic security and your job Related Agencies Appropriations security and for the sake of national security, Act, 2004 this country must become less dependent on foreign sources of energy. November 10, 2003 Listen, I’m honored you all came out to say hello. I appreciate you giving me a chance Today, I have signed into law H.R. 2691, to—Carl and you all—to come and talk about the Department of the Interior and Related jobs and what’s happening in the economy Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004. and how we can continue to create an envi- Under the appropriations heading ‘‘Con- ronment for job creation. I’m excited about struction’’ for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the future because I know the nature of the Act refers to one subsection of title 25 America. We’ve overcome a lot in this coun- of the United States Code that do not exist try. We really have. But I’m not surprised, (25 U.S.C. 2505(f)) and one provision in title because I know the nature of the citizens 25 that exists (25 U.S.C. 2005(a)) but which, who live in this country. People are tough as is plain from the text of the Act, is not when they need to be tough and compas- the provision to which the Act was intended sionate when they need to be compassionate, to refer. The Director of the Office of Man- people who work hard. As I said, and I meant agement and Budget shall submit imme- it, the best workforce in the world is right here in America, right here in front of me. diately on my behalf for the consideration There’s going to be other challenges in of the Congress legislation to correct these front of America. But there’s no doubt in my errors in the Act. If corrective legislation is mind we will meet every challenge because not enacted before execution of the provi- of the nature of this country. This country sions under the appropriations heading be- is freedom’s home. This country is freedom’s comes necessary, the Attorney General shall defender. And this country believes the provide a legal opinion to the Secretary of American Dream ought to be available to ev- the Interior on how to faithfully execute the erybody. And we need to create that environ- appropriations heading in light of the errors ment so people can realize that dream. it contains. I am so proud to be with you all. I want The executive branch shall construe sec- to thank you for your hospitality. May God tions 101 and 325 of the Act, which purport bless you and your families, and may God to require the executive branch to submit to continue to bless our great country. Thank the Congress in certain circumstances a re- you very much. quest for a supplemental appropriation or for enactment of other legislation, in a manner NOTE: The President spoke at 4:10 p.m. Partici- consistent with the President’s constitutional pants in the discussion included: Barry Bell, pro- authority to submit for the consideration of duction section leader, Carl Flescher, Jr., vice the Congress such measures as the President president for corporate communications, and Ar- judges necessary and expedient. chie ‘‘Lane’’ Gist and Henry Campbell, produc- Many provisions in the Act purport to re- tion associates, BMW Manufacturing Corp.; Brian quire the consent or approval of committees Ludwiczak, maintenance supervisor, and Fred Wilson, quality manager, Spartanburg Steel Prod- of the Congress before executive branch exe- ucts; and Stephen Thies, president and chief exec- cution of aspects of the Act or purport to utive officer, Spartanburg Steel Products and preclude executive branch execution of a Spartanburg Stainless Products. In his remarks, provision of the Act upon the written dis- the President also referred to Gov. Mark Sanford approval of such committees. The executive

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branch shall construe such provisions to re- recognition of the contributions our service quire only notification to the Congress, be- men and women have made to the cause of cause any other construction would con- peace and freedom around the world, the travene the constitutional principles set forth Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) by the United States Supreme Court in 1983 that November 11 of each year shall be set in its decision in INS v. Chadha. aside as a legal public holiday to honor vet- George W. Bush erans. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, The White House, November 10, 2003. President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2003, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to ob- Proclamation 7733—Veterans Day, serve November 9 through November 15, 2003 2003, as National Veterans Awareness Week. November 10, 2003 I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through By the President of the United States appropriate ceremonies and prayers. I call of America upon Federal, State, and local officials to dis- A Proclamation play the flag of the United States and to par- ticipate in patriotic activities in their commu- The willingness of America’s veterans to nities. I invite civic and fraternal organiza- sacrifice for our country has earned them our tions, places of worship, schools, businesses, lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation’s 50th unions, and the media to support this na- annual Veterans Day observance, we cele- tional observance with suitable commemora- brate and honor the patriots who have fought tive expressions and programs. to protect the democratic ideals that are the In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set foundation of our country. my hand this tenth day of November, in the When the armistice ending World War I year of our Lord two thousand three, and was signed on November 11, 1918, more of the Independence of the United States of than 4.7 million Americans put down their America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. arms and turned to the work of strengthening our Nation. The end of that first global con- George W. Bush flict was initially commemorated as Armistice [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Day. In 1954, the Congress renamed the day 8:45 a.m., November 13, 2003] as Veterans Day to recognize all those who NOTE: This proclamation was published in the have served in our Armed Forces. Federal Register on November 14. The Office of Throughout our history, loyal citizens from the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- every corner of America have willingly as- guage version of this proclamation. sumed the duty of military life. And time after time, in conflicts across the globe, they have proven that democracy is mightier than Remarks at a Bush-Cheney tyranny. From World War I and World War Reception in Greenville, II, to the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and South Carolina the Persian Gulf, to the recent battles in the November 10, 2003 war on terror, our military has built a great tradition of courageous and faithful service. Thank you all for coming. I’m honored to Our veterans have helped bring freedom to be here. Please be seated. countries around the world. Free nations and Mr. Speaker, thank you for those warm re- peoples liberated by American troops are marks. South Carolina will always have a big grateful for the long, distinguished line of part of my political career. I’m proud of all American veterans who have come to their the people here. I want to thank you for your aid. friendship. I remember 2000 very well. Today, our veterans inspire new genera- Today we’re laying the foundation for what tions of Americans as we work to defeat ter- will be a South Carolina and a national vic- rorism and advance peace. In respect for and tory in 2004.

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I’m proud to have your support. I’m loos- Some of my club members are with us. ening up. [Laughter] I’m getting ready. But I’m a member of the ex-Governors club, and politics will come in its own time. See, I’ve so is Beasley, Campbell, and Edwards. I ap- got a job to do. And when you go to your preciate all three of those distinguished coffee shops and your farm implementation South Carolinian citizens for joining us to- dealers or your places of worship, you tell night. them that George W. Bush is working hard Speaking about ex-members, Charlie for everybody, working hard to make sure Condon, who is a former attorney general this country remains strong and secure and of this great State, is with us, and a friend prosperous and free. of mine as well. I appreciate Charlie coming. I appreciate my friend David Wilkins. He’s Most of all, I’m glad you’re here. I want the kind of friend that is with you when times to thank you for working hard to get this are good and when times are bad. Mr. Speak- event on. My friend Mercer Reynolds is the er, I appreciate your leadership on this national finance chairman for Bush-Cheney event—made an enormous difference to- ’04. He’s a fellow from Cincinnati, Ohio. He night for this very successful fundraiser. I was educated up the road in Chapel Hill. He also want to thank your dear wife, Susan. You still came anyway. [Laughter] and I both married very well. I appreciate Dr. Eddie Floyd and John Speaking about marrying well, I am sorry Rainey and Barry Wynn, all of them personal that Laura is not here, and I’m sure you are friends. All of them have worked hard to as well. [Laughter] You drew the short straw. make this a tremendously successful event. [Laughter] She is a fabulous wife, a great I want to thank the grassroots activists who mother, and she’s doing a wonderful job as are here, the people who are going to put our country’s First Lady. up the signs and mail the mailers and get I’m honored that the Governor is here, on the telephone to turn out the vote. I can- Governor Mark Sanford. I appreciate his not win without your help. I want to thank leadership and his friendship, and I also ap- you for what you’ve done in the past. I want preciate the great service that Jenny, the to thank you for what you’re fixing to do wonderful first lady of South Carolina, is pro- when we come down the pike next year. I viding to your State. Thank you for coming, appreciate Sarah Reese. I appreciate Todd Governor. Graham leading the pledge. And I want to I see you don’t really care who you sit next thank the Governor’s School Choir for join- to. [Laughter] You’ve chosen to sit next to ing us as well. the Senator from the great State of South In the last 21⁄2 years, this Nation has acted Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham, strong decisively to confront great challenges. I ally and good friend. I appreciate you com- came to this office to solve problems, not to ing. pass them on to future Presidents and future South Carolina has sent some fantastic generations. I came to seize opportunities in- people to Congress, good allies, good friends. stead of letting them slip away. My adminis- Henry Brown and Joe Wilson and Gresham tration is meeting the tests of our time. Barrett and Jim DeMint are people you can Terrorists declared war on the United be proud of that represent you. I know this States of America, and war is what they got. is DeMint’s district. He’s doing a fine job We’ve captured or killed many key leaders as a United States Congressman. But I’m of the Al Qaida network, and the rest of them proud of all of them that are representing know we’re on their trail. In Afghanistan and your great State there in Washington. in Iraq, we gave ultimatums to terror re- I know the Lieutenant Governor is with gimes. Those regimes chose defiance, and us today, Lieutenant Governor Bauer. I know those regimes are no more. Fifty million peo- the attorney general is with us, Henry ple in those two countries once lived under McMaster. I know there’s other State offi- tyranny, and today, they live in freedom. cials who are here. I want to thank you all Two-and-a-half years ago, our military was for coming tonight. not receiving the resources it needed, and

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morale was beginning to suffer. So we in- On issue after issue, this administration creased the defense budgets to prepare for has acted on principle, has kept its word, and the threats of a new era, and today, no one has made progress for the American people. can question the skill, the strength, and the And the Congress gets a lot of credit for the spirit of the United States military. success we have had. I’ve enjoyed my work Two-and-a-half years ago, we inherited an with the South Carolina delegation. I enjoy economy in recession. And then our country working with Speaker Denny Hastert, Major- was attacked, and we had scandals in cor- ity Leader Bill Frist, two fine Americans. porate America, and we marched to war for We’re working hard to change the tone in our own security and for the peace of the Washington, DC. There’s too much needless world, all of which affected the people’s con- politics in the Nation’s Capital. We’re doing fidence. But I acted. We passed tough new the people’s business by focusing on results, laws to hold corporate criminals to account. and we’re achieving good results for the peo- And to get the economy going again, I have ple. Those are the kind of people I’ve at- twice led the United States Congress to pass tracted in my administration. I want people historic tax relief for the American people. who are results-oriented people, can-do peo- I understand that when Americans have ple, people from all walks of life. I have put more take-home pay to spend, to save, or together a fantastic administration for the invest, the whole economy grows and people American people. Our country has had no are more likely to find a job. So we’re return- finer Vice President than Dick Cheney. ing more money to the people to help them Mother may have a second opinion. [Laugh- raise their families, reducing taxes on divi- ter] dends and capital gains to encourage invest- We’ve done a lot in 21⁄2 years. We’ve come ment. We’re providing small businesses with far, but our work is only beginning. I’ve set incentives so they can hire new people. great goals worthy of a great nation. First, With all these actions, this administration America is committed to expanding the has laid the foundation for greater prosperity realm of freedom and peace for our own se- and more jobs across America so every single curity and for the benefit of the world. And person in this country has a chance to realize second, in our own country, we must work the American Dream. for a society of prosperity and compassion Two-and-a-half years ago, there was a lot so that every citizen has a chance to work of talk about education reform, but there and to succeed and to realize the promise wasn’t much action. So I called for and Con- of our country. gress passed the No Child Left Behind Act. It is clear that the future of freedom and With a solid bipartisan majority, we delivered peace depend on the actions of America. This the most dramatic education reforms in a Nation is freedom’s home and freedom’s de- generation. We believe every child can learn fender. We welcome this charge of history, to read and write and add and subtract. We and we are keeping it. The war on terror con- are challenging the soft bigotry of low expec- tinues. The enemies of freedom are not idle, tations. We’ve increased Federal funding, and neither are we. This country will not rest; but in return for additional Federal dollars, we will not tire; we will not stop until this we expect results in every classroom so that danger to civilization is removed. not one single child is left behind. We are confronting that danger in Iraq, We created the Department of Homeland where Saddam holdouts and foreign terror- Security to better safeguard our ports and ists are desperately trying to throw Iraq into borders and better protect the American chaos by attacking coalition forces and aid people. We passed trade promotion authority workers and innocent Iraqis. They know that to open up new markets for South Carolina the advance of freedom in Iraq would be a entrepreneurs and manufacturers and farm- major defeat for the cause of terror. This col- ers. We passed budget agreements to help lection of killers is trying to shake the will maintain spending discipline in Washington, of the United States and the civilized world. DC. America will not be intimidated.

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We are aggressively striking the terrorists older citizens. For the first time since the in Iraq, defeating them there so we do not creation of Medicare, the House and the have to face them in our own country. We’re Senate have passed reforms to increase the calling on other nations to help Iraq to build choices for our seniors and to provide cov- a free country, which will make us all more erage for prescription drugs. It is now time secure. We’re standing with the Iraqi people for the House and the Senate to iron out as they assume more of their own defense their differences and to get a good bill on and move toward self-government. These my desk so we keep the promise to America’s aren’t easy tasks, but they’re essential tasks. seniors to have a modern health care system. We will finish what we have begun, and we For the sake of health care, we also need will win this essential victory in the war on to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits which terror. increase the cost of medicine. People who Yet, our greatest security comes from the have been harmed by a bad doc deserve their advance of human liberty, because free na- day in court. Yet the system should not re- tions do not support terror, free nations do ward lawyers who are simply fishing for a not attack their neighbors, free nations do rich settlement. Frivolous lawsuits drive up not threaten the world with weapons of mass the cost of health care, and they therefore terror. Americans believe that freedom is the affect the Federal budget. Medical liability deepest need and hope of every human reform is a national issue which requires a heart. And I believe that freedom is the right national solution. The House of Representa- of every person, and I believe that freedom tives passed a good bill. The bill is stuck in is the future of every nation. the Senate. Some Senators must recognize America also understands that unprece- that no one has ever been healed by a frivo- dented influence brings tremendous respon- lous lawsuit. We need medical liability re- sibilities. We have duties in this world. And form. when we see disease and starvation and I have a responsibility as President to make hopeless poverty, we will not turn away. On sure the judicial system runs well, and I have the continent of Africa, America is now com- met that duty. I have nominated superb men mitted to bringing the healing power of med- and women to the Federal courts, people icine to millions of men and women and chil- who will interpret the law, not legislate from dren suffering with AIDS. This great, strong, the bench. Some members of the Senate are compassionate land is leading the world in trying to keep my nominees off the bench this incredibly important work of human res- by blocking up-or-down votes. Every judicial cue. nominee deserves a fair hearing and an up- We’ve got challenges here at home as well. or-down vote on the Senate floor. It is time We will prove equal to those challenges. Any- for Members of this U.S. Senate to stop play- time one of our citizens who wants to work ing politics with American justice. can’t find a job, it says to me that we must The Congress needs to complete work on continue to strive to enhance the entrepre- a comprehensive energy plan. This Nation neurial spirit of America. We’ve had some must promote energy efficiency and con- good numbers recently. We’re making servation, no doubt about it. But we must progress. But enough of our—not enough of use our technologies to be able to use the our citizens are working. resources we have at hand in environ- I spent some quality time today at the mentally friendly ways. We need clean coal BMW plant talking about jobs and job cre- technology. We need more natural gas explo- ation and job training. So long as people are ration. We need safe nuclear energy. For the looking for work, this President and this ad- sake of economic security and for the sake ministration will work for a progrowth policy of national security, we must become less re- so our people can find work. liant on foreign sources of energy. We have a duty to keep our commitment Our prosperous and compassionate—pros- to America’s seniors by strengthening and perous and strong Nation must be a compas- modernizing Medicare. The Congress has sionate nation. I will continue to advance our taken historic action to improve the lives of agenda of compassionate conservatism,

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which says we’ll apply the most innovative sponsible for doing something about it. If and effective ways and ideas to help our fel- you’re a CEO in corporate America, you’re low citizens who hurt. There are still millions responsible for telling the truth to your of men and women who want to end their shareholders and your employees. And in the dependence on Government and become responsibility society, each of us is respon- independent through hard work. We must sible for loving a neighbor just like we would build on the success of welfare reform to like to be loved ourself. bring work and dignity into the lives of more The culture of service and responsibility of our fellow citizens. is growing here in America. I started what’s Congress should complete the ‘‘Citizen called the USA Freedom Corps to encourage Service Act’’ so that more Americans can Americans to extend a compassionate hand serve their communities and their country. Both Houses should reach agreement on my to a neighbor in need, and the response has Faith-Based Initiative to support the armies been strong. People are signing up to help. of compassion that are mentoring our chil- Faith-based programs and charities are vi- dren and caring for the homeless and offer- brant here in America. Firemen and police- ing hope to the addicted. People of all faiths men and people who wear our Nation’s uni- in America hear a universal call. People of form are reminding us what it means to sac- all faiths can do things Government cannot rifice for something greater than yourself. do, which is to heal broken hearts. Our Gov- Our children again believe in heroes, because ernment must not fear the influence of faith they see them every day. in helping people who hurt in our society. In these changing times, the world has A compassionate society must promote op- seen the resolve and the courage of America. portunity for all, including the independence And I’ve been privileged to see the compas- and dignity that come from ownership. This sion and the character of the American peo- administration will constantly strive to pro- ple. All the tests of the last 2 1⁄2 years have mote an ownership society in America. We come to the right nation. We’re a strong want more people to own their own home. country, and we use that strength to defend Today in America, we have a homeownership the peace. We’re an optimistic country, con- gap, a minority homeownership gap. I pro- fident in ourselves and in ideals bigger than posed plans to the United States Congress ourselves. Abroad, we seek to lift whole na- to close that gap. We want more people to tions by spreading freedom. At home, we own and manage their own retirement ac- seek to lift up lives by spreading opportunity counts. We want people to own and manage their own health care plans. We want more to every corner of America. This is the work people owning their own small business. This that history has set before us. We welcome administration understands that when a per- it, and we know that for our country, the best son owns something, he or she has a vital days lie ahead. stake in the future of America. May God bless you all. Thank you very In a compassionate society, people respect much for coming. one another and take responsibility for the decisions they make. The culture of America NOTE: The President spoke at 6:12 p.m. at the is changing from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels Palmetto Expo Center. In his remarks, he referred good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve got a problem, to David H. Wilkins, speaker, South Carolina blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in which House of Representatives, and his wife, Margaret each of us understands we are responsible Susan; Lt. Gov. R. Andre Bauer and former Gov- for the decisions we make in life. ernors David M. Beasley, Carroll A. Campbell, If you’re fortunate enough to be a mother and James B. Edwards of South Carolina; Eddie or a father, you are responsible for loving Floyd, John Rainey, and Barry Wynn, South Caro- your child with all your heart. If you’re con- lina State finance cochairmen, Bush-Cheney ’04, cerned about the quality of the education in Inc.; opera singer Sarah Reese; and former Presi- the community in which you live, you’re re- dent Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

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Remarks at a Veterans Day when the guns of World War I went silent Ceremony in Arlington, Virginia 85 years from today. All the men who served November 11, 2003 when Woodrow Wilson was the Commander in Chief are now more than 100 years old, Thank you all very much. Thank you for and they can know that America is still proud the warm welcome. Thank you, Secretary of them. Principi, for doing a really fine job to rep- Every veteran has his or her own story of resent our Nation’s veterans. Members of the entering military service. Many enlisted on Cabinet, Members of the Congress, mem- Monday morning, December 8th, 1941, or bers of our military, veterans, Commander at the beginning of other conflicts. For some, Berger, representatives of veterans organiza- military life began with the initiation at an tions, and fellow Americans: Laura and I are academy. For others, it began with a letter proud to join all of you and citizens across from the United States Government. Yet our country as we honor the service of Amer- when their service is complete, veterans of ica’s veterans. every era, every background, and every We observe Veterans Day on an anniver- branch have certain things in common. And sary—not of a great battle or of the beginning those shared commitments and experience of a war but of a day when war ended and formed bonds that last a lifetime. our Nation was again at peace. Ever since Every veteran has lived by a strict code the armistice of November the 11th, 1918, of discipline. Every veteran understands the this has been a day to remember our debt meaning of personal accountability and loy- to all who have worn the uniform of the alty and shared sacrifice. From the moment United States. you repeated the oath to the day of your hon- Our veterans have borne the costs of orable discharge, your time belonged to America’s wars and have stood watch over America; your country came before all else. America’s peace. And today, every veteran And whether you served abroad or at home, can be certain: The Nation you served and you have shared in the responsibility of main- the people you defended are grateful. taining the finest fighting force in the world. Our Nation knows this national cemetery Veterans who took the oath and served in as the final resting place of those lost to the battle have known the hardships and the violence of war. Yet, most of the markers fears and the tragic losses of war. These here stand over the graves of Americans who memories follow them through life and are lived beyond their years of military service. sometimes hard to bear. Yet our war vet- On the hills of Arlington and in the daily lives erans, wherever they fought, can know this: of our country, veterans have a special place. In the harshest hours of conflict, they serve We honor them all for their service in uni- just and honorable purposes. form. And we honor America’s veterans for Americans are a peaceful people, and this the full lives of their service they continue Nation has always gone to war reluctantly and to lead. always for a noble cause. America’s war vet- Today, more than 25 million Americans erans have fought for the security of this Na- wear the proud title of veteran or retired tion, for the safety of our friends, and for military. Their ranks include young men and the peace of the world. They humbled tyrants women who gave good years to our all-volun- and defended the innocent and liberated the teer military and recently returned to civilian oppressed. And across the Earth, you will life. Our veterans include more than 11 mil- find entire nations that once lived in fear, lion men and women from the conflicts of where men and women still tell of the day Korea and Vietnam who earned this Nation’s when Americans came and set them free. gratitude and respect. More than 4 million America’s mission in the world continues, living Americans served in World War II, and we count on the same kind of people under the command of Eisenhower and to carry it out. Today, in assignments around Bradley and Nimitz. And on Veterans Day the world, more than 1.4 million Americans 2003, it is still possible to thank, in person, are on active duty, earning the title of veteran almost 200 Americans who were in uniform by serving in the cause of freedom. In 2 years

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and 2 months since our country was attacked, Army and Navy Union of the United States of the men and women of our Armed Forces America. have engaged the terrorist enemy on many fronts. They’ve confronted grave dangers to defend the safety of the American people. Remarks at the Heritage Foundation They have liberated two nations, Afghanistan President’s Club Luncheon and Iraq, delivering more than 50 million November 11, 2003 people from the hands of dictators. Those who serve and fight today are adding great Ed, thank you very much. It’s an honor achievements of their own to America’s his- to be here. I appreciate your invitation. I tory. America is grateful for their daring, want to thank you for your decades of leader- grateful for their honor, and grateful for their ship in the conservative movement. Presi- sacrifice. dents come and go, except here at the Herit- On this Veterans Day, with our Nation at age Foundation. [Laughter] I appreciate war, Americans are deeply aware of the cur- being with your good bride, Linda, the trust- rent military struggle and of recent sacrifice. ees of the Heritage, the longtime Heritage Young Americans have died in liberating Iraq supporters, and the Ronald Reagan Fellow and Afghanistan. They’ve died in securing at Heritage, a man who is a fine leader, a freedom in those countries. The loss is ter- fine Attorney General, Ed Meese. rible. It is borne especially by the families It’s appropriate that we gather in the left behind. But in their hurt and in their building named for Ronald Reagan. The loneliness, I want these families to know your Heritage Foundation emerged as an impor- loved ones served in a good and just cause. tant voice in Washington during the Reagan They died in distant lands to fight terror, to years. The American people gave Ronald advance freedom, and to protect America. Reagan his mandate for leadership. Yet it was They did not live to be called veterans, but the Heritage Foundation, with a book by that this Nation will never forget their lives of title, from which he drew ideas and inspira- service and all they did for us. tion. Ever since, in the councils of Wash- At this hour, many thousands are following ington, Heritage has been an advocate for their duty at great risk. One young man serv- free enterprise, traditional values, and the ad- ing in Iraq recently said this: ‘‘We in the mili- vance of liberty around the world. My admin- tary signed up and pledged to protect this istration has benefited from your good work, great country of ours from enemies foreign and so has our country. Thank you for what and domestic.’’ ‘‘We’re fighting,’’ he said, ‘‘so that the next generation might never have you do. to experience anything like September the We meet on Veterans Day, and I know 11th, 2001.’’ there are many veterans in this room. On Today and every day, the prayers of the behalf of the Nation, I thank you for your American people are with those who wear service to our country. The title of ‘‘veteran’’ our country’s uniform. They serve a great is a term of great respect in America. All who cause and they follow a great tradition, hand- served, whether for a few years or for many, ed down to them by America’s veterans. Our have put the Nation’s needs above their own. veterans from every era are the finest of citi- All stood ready if the order came to risk ev- zens. We owe them the life we know today. erything for their country’s cause. Our wars They command the respect of the American have taken from us some of our finest citizens people, and they have our lasting gratitude. and every hour of the lifetimes they had Thank you for coming today. May God hoped to live. And the courage of our military bless America, and may God bless all who has given us every hour we live in freedom. defend it. In every generation, members of the Armed Forces have been loyal to one another NOTE: The President spoke at 11:38 a.m. at Ar- and faithful to the ideals of America. After lington National Cemetery. In his remarks, he re- the Second World War, returning veterans ferred to David Berger, national commander, often said they had just been doing their jobs,

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or didn’t talk about their service at all. Yet Our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan is they knew the stakes of the fight they had clear to our servicemembers and clear to our been in and the magnitude of what they had enemies. Our men and women are fighting achieved. Long after putting away his uni- to secure the freedom of more than 50 mil- form, one American expressed his pride in lion people who recently lived under two of having served in World War II. He said, ‘‘I the cruelest dictatorships on Earth. Our men feel like I played my part in turning this from and women are fighting to help democracy a century of darkness into a century of light.’’ and peace and justice rise in a troubled and This is true of all who have served and sac- violent region. Our men and women are rificed in the struggles of the 20th century. fighting terrorist enemies thousands of miles They maintained the greatest fighting force away in the heart and center of their power in the world. They kept our country free, and so that we do not face those enemies in the we’re grateful to them all. heart of America. Our men and women are We come to this Veterans Day in a time fighting for the security of America and for of war. And today’s military is acting in the the advance of freedom, and that is a cause finest traditions of the veterans who came worth fighting for. before them. They’ve given all that we’ve The work we are in is not easy, yet it is asked of them. They are showing bravery in essential. The failure of democracy in Af- the face of ruthless enemies and compassion ghanistan and Iraq would condemn every ad- to people in great need. Our men and women vocate of freedom in those two countries to in uniform are warriors, and they are lib- prison or death and would extinguish the erators, strong and kind and decent. By their democratic hopes of millions in the Middle East. The failure of democracies in those two courage, they keep us safe; by their honor, countries would provide new bases for the they make us proud. terrorist network and embolden terrorists When we lose such Americans in battle, and their allies around the world. The failure we lose our best. And the time—this time of democracy in those two countries would of brave achievement is also a time of sac- convince terrorists that America backs down rifice. Not far from this place, at Army and under attack, and more attacks on America Navy medical centers, young would surely follow. servicemembers are recovering from injuries The terrorists cite the examples of Beirut of war. Not far from here, at Arlington Na- and Somalia as evidence that America can tional Cemetery, as in hometowns across be made to run. Five years ago, one of the America, we have laid to rest young men and terrorists said that an attack could make women who died in distant lands. For their America retreat in less than 24 hours. The families, this is a terrible sorrow, and we pray terrorists are mistaken. for their comfort. For the Nation, there is The United States will complete our work a feeling of loss, and we remember and we in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Democracy in honor every name. those two countries will succeed, and that Our people in uniform know the cost and success will be a great milestone in the his- risk of war. They also know what is at stake tory of liberty. A democratic revolution that in this war. Army Command Sergeant Major has reached across the globe will finally take Ioakimo Falaniko recently lost his son, Pri- root in the Middle East. The stagnation and vate Jonathan Falaniko, in an attack near isolation and anger of that region will give Baghdad. Father and son both served in Iraq way to progress and opportunity. America in the same unit, the 1st Armored Division’s and the world will be safer from catastrophic Engineer Brigade. At his son’s memorial violence because terror is not the tool of the service, Command Sergeant Major Falaniko free. said this: ‘‘What our country brings to Iraq The United States has made an unbreak- is a chance for freedom and democracy. able commitment to the success of freedom We’re making a difference every day. My son in Afghanistan and Iraq. We have a strategy died for a good cause. He answered the Na- to see that commitment through. In Afghani- tion’s call.’’ stan, we’re helping to build a free and stable

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democracy as we continue to track down and against terrorists. The recent operations have destroy Taliban and Al Qaida forces. Fol- resulted in the capture or death of more than lowing years of cruel oppression, the Afghan 1,000 killers, the seizure of 4,500 mortar people are living with hope, and they’re mak- rounds; 1,600 rocket-propelled grenades ing steady progress. have been seized, thousands of other weap- In Iraq, the terrorists have chosen to make ons and military equipment. Our coalition is a stand and to test our resolve. Their violence on the offensive in Iraq, and we will stay on is concentrated in a relatively small area of the offensive. that country. Yet the terrorists are dangerous. The long-term security of Iraq will be as- For the sake of Iraq’s future, for the sake sured by the Iraqis themselves. One hundred of America’s security, these killers must be and eighteen thousand Iraqis are now serving defeated. as police officers and border guards, civil de- After the swift advance of our coalition to fense personnel, and in the facilities protec- Baghdad and the removal of Saddam Hus- tion service. Iraq’s security forces join in op- sein from power, some remnants of the re- erations with our troops, and they patrol gime fled from the battlefield. Over time, towns and cities independently. Some 700 Ba’ath Party and Fedayeen fighters and other troops are now serving in the new Iraqi army. Saddam loyalists have organized to attack our Thousands more are being trained, and we forces, to terrorize international aid workers, expect to see 35,000 Iraqi troops in the field and to murder innocent Iraqis. These bitter by the end of next year. Increasingly, the holdouts would rather see Iraqis dead than Iraqi people are assuming the responsibilities see them free. and the risks of protecting their own country. Foreign jihadists have arrived across Iraq’s And their willingness to accept these duties borders in small groups with the goal of in- is one of the surest signs that the Iraqis want stalling a Taliban-like regime. Also present freedom and that the Iraqis are headed to- in the country are some terrorists from Ansar ward self-government. Islam and from Al Qaida, who are always eager to join in the killing and who seek re- Under our strategy, increasing authority is venge after their defeat in Afghanistan. Sad- being transferred to the Iraqi people. The dam loyalists and foreign terrorists may have Iraqi Governing Council has appointed min- different long-term goals, but they share a isters who are responsible for the day-to-day near-term strategy: to terrorize Iraqis and to operations of the Iraqi government. The intimidate America and our allies. Council has also begun the process that will Recent reporting suggests that despite lead to a new constitution. No friend or their differences, these killers are working to- enemy should doubt Iraq liberty will find a gether to spread chaos and terror and fear. lasting home. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, 93 percent Iraqis are a proud people, and they want of terror attacks have occurred in Baghdad their national independence. And they can and five of Iraq’s 18 provinces. The violence see the difference between those who are at- is focused in 200 square miles known as the tacking their country and those who are help- Ba’athist Triangle, the home area of Saddam ing to build it. Our coalition is training new Hussein and most of his associates. Here, the police; the terrorists are trying to kill them. enemy is waging the battle, and it is here We’re protecting pipelines and powerplants that the enemy will be defeated. for the good of the Iraqi people; the terrorists In the last few months, the adversary has are trying to blow them up. We’re turning changed its composition and method, and authority over to Iraqi leaders; the terrorists our coalition is adapting accordingly. We’re are trying to assassinate them. We’re offering employing the latest battlefield technology to aid and self-rule and hope for the future; the locate mortar positions and roadside bombs. terrorists offer nothing but oppression and Our forces are moving against specific targets death. The vast majority of Iraqis know ex- based on intelligence gathered from Iraqis. actly what is going on in their country today. We’re conducting hundreds of daily patrols. Having seen the worst of tyranny, the Iraqi Last month alone, we made 1,500 raids people will reject the return of tyranny.

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After decades of a dictator’s sustained as- and our allies launched the Berlin airlift and sault on Iraq’s society and dignity and spirit, overcame more than 10 months of siege. a Jeffersonian democracy will not spring up That resolve and the daring of our military in a matter of months. We know that our saved a city and held back the Communist Ba’athist and terrorist enemies are ruthless threat in Europe. and cunning. We also know that the lives of Nearly four decades later, Ronald Reagan Iraqis have improved greatly in 7 short came to West Berlin with the same kind of months. Yet, we know the remaining tasks resolve, and vision beyond the cold war. are difficult. When he called on the Soviets to tear down We also know a few things about our own that wall, he was asserting a confident new country. America gained its own independ- doctrine. He believed that communism can ence and helped free much of the world by not only be contained but transcended, that taking on difficult tasks. We’re a confident no human barrier could hold back the spread people, and we have a reason to be confident. of human liberty. The triumph of that vision Our Armed Forces are skilled and powerful eventually turned enemies into friends, and humane. They’re the best in the world. healed a divided continent, and brought se- I will keep them that way. curity and peace to Europe and America. We’ve got good friends and allies serving Two years into the war on terror, the will with us in Iraq. There are 32 countries stand- and resolve of America are being tested in ing beside our troops. Our commanders have Afghanistan and in Iraq. Again the world is the capabilities they have requested, and watching. Again we will be steadfast. We will they’re meeting a changing enemy with flexi- finish the mission we have begun, period. ble tactics. The Congress has provided the We are not only containing the terrorist resources we need to support our military threat, we are turning it back. We believe and to improve the daily lives of newly liber- that freedom is the right of every person. We ated people. Other nations and organizations believe that freedom is the hope of every cul- have stepped up to provide more than $18 ture. We believe that freedom is the future billion to the emerging democracies of Af- of every nation in the Middle East. And we ghanistan and Iraq. The peoples of those two know as Americans that the advance of free- countries are sacrificing for their own liberty. dom is the surest path to peace. And the United States once again is fighting in the cause of our Nation, the great cause May God bless you all. of liberty. And we know that the cause of liberty will prevail. NOTE: The President spoke at 1:16 p.m. at the Much is asked of us, and we have an- Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade swered this kind of challenge before. In the Center. In his remarks, he referred to Edwin J. summer of 1948, the Soviet Union imposed Feulner, president, The Heritage Foundation, a sudden and total blockade on the city of and his wife, Linda Leventhal; former Attorney Berlin in order to force the allies out. More General Edwin Meese III; and former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. than 2 million people would soon be without food or fuel or medicine. The entire world watched and wondered if free peoples would Remarks on Presenting the back down, wondered whether free people Presidential Medal of Freedom To would abandon their commitments. It was Secretary General Lord Robertson at the outset of the cold war, and the will of the North Atlantic Treaty and the resolve of America were being meas- ured. Organization In an urgent meeting, all the alternatives November 12, 2003 were discussed, including retreat. When the moment of decision came, President Harry Good morning. I’m proud to welcome Truman said this: ‘‘We stay in Berlin, period. members of the diplomatic corps and my ad- We stay in Berlin, come what may.’’ By the ministration, and of course Lord Robertson, determination of President Truman, America the Secretary General of NATO, to the

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White House. I’ve been honored to host led NATO to invoke, for the first time in Lord Robertson here at the White House its history, Article V, which states that an at- many times over the past 3 years. I’m grateful tack against one NATO Ally is an attack that he’s come once more before he leaves against all. Americans will never forget that his post. vital support from our closest allies on one The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our of the darkest days of our history. Nation’s highest civil award, given to individ- Our alliance continues to face and to meet uals of exceptional merit and integrity. For the threats to peace and prosperity and free- Lord Robertson, it is a fitting tribute to his dom. Lord Robertson’s leadership has been long and distinguished career of service to crucial to meeting these challenges. His ten- his nation, to our alliance, and to the world. ure at the helm of this institution shows the NATO is the most successful alliance in power of collective defense when free na- history, and Lord Robertson has led NATO tions act to serve great causes and free na- during some of the most challenging years tions act to produce results. Lord Robert- of its history. Not long ago, some questioned son’s efforts and vision leave behind a legacy whether NATO could or should survive the of effective multilateralism that will benefit end of the cold war. Then the Alliance this Alliance for years to come. proved its enduring worth by stopping ethnic When NATO was founded over half a cen- cleansing in Bosnia and keeping the peace tury ago, President Harry Truman said this: in Kosovo. Some wonder whether NATO ‘‘By this treaty, we are not only seeking to could adopt to the new threats of the 21st establish freedom, freedom from aggression century. Today, NATO forces are fighting and from the use of force in the North Atlan- terror in Afghanistan and supporting a multi- tic community, but we’re also actively striving national division in Iraq. to promote and preserve peace throughout Today in Iraq, a member of NATO, Italy, the world.’’ We honor Lord Robertson here lost some proud sons in the service of free- today for his dedication to the high ideals dom and peace. The United States sends our of the NATO Alliance, the promise of peace deepest condolences to the families who throughout the world. died—of the soldiers and policemen who I’m going to ask the military aide now to died. We appreciate their sacrifices. I appre- read the honor. It is my honor to welcome ciate the steadfast leadership of Prime Min- this good man, to present the Medal of Free- ister Berlusconi, who refuses to yield in the dom to the Right Honorable Lord Robertson face of terror. of Port Ellen. Lord Robertson is a patient leader. He’s a determined leader, and over the past 4 NOTE: The President spoke at 11:54 a.m. in the years his skills and talents have made many Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his re- marks, he referred to Prime Minister Silvio achievements possible. Lord Robertson Berlusconi of Italy. The transcript released by the oversaw the largest expansion in NATO’s his- Office of the Press Secretary also included the tory, a major milestone in the fulfillment of remarks of Secretary General Lord Robertson. our shared vision of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. He helped open a new chapter in NATO’s relationship with Russia through Notice—Continuation of the the creation of the Russian-NATO Council. National Emergency With Respect to He ensured that NATO would honor its com- Iran mitment to come to the defense of fellow November 12, 2003 NATO member Turkey. And he pursued an ambitious agenda of transformation to make On November 14, 1979, by Executive NATO forces lighter, faster, and better able Order 12170, the President declared a na- to respond to complex and ever-changing tional emergency with respect to Iran pursu- threats. ant to the International Emergency Eco- America owes a special debt to Lord Rob- nomic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701–1706) to ertson. When our Nation was attacked on deal with the unusual and extraordinary September the 11th, 2001, Lord Robertson threat to the national security, foreign policy,

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and economy of the United States con- I have determined that it is necessary to con- stituted by the situation in Iran. Because our tinue the national emergency declared on relations with Iran have not yet returned to November 14, 1979, with respect to Iran, be- normal, and the process of implementing the yond November 14, 2003. January 19, 1981, agreements with Iran is still George W. Bush underway, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, must continue in ef- The White House, fect beyond November 14, 2003. Therefore, November 12, 2003. consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year this national emergency Remarks Following a Meeting With with respect to Iran. Judicial Nominees and an Exchange This notice shall be published in the Fed- With Reporters eral Register and transmitted to the Con- November 13, 2003 gress. The President. I have the job of nomi- George W. Bush nating people to serve on the Federal bench- The White House, es. I have handled my duty in the right way November 12, 2003. by picking superb men and women to serve our country as Federal judges, people of in- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, tegrity and honor, people of high intel- 12:01 p.m., November 12, 2003] ligence, three of whom are with me today. NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal Carolyn Kuhl, Janice Brown, Priscilla Owen Register on November 13. really represent the best of America—su- perb, superb women. And yet, these three women are being de- Message to the Congress on nied a chance to serve on the bench because Continuation of the National of ugly politics in the United States Senate. Emergency With Respect to Iran These folks deserve an up-or-down vote on November 12, 2003 the Senate floor. If they get an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor, they will be con- To the Congress of the United States: firmed because the majority of justices be- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- lieve they should serve. And yet a few Sen- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for ators are playing politics. And it’s wrong, and the automatic termination of a national emer- it’s shameful, and it’s hurting the system. gency unless, prior to the anniversary date I have told these three ladies I will stand of its declaration, the President publishes in with them until the bitter end because the Federal Register and transmits to the they’re the absolute right pick for their re- Congress a notice stating that the emergency spective positions. And the Senators who are is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- playing politics with their nominations are sary date. Consistent with this provision, I acting shamefully. And I want to thank you have sent the enclosed notice, stating that all for being such stalwarts for justice and the Iran emergency declared by Executive fairness and decency, and I appreciate you Order 12170 on November 14, 1979, is to standing here. continue in effect beyond November 14, Carolyn Kuhl. Thank you, Mr. President. 2003, to the Federal Register for publication. The President. Let me answer a couple The most recent notice continuing this emer- quick—please. gency was published in the Federal Register on November 13, 2002 (67 Fed. Reg. 68929). Iraq Our relations with Iran have not yet re- Q. Mr. President, could you tell us your turned to normal, and the process of imple- ideas about how you would like to see— menting the January 19, 1981, agreements speed up the transfer of power in Iraq? Are with Iran is still underway. For these reasons, you interested in setting up, for example, an

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interim government before a constitution is nary Iraqis appear to be more irritated with written? the presence of U.S. troops and more sup- The President. What I’m interested in portive of Iraqi insurgents? doing is working with Ambassador Bremer The President. Well, first of all, the goal and the Governing Council to work on a plan of the terrorists, whether they be Ba’athists that will encourage the Iraqis to assume more or mujahideen fighters or Al-Qaida-type responsibility. Ambassador Bremer sat right fighters, is to create terror and fear amongst here yesterday and talked to me about the average Iraqis, is to create the conditions Iraqis’ desire to be more involved in the gov- where people are just so fearful for their lives ernance of their country. And that’s a positive that they cannot think positively about free- development because actually that’s what we dom. That’s their goal. want. We want the Iraqis to be more involved Our goal, of course, is to continue to work in the governance of their country. And so with those Iraqi citizens who understand that Ambassador Bremer, with my instructions, is freedom is a precious commodity, those who going back to talk to the Governing Council understand that there is a hopeful life pos- to develop a strategy. And he’ll report back sible in a part of the world where a lot of after he’s consulted with the very people that hope has been diminished in the past. And we want to assume more responsibility. that’s the struggle—that’s the struggle. And Yes. we’re going to prevail because, well, one, we got a good strategy to deal with these killers. Steel Tariffs Two, I believe by far the vast majority of Q. Mr. President—— Iraqis do understand the stakes and do want The President. You’re in there, Stretch their children to grow up in a peaceful envi- [David Gregory, NBC News]. ronment and do want their children going Q. What’s your timetable for deciding on to a school and do want to be able to live whether to lift the steel sanctions? And how a free life that is prosperous. That’s what I far do you think the U.S. industry has gone believe. And I—recently, I was told by—for now in restructuring toward—— example, Bremer was telling me about a sur- The President. Well, that’s exactly what vey done by an American firm in Baghdad, I’m reviewing now. Part of the—the decision for example, and it said that by far the vast was based upon the International Trade majority of people understand that if Amer- Commission’s finding that our industry had ica were to leave and the terrorists were to been harmed, and therefore, I imposed some prevail in their desire to drive us out, the tariffs in order to allow for a restructuring country would fall into chaos. And no one of the industry. I’m in the process of review- wants that, and so I’m confident we’ll prevail ing the extent to which the industry has been in the long run. And I’m confident we’re restructured. I’m going to make a decision doing good work right now. within a reasonable period of time. Yes. Q. Mr. President? Q. Mr. President, are you—— The President. Yes, Stretch. Q. Thank you, sir. Judicial Nominations The President. Excuse me, I couldn’t tell The President. Do you have a followup if you wanted to ask a question or not today. on the judges? [Laughter] Q. Yes, well, the Democrats say they have confirmed 98 percent of your judges—— Iraq The President. Yes. Q. How worried—— Q. ——and by focusing on the few that The President. Is this about the judges? they are opposing, that you’re picking essen- Q. Yes, right. tially an unfair fight. The President. Okay. The President. Well, our circuits—circuit Q. I would—if I had time, I would. What courts remain, in some cases, dangerously va- are you prepared to do about the fact and cant. And here are three cases where people how worried are you about the fact that ordi- are being treated unfairly. My question is,

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why won’t they give these three ladies an up- his remarks, he referred to L. Paul Bremer III, or-down vote? Where’s the justice? These are Presidential Envoy to Iraq. eminently qualified people. These are three women who are—represent the best of American jurisprudence. And why won’t they Remarks at a Bush-Cheney let them come to the floor? If they’re so fair, Luncheon in Orlando, Florida bring them up to a vote—today. Let these three nominees get onto the floor of the November 13, 2003 United States Senate for an up-or-down vote, The President. Thank you all. Thanks for and then I will listen to whether or not coming. Thanks, Jeb—I mean, Governor. they’re fair or not. Yes, last question, then I’ve got to go. [Laughter] It’s hard to get used to it. [Laugh- ter] The thing I love about Jeb is he’s a mod- President’s Upcoming Visit to the United est fellow. When the Florida Marlins won, Kingdom he was trying to take credit for their success. Q. Are you concerned, Mr. President, that [Laughter] I told him he doesn’t have any the massive amount of protesters that are idea what it takes to run a championship going to be in London next week will under- baseball team. [Laughter] He reminded me cut your message of unity in Iraq? I don’t either. [Laughter] The President. I am so pleased to be Love being back in Florida with our going to a country which says that people friends. Thank you all for coming. I appre- are allowed to express their mind. That’s fan- ciate your support a lot. It means a lot to tastic. You know, freedom is a beautiful me. Listen, the political season is going to thing. And the fact that people are willing come in its own time. I’m loosening up, and to come out and express themselves says I’m I’m getting ready. But I’ve got a job to do going to a great country. for everybody who lives in this country. And And secondly, I don’t expect everybody in I’m going to continue doing that job. And the world to agree with the positions I’ve as you work the phones and go to the coffee taken. But certainly, those should agree with shops and houses of worship, I want you to the goals of the United States, which is peace remind the people that I’m going to work and freedom. You see, we believe that free- hard to keep America strong, to keep Amer- dom is not America’s gift to the world. We ica secure. I’ll work hard to make sure we’re believe freedom is the Almighty’s gift to ev- prosperous and free. erybody in the world. We believe free soci- I regret one thing about this event, and eties are peaceful societies. We believe in that is Laura is not with me. human justice and human dignity and human rights. We cry when we hear stories about Audience members. Oh-h-h. people being tortured, women being raped The President. I know it. I know it. in rape rooms. We weep when we discover [Laughter] You drew the short straw. mass graves of innocent Iraqis. We under- [Laughter] She is a fabulous sister-in-law. stand that tyranny is not the form of govern- She’s a great wife, a wonderful mother, and ment that will bring hope and justice. And she’s doing a heck of a good job as the First therefore, we’re not only willing to defend Lady of this country. I’m really proud of her. our own security; we’re also willing to defend She sends her very best to all our friends the rights of others. here in central Florida. Thank you. I’m proud of my brother. I tell you, he is a—he has been a superb Governor. He NOTE: The President spoke at 8:30 a.m. in the is a principled man, principled man. When Oval Office at the White House, following a meet- he says something, you can book it. He is ing with Carolyn Kuhl, nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit; Janice Brown, nomi- a man of his word. He is a courageous per- nee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of son, and he’s got his priorities absolutely Columbia Circuit; and Priscilla Owen, nominee right. He loves his faith. He loves his family, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. In and he loves his Florida.

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I want to thank the other cast of characters I know my friend Rich Crotty is here, one who have joined me on this stage. That would of the co-chairmen of the event. But most be Tom Petway, Zach Zachariah, and David of all, I want to thank you all for coming. Brown, all of whom are working hard to Audience members. [Inaudible] make sure that this campaign is well-fi- The President. Well, Crotty—[laugh- nanced. I want to thank you for your hard ter]—a couple of distant cousins leading the work. I appreciate your efforts. charge there. [Laughter] Finally, my friend Mel Martinez is here today. He serves in Mercer Reynolds is with us, who is the na- my Cabinet. Where are you? There he is. tional finance chairman for Bush-Cheney ’04. Mel. He’s done a superb job in my Govern- He’s from Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s an entre- ment. You’ll hear me talk a little bit about preneur and a business guy who has taken the homeownership gap a little later on. He’s time out of his life to work hard, to encourage the leader in making sure that we promote you all to participate. It looks like he as well ownership here in America. He is a—I love as the Floridian leadership did a fabulous job. his story—it’s the story of America, as far as I’m proud you’re here, and I thank you for I am concerned. As you know, Mel was a coming. part of what they call Pedro Pan—Peter Pan. Over the last 3 years, our Nation has acted It’s a program that—where Cuban moms and decisively to confront great challenges. I dads had the courage to send their chil- came to this office to solve problems and not dren—I think Mel was 13 at the time—to pass them on to future Presidents and future send this teenager to America so that they generations. I came to seize opportunities in- could grow up in freedom. It speaks a lot stead of letting them slip away. My adminis- about the mom and dad. It speaks a lot about tration is meeting the tests of our time. the compassion of the American families who Terrorists declared war on the United received the Mel Martinezes of the world. States of America, and war is what they got. As well it speaks a lot about Mel and the We’ve captured or killed many of the key other men and women who came from Cuba leaders of the Al Qaida network, and the rest to flee to freedom. And Mel—it touches my of them know we’re on their trail. In Afghani- heart to know that this man, who could have stan and in Iraq, we gave ultimatums to ter- been living in repression and tyranny, is now ror regimes. Those regimes chose defiance, in the Cabinet of the President of the United and those regimes are no more. Fifty million States. people in those two countries once lived I want to thank Congresswoman Katherine under tyranny, and today, they live in free- Harris and Congressman Tom Feeney for dom. joining us today. Thank you all for coming. Three years ago, our military was not re- I appreciate my friend Bill McCollum, ceiving the resources it needed and morale former Congressman from this part of the was beginning to suffer, so we increased the world, for being here. Thank you for coming, defense budgets to prepare for the threats Bill. of a new era. And today, no one in the world I know we’ve got members of the state- can question the skill and the strength and house here. You’re probably standing by, the spirit of the United States military. waiting for your orders from Governor Bush Three years ago, the economy was in trou- on what to do next. [Laughter] Oh, yes, that’s ble, and then recession was beginning. Then not the way it works. [Laughter] the attacks happened on our country. That The Lieutenant Governor, Toni Jennings, affected economic growth. We had some is here, and I want to thank Toni for coming. scandals in corporate America. We marched Charlie Crist is here. I appreciate Charlie for to war in order to make America more secure being here, the attorney general. We call him and the world more peaceful. That all af- ‘‘General’’ now. [Laughter] Tom Gallagher fected the way our people felt about the fu- is here. I appreciate both the statewide hold- ture, but we acted. We acted. We passed ers. I know State Senator Dan Webster is tough new laws to hold corporate criminals with us today. I want to thank you for com- to account, and in order to get this economy ing, Dan. going again, I have twice led the United

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States Congress to pass historic tax relief for and entrepreneurs. We passed budget agree- the American people. ments to maintain much-needed spending I know that when Americans have more discipline in Washington, DC. On issue after take-home pay to spend, to save, or invest, issue, this administration has acted on prin- the whole economy grows, and people are ciple, has kept its word, and has made more likely to find a job. We’re returning progress for the American people. more money to the people to help them raise The Congress gets a lot of credit for the their families, reducing taxes on dividends progress we’ve made. I want to thank the and capital gains to encourage investment. Speaker, Denny Hastert, and Majority Lead- We’re giving small businesses incentives to er Bill Frist for providing strong leadership. expand and to hire new people. With all I want to thank the Members who are here. these actions, we’re laying the foundation for And you’ve got a great delegation from Flor- greater prosperity and more jobs across ida with whom I’ve been able to work. I want America, so every single citizen has a chance to thank them for their hard work. See, what to realize the American Dream. we’re trying to do is to change the tone in Today, the American economy is strong, Washington, DC. We’re trying to get rid of and it is getting stronger. Third quarter all the needless politics and focus on the peo- growth in our economy was at the fastest ple’s business, focus on results, and not the pace in nearly 20 years. That’s a good sign. ugly process that sometimes takes on. We’re People are finding more new jobs are being making good progress. We really are. created. That’s a good sign. Productivity is And one of the reasons why this adminis- high. Business investment is rising. The tration has been successful is because I’ve housing construction is strong. The tax relief called upon people from all walks of life, peo- we passed is working. We left more money ple like Mel Martinez, to join our Govern- in the hands of the American people, and ment. I have put together a fantastic adminis- our economy is growing stronger. tration for the American people. Our country Three years ago, there was a lot of talk has had no finer Vice President than Dick about education reform, but the truth of the Cheney. matter is, in Washington, there was not much Audience member. [Inaudible] action. So I acted. I called for and the Con- The President. Okay, I agree. Mother gress passed the No Child Left Behind Act. may have a second opinion. [Laughter] With a solid bipartisan majority, we delivered In 3 years, we’ve come far, we’ve done a the most dramatic education reforms in a lot. But our work is only beginning. I’ve set generation. great goals worthy of a great nation. First, See, we believe in high standards. We’re America is committed to expanding the going to challenge the soft bigotry of low ex- realm of freedom and peace for our own se- pectations. We believe every child can learn curity and for the benefit of the world. And to read and write and add and subtract, and second, in our own country, we must work we expect every child to learn to read and for a society of prosperity and compassion write and add and subtract. We’ve increased so that every citizen has a chance to work the education budgets for Title I students. and to succeed and realize the great promise But for the first time, now the Federal Gov- of America. ernment is saying, ‘‘Show us some results.’’ It is clear that the future of freedom and For the first time, we’re saying the days of peace depend on the actions of America. This excusemaking are over. We expect results in Nation is freedom’s home and freedom’s de- every classroom so not one single child is left fender. We welcome this charge of history, behind. and we are keeping it. The war on terror con- We reorganized our Government and cre- tinues. The enemies of freedom are not idle, ated the Department of Homeland Security and neither are we. This country will not rest; to better safeguard our ports and borders and we will not tire; we will not stop until this better secure the American people. We danger to civilization is removed. passed trade promotion authority to open up We are confronting that danger in Iraq, markets for Florida’s farmers and ranchers the latest front in the war on terror. We’re

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confronting that danger where Saddam hold- We have a duty to keep our commitment outs and foreign terrorists are desperately to America’s seniors by strengthening and trying to throw Iraq into chaos by attacking modernizing Medicare. After years of debate coalition forces and international aid workers and delay and deadlock, the Congress is and innocent Iraqi citizens. They know that nearing final passage of the biggest improve- the advance of freedom in Iraq would be a ments in senior health care in nearly 40 years. major defeat for the cause of terror. This col- We’re on the verge of giving our seniors pre- lection of killers is trying to shake the will scription drug coverage, expanded coverage of America. America will not be intimidated. for preventive medicine and therapies, more We’re aggressively striking the terrorists in health care choices. Members of Congress Iraq, defeating them there so we will not have supported these Medicare reforms with have to face them in our own country. We’re their words. Now it is time to support these calling for other nations to help. You see, a reforms with their votes. The House and the free Iraq will make the whole world more Senate must quickly reconcile their dif- secure. We’re standing with the Iraqi people ferences and send me a bill. We need to give as they assume more of their own defense our seniors a modern Medicare system be- and as they move toward self-government. fore the year is out. These are not easy tasks, but they are es- And for the sake of our health care system, sential tasks. We will finish what we have we need to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits begun, and we will win this essential victory which increase the cost of medicine. I appre- in the war on terror. Our greatest security ciate Jeb’s leadership on this important issue, comes from the advance of human liberty, and it’s an important issue. If you’ve been because free nations do not support terror, harmed by a bad doctor, you deserve your free nations do not attack their neighbors, day in court. Systems shouldn’t reward law- free nations do not threaten the world with yers who are simply fishing for a rich settle- weapons of mass terror. ment. Jeb’s taken on this issue, and so have Americans believe that freedom is the I. And the reason I have is because frivolous deepest need and hope of every human lawsuits drive up the cost of health care, and heart. I believe that freedom is the future of every nation. And I know that freedom they therefore affect the Federal budget. is not America’s gift to the world; freedom Medical liability reform is a national issue is God’s gift to every man and women who that requires a national solution. lives in the world. I put out a good proposal. It was passed We understand that unprecedented influ- by the House of Representatives. It is stuck ence brings tremendous responsibilities. We in the United States Senate. It is important have duties in this world, and when we see for those Senators who are preventing this disease and starvation and hopeless poverty, bill from going forward to understand that we will not turn away. On the continent of nobody has ever been healed by a frivolous Africa, America is leading the world. We are lawsuit. committed to bringing the healing power, the I have a responsibility as the President to healing power of medicine to millions of men make sure the judicial system runs well, and and women and children suffering with I met that duty. I’ve nominated superb men AIDS. This mighty, strong, powerful Nation and women for the Federal courts, people is a compassionate nation. And I’m proud to who will interpret the law, not legislate from say, we’re doing everything we can in the im- the bench. Today I met with three superb portant work of human rescue. women in the Oval Office before I got on We’ve got challenges here at home, and the airplane to come to Florida, three fan- we’ll be equal to the challenges. We’ll con- tastic nominees, people who will represent tinue to push a pro-growth environment. I their judiciary with class and distinction and want people working. We’ll continue to work integrity. Yet, their nominations are being on our economy until everybody who wants held up. They can’t get a vote on the floor. to work and is not working today can find I call upon the Florida Senators to let these a job. three women get a vote on the floor of the

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United States Senate. Every nominee de- must be closed. Mel and I have developed serves a fair hearing and an up-or-down vote. a plan to close that gap. I’ve submitted ele- It’s time for Members of the United States ments of the plan to the United States Con- Senate to stop playing politics with American gress. justice. We want more people owning and man- This country needs a comprehensive en- aging their own health care plans. We want ergy plan. We must promote energy effi- more people owning and managing their own ciency and conservation and develop clean retirement accounts. We want more people technologies to help us explore in environ- owning their own small business. This admin- mentally sensible ways for energy. For the istration understands that when a person sake of economic security and for the sake owns something, he or she has a vital stake of national security, this Nation must become in the future of our country. less dependent on foreign sources of energy. A compassionate society—in a compas- They passed a bill out of the House. They sionate society, people respect one another, passed a bill out of the Senate. They need and they take responsibility for the decisions to reconcile their differences and get the en- they make in life. The culture of America ergy plan to my desk before they go home is changing from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels this Christmas. good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve got a problem, A strong and prosperous nation must also blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in which be a compassionate nation. I’m going to con- each of us understands we’re responsible for tinue to advance our agenda of compas- the decisions we make in life. If you’re fortu- sionate conservatism, which means we will nate enough to be a mom or a dad, you’re apply the most effective, innovative tech- responsible for loving your child with all your niques and ideas to help fellow citizens who heart. If you’re worried about the quality of hurt. There’s still a lot of people in our coun- the education in the community in which you try, millions of men and women who want live, you’re responsible for doing something to end their dependence on Government and about it. If you’re a CEO in corporate Amer- become independent through hard work. ica, you’re responsible for telling the truth We’ve got a bill on the success of welfare to your shareholders and your employees. reform to bring work and dignity into the And in a responsibility society, each of us lives of more of our citizens. is responsible for loving our neighbor just like Congress needs to complete the ‘‘Citizen we’d like to be loved ourself. Service Act’’ so that more Americans can I said the culture is changing, and the cul- serve their communities and their country. ture of service is growing. I started what’s Both Houses should reach agreement on my called the USA Freedom Corps to give Faith-Based Initiative to support the armies Americans a chance to participate in making of compassion, the soldiers of which are men- their communities and cities and neighbor- toring children, caring for the homeless, of- hoods better, and the response has been fan- fering hope to the addicted. Government can tastic. Our charities are strong. Neighbor- hand out money, but it cannot put hope in hood healers are active all across America. people’s hearts. This country is strong be- Our policemen and firefighters and people cause we’re a country of all faiths, we wel- who wear our Nation’s uniform remind us come all faiths. And our Government should on a daily basis what it means to sacrifice not fear the positive influence of faith when for something greater than yourself. Once it comes to the help of healing broken hearts. again, the children of America believe in he- A compassionate society must promote op- roes, because they see them every day. portunity for all, including the independence In these challenging times, the world has and dignity that come from owning some- seen the resolve and the courage of the thing, from ownership. This administration American people. I’ve been privileged to see will constantly strive to promote an owner- the compassion and character of the Amer- ship society in America. We want more peo- ican people. All the tests of the last years ple owning their own home. There is a mi- have come to the right Nation. We’re a nority homeownership gap in America that strong country, and we use our strength to

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defend the peace. We’re an optimistic coun- tainly remember her here. [Laughter] And try, confident in ourselves and in ideals big- she sends her very best. ger than ourselves. I want to thank you all for being here at Abroad, we seek to lift whole nations by what I would call an historic time when it spreading freedom. At home, we seek to lift comes to the health of our seniors, because up lives by spreading opportunity to every I believe, with hard work and the right focus corner of America. This is the work that his- and with your help, we can reform Medicare. tory has set before us. We welcome it, and We can reform Medicare for the benefit of we know that for our country, the best days people who are on Medicare, and we can lie ahead. reform Medicare for those of us who are soon May God bless you all. to be on Medicare. We have an obligation in this country. After years of debate and deadlock and delay, both Houses of Congress NOTE: The President spoke at 12:09 p.m. at are nearing final passage of the biggest im- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. In his provements in senior health care in 40 years. remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; Tom Petway III and Zach Zachariah, Florida State We’re on the verge of giving seniors prescrip- finance cochairmen, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; and tion drug coverage, expanded coverage for Tom Gallagher, chief financial officer, Florida De- preventative maintenance medicine and partment of Financial Services. He also referred therapy, and more health care choices. to Title I of the Improving America’s Schools Act Members of Congress say they support of 1994 (Public Law No. 103–382), which amend- these Medicare reforms. Now it’s time for ed Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Edu- a final vote. Members of Congress must re- cation Act of 1965 (Public Law No. 89–10). solve their remaining differences. The House and the Senate must resolve their differences Remarks at the Engelwood and get a bill to me. For the sake of Amer- ica’s seniors, I call on the United States Con- Neighborhood Center in Orlando gress to get the job done. November 13, 2003 I appreciate Josefina’s service to our Na- tion. As you know, she’s the Assistant Sec- Thanks for coming. Thanks for the warm retary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health. welcome. I want to thank the Engelwood Her boss, Tommy Thompson, a former Gov- Neighborhood Center for hosting us. [Ap- ernor of Wisconsin, Cabinet Secretary, is plause] You’re awfully kind to have us. Be- now—has been on the Hill today working out have yourself. [Laughter] I wish I had time the differences between the House and the for a workout. I saw your facilities. [Laugh- Senate. He is intricately involved in making ter] One good way to help people maintain sure we get us a good Medicare bill. their health is to encourage people to exer- I want to thank my brother, the Governor cise. And I want to thank those of you who of this great State, who cares. He’s got the are encouraging people of all ages to get a right priorities. I know his priorities because little exercise on a daily basis. The best way we were both raised by the same mother. to make sure your health is strong is to pre- [Laughter] By the way, she wants there to vent disease in the first place. Nothing like be a modern Medicare system. [Laughter] going out for a good stroll to keep yourself But Jeb prioritizes his faith and his family healthy. and the people of Florida. He cares deeply I also want to thank our friends in my ad- about the people here. I’m proud of his lead- ministration and the seniors who are partici- ership. They may say I’m not very objective, pating in the discussions in Denver, Philadel- but he’s a great Governor. phia, Phoenix, Cleveland, and Dallas. I notice I’m honored that five distinguished Mem- that Surgeon General Carmona is hosting an bers of the United States House of Rep- event on the SMU campus. That kind of resentatives have joined us here for this dis- warms my heart, because First Lady Laura cussion. They are people who are going to Bush went to SMU. I don’t know if they still help make the decision. I view them as allies remember her there—[laughter]—but I cer- in this important issue as well as allies in

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helping us keep the peace around the world. the good news about Medicare and the bad They are Congressman Ric Keller, Congress- news about Medicare, what works in Medi- man John Mica, Congressman Adam Put- care and what doesn’t work in Medicare. nam, Congressman Katherine Harris, and Both of us like to listen to people who have Congressman—Congresswoman Katherine had firsthand experiences, and I want to Harris, and Congressman Tom Feeney. I’m thank the meeting participants for sharing honored you all are here. their stories with us. I appreciate so very much your interest in Today when I landed—at your fantastic this issue. I want to thank you for working airport, by the way—I met Tillie—[ap- with us. It’s a tough issue. It’s a tough issue plause]. Crotty, that’s a good sign when peo- because it’s a complex issue, but modernizing ple clap when I mention the airport. [Laugh- Medicare is the right thing to do. We must ter] I met a very interesting woman named not miss this opportunity. I ask the Members Tillie Walther. Tillie is here. Tillie is a volun- to go back and take—share the passion that teer for the Retired and Senior Volunteer not only I share—have but the others in the Program. It’s called RSVP. She dedicates a audience have about those of us in Wash- lot of time to help other people. ington doing our duty, doing what we’re The reason I bring up Tillie is that when called to do, and that is to tackle tough issues people focus on America, they think about and lead. our great military might, and I’ll keep our I want to thank Rhonda Medows, who is military mighty. They think about our pock- the secretary of the Agency of Health Care etbooks; we’re working hard to make sure Administration. Rhonda, thank you for com- they’re full. The truth of the matter is, the ing. I want to thank Terry White for being great strength of our country is the heart and here. It’s good to see you again, Terry. He’s souls of our citizens, people who are willing the secretary of the Florida Department of to take time out of their day to make some- Elder Affairs. They know what I’m talking body else’s life better. And Tillie is such a about, for the need for us to have a modern person. She’s leading by example. I love her Medicare system. You know more than they spirit. I love the example she sets. My call know, because you live on Medicare; you un- to people here and around our country is to derstand the system needs to be changed and love your neighbor just like you’d like to be modernized. loved yourself. Find a way to help somebody I want to thank the mayor of Orlando, in need. Find a way to help somebody who Buddy Dyer, for coming. Mr. Mayor, I’m hurts, and the country will be better off. honored you’re here. Thank you for taking Thank you, Tillie. Thanks for coming. I’m time. I appreciate Rich Crotty, who is the really, really honored you’re here. chairman of Orange County, for being here Many seniors depend upon Medicare. as well. Thank you, Rich, for coming. I appre- That’s what we’re here to talk about. And ciate the interest of Federal, State, and local the Medicare program is a basic trust that officials in this very important subject. must be upheld throughout the generations. I want to thank—I just came from what Our Government has made a commitment they call a roundtable discussion. Generally to our seniors—the Federal Government has we have roundtable discussions sitting at made a commitment to our seniors through square tables. [Laughter] You know how the Medicare program. We made a commit- Government works. [Laughter] Jeb and I met ment to provide good health care for seniors, with Estelle Baker and Loretta De and we must uphold that commitment. Maintenon; the MacDonalds, Marge and Each of the seniors that I talked to today Mac; and Beverly and Dick Allred. The rea- understands that Medicare needs to be mod- son we did is because we want to hear first- ernized. It needs to be changed. It needs to hand their stories. I’ll share some of their be brought into the 21st century. They all stories with you. But you know, there’s no- want the Medicare system that allows them body—the best people to share with us the to pick the health care coverage that best need to modernize Medicare are those who meets their needs. And I want to share with rely on Medicare. And they’re able to tell you some of the thoughts that we had.

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Marge and Mac MacDonald, they take raculous new prescription drugs. Medicine seven different medications at a cost of about has changed; Medicare hasn’t. $300 a month, and they have no prescription Three-quarters of seniors have some kind drug coverage. That is not exactly how the of drug coverage, and that’s positive news. planners of Medicare envisioned a senior Yet seniors relying exclusively on Medicare spending their years of retirement. That’s ex- do not have coverage for prescription pensive. It’s costly. Marge says she’s frus- drugs—for most prescription drugs and for trated that Washington has not delivered a many forms of preventative care. That needs prescription drug benefit under Medicare. to be fixed. This is not good medicine. It’s She says, ‘‘I’m tired of the talk.’’ This is her not cost-effective. Medicare needs to change. words, not mine. ‘‘I’m tired of the talk. Soon- For example, Medicare will pay—I want er or later, somebody needs to do something. you to hear this example. Medicare will pay What is the point of retiring at all if you’re for extended hospital stays for ulcer surgery, going to worry about whether you have the at the cost of about $28,000 per patient. money you need to survive?’’ Marge is right. That’s important coverage, particularly if you We’ve had plenty of talk in Washington. have an ulcer. Yet, Medicare will not pay for We’ve debated this issue for a long time. the drugs that eliminate the cause of most Now is the time for action. ulcers, drugs that cost about $500 a year— Estelle Baker—I mentioned Estelle ear- willing to pay the $28,000 for the hospital lier—she, in addition to her Medicare bene- stay but not the $500 to try to keep the per- fits, she has drug coverage through a supple- son out of the hospital in the first place. To mental insurance policy. Perhaps some of me, that says we’ve got a system that needs you all have the same type of arrangement. to updated and modernized. It’s not enough She said it’s time for all seniors to have that for Medicare to pay to treat our seniors after kind of coverage. She said, ‘‘Seniors should they get sick. Medicare should be covering have the same kind of safety net—some kind of safety net, and it should be done as soon the medications that will be keeping our sen- as possible.’’ In other words, that—what iors from getting sick in the first place. you’re hearing from people is that when peo- The best way to provide our seniors with ple retire, they don’t want to have to worry. modern medicine, including prescription They’ve been worrying, probably raising their drug coverage and better preventative care, kids and worrying about their jobs and wor- is to give them better choices under Medi- rying about this and worrying about that. We care. If seniors have choices, health care don’t want our seniors worrying about a plans will compete for their business by of- health care system that is not meeting their fering better coverage at affordable prices. needs. That’s a fact. With greater choice, we can Every senior I’ve talked to is grateful about give American seniors the very best of mod- the Medicare system, and it’s done a lot. In ern medicine. many ways, it’s fulfilled the promise, up until It’s very important for people on Medicare recent history, and therefore the system to know that one of the choices that I strongly needs to be undated. That’s what we’re here support and Members of Congress support to discuss. That’s what Congress must hear. is allowing people to remain in traditional They must hear your voice that the system Medicare programs. We fully understand needs to be updated, that while the system that some seniors simply do not want to has worked, we can do a better job. change, and that’s understandable. In any Remember, Medicare was created at a system, modernization must say to the sen- time when medicine consisted mostly of iors, ‘‘If you’re happy where you are, you stay house calls and surgery and long hospital there.’’ If you’re a senior who wants to stay stays. That was the nature of medicine when in Medicare and you’re concerned about pre- Medicare was created, and therefore the scription drugs, you should be able to get Medicare system responded to that. Now a Medicare-approved prescription drug cov- modern medicine includes preventative care, erage. That’s what the bill says. And that’s outpatient procedures, at-home care, and mi- what we want to happen: There’s no reason

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for you to leave Medicare and that the Medi- the bill—when it passes, and I’m an opti- care system needs to be modernized to in- mist—particularly with your help, I will even clude prescription drugs. be more optimistic—that in the time the bill If you’re a senior who wants enhanced transitions between the old system and the benefits, something a little different, some- new system, there will be a Medicare-ap- thing better, something that meets your par- proved drug discount card for you. Low-in- ticular needs, such as a new Medicare-ap- come beneficiaries will receive an annual proved private plan that includes a drug ben- $600 subsidy, along with their discount card, efit along with other options, coverage for to help them purchase their prescription extended hospital stays or protection against medicines. high out-of-pocket expenses, you should have And the legislation that Congress passes that choice as well. In other words, there must make sure that the prescription drug are—a variety of choices ought to be avail- coverage provided to many retirees by their able for seniors. If you like managed care employers is not undermined. We don’t want plans, if you’re happy with that, that option the system to undermine some of the really ought to be available. And if you’re a low- good plans that you may have received as income senior without much savings, you will a result of your previous employer. Medicare receive extra help each month and more gen- legislation should encourage employers to erous coverage so you can afford a Medicare continue the benefits, while also extending option that includes prescription drug bene- drug coverage to the millions of Medicare fits. beneficiaries who now lack it. That’s the reform in front of Congress. It’s Congress should also make sure that Medi- moving forward. We’ve just got to make sure care rests on solid accounting. The current it moves forward to completion. That’s what Medicare system accounting does not always we’re here to discuss today. In Medicare re- give a clear indication of its long-term finan- form, we’re applying this basic principle: cial health. I support the Medicare system Seniors should get to choose the kind of cov- that alerts future Congresses and Presidents erage that works best for them, instead of when Medicare’s costs are rising faster than having that choice made solely by the Gov- expected, so they can address the problem. ernment. You see, every Member of Con- The accounting safeguard that we’re working gress gets to choose a health care plan that on in the bill will help Medicare stand on makes the most sense for them, and the same a strong financial foundation. We owe that for Federal employees. If choice is good for to the taxpayers of our country. Members of the Congress, then choice is The important thing we’re talking about good for America’s seniors. here is, not only will the steps we’re taking For seniors without any drug coverage strengthen Medicare for today’s seniors but now, the reforms will make a big difference also for tomorrow’s retirees. It seems to be in their lives. In return for a monthly pre- a popular thought with the baby boomers. mium of about $35, or $1 a day, most seniors Many workers are counting on Medicare to now without coverage will see their drug bills provide good health care coverage in their cut roughly in half. A senior who has no drug retirement. These reforms will give our coverage now and a monthly drug cost of workers confidence that Medicare will serve $200 would save more than $1,700 on drug them with the very best of modern medicine, costs each year. A senior with monthly drug and that’s important for people to know. The costs of $800 would save nearly $5,900 on budget I submitted earlier this year commits drug costs each year. an additional $400 billion over 10 years to Putting improvements into place are going implement this vision of a stronger Medicare to take some time, and so we need to give system. This is enough to meet our commit- seniors some immediate savings. We’ll pro- ments to the seniors today and to future gen- vide all seniors with a Medicare-approved erations of Americans. drug discount card that would save between I urge the seniors and all Americans to 10 to 25 percent off the cost of their medi- speak up and to call or write your Represent- cines. So in other words, when the bill—as atives or Senators and urge them to get a

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final bill that meets the goal I just outlined. And so it is my privilege and honor to wel- You need to speak up for prescription drug come a close friend to the Oval Office. Wel- coverage. You need to speak up for health come. care choices. You need to speak up for a President Ciampi. Today I come to the modern Medicare system that puts patients United States as President of the Italian Re- and doctors in charge. For years, our seniors public and as a staunch advocate of Euro- have been calling for a prescription drug ben- pean integration. I will go to Arlington Cem- efit. For years, American seniors have been etery this afternoon. No Italian, no European calling for more choices in their health care can ever forget how much democratic Eu- coverage, and now we’ll see who is really lis- rope owes to the young Americans who gave tening in Washington, DC. their lives for our freedom. On Sunday I will The choice is simple: Either we will have go to Ground Zero to honor the victims of more debate, more delay, and more dead- terrorism. lock, or we’ll make real progress. I made my President Bush. Thank you. choice. I want real progress, and I urge the President Ciampi. I want to thank Presi- Congress to take the path of progress and dent Bush for his words, for expressing soli- give our seniors a modern Medicare system. darity in connection with the horrible attack We’ve come far. Let’s finish the job. against Italian forces in Iraq. Italy went to Thank you for coming. God bless. Iraq not to take part in a war but to con- tribute to rebuild a country. This is the iden- tity of the Italian Republic, to build peace, NOTE: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to Surgeon General Richard to solve post-conflict situations. We have Carmona; Josefina Carbonell, Assistant Secretary done it in the past, and we do it in many for Aging, Department of Health and Human parts of the world today. Services; Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; and Rich T. With President Bush, we agreed on the Crotty, chairman, Orange County Governing goal to accelerate full implementation of Board. The Office of the Press Secretary also re- United Nations Resolution 1511. We support leased a Spanish language transcript of these re- the idea of drawing a roadmap for the Iraqi marks. political process in order to establish a full- fledged Government. Remarks Prior to Discussions With The ideals of democracy and freedom have President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi of their roots and their strongest foundation in Europe and North America. As it happens, Italy and an Exchange With even among friends, there have been prob- Reporters lems between us on specific aspects of trans- November 14, 2003 atlantic cooperation. We are committed, es- pecially us Italians, to put them fully behind President Bush. Thank you all for com- us, for they do not dent and cannot dent ing. Mr. President, it is my honor to welcome the—[inaudible]—solidarity between Eu- you to the Oval Office. You come at a dif- rope and the United States. Upholding Atlan- ficult period for your country. You come at tic cohesion is a duty and a necessity. a time when your nation grieves for the brave I already mentioned to President Bush, sons who lost their life. I send our Nation’s and we will continue to do so during the gratitude and prayers to the loved ones who working lunch, about the rationale of what are grieving today in Italy. the European Union wants to do to become I want to thank you for the friendship be- more united and speak with a single voice. tween our two nations. I want to thank you We are progressing in bringing about and for your strong leadership in standing up to completing a constitutional treaty which will the terrorists who are trying to create fear enable the European Union to function bet- and chaos. And I want to thank you for your ter and, again, to speak with a single voice. understanding that a free and peaceful Iraq A united, stronger—with a new configura- will help make the entire world more peace- tion of Europe, it will be a stronger Europe ful. with 25 member states and over 450 million

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citizens and will reinforce and extend a vast eral Abizaid and the discussions with Bremer area of security and peace. And they will be- and all the different pieces of evidence to come a better partner also for the United that effect are really saying that as the enemy States. changes, so will we. And we’ll bring them I intend to continue my conversation with to justice, and Iraq will be more secure, and President Bush so that we can work together, Iraq is going to be free. And that’s in the United States, Italy, Europe, to reinforce Nation’s interest that it be so. pressures to bring about a solution to the Would you like to call on an Italian mem- conflict of Israel and Palestinian problems, ber of the press? There is traveling press so that we can arrive to a right and just solu- from Italy, isn’t there? Would anybody care tion. And this will help us to fight, better, to ask a question? terrorism. And we have to fight terrorists— It’s the old double-question trick. terrorism in a better way so that the Islamic Q. It’s a question to both you, President world will know that we view them as a civili- Bush, and President Ciampi. Italy is going zation both near and friendly to ours. through very difficult times, as it is the case In conclusion, I think that we should rein- for other countries who are present in Iraq. force our action to increase the actions also And so the question is, will the presence of within the international institutions, such as U.S. and Italian troops in Iraq change their the United Nations, to whose establishment strategy in order to respond to the deteriora- the United States has made a fundamental tion of the situation? contribution. Italy will continue to fight, with President Bush. That’s a very good ques- determination, terrorists. tion. I’ll go first, if you don’t mind. The an- President Bush. Thank you. Listen, we’ll swer to your question is yes. It’s very impor- have a couple of questions here. We’ll alter- tant that our commanders on the ground be nate between the American press and the given flexibility to be able to adjust tactics Italian press. We expect there to be some to an enemy that is changing its tactics. First order here during the question-and-answer of all, the enemy wants to create the condi- period. In order to set the example, Jennifer tion of fear. They want people to fear them. [Jennifer Loven, Associated Press], would They will lose that aspect of the battle be- you like to begin in a calm and rational way? cause our will will remain strong. Coalition Goals and Tactics in Iraq And secondly, we must use more Iraqis Q. I would. With the speeding up of the to gather intelligence and to be on the front- transfer of power in Iraq, do you envision line of securing their own country. And that’s that meaning a quicker reduction of U.S. exactly what we’re doing. forces there? And third, when we find actionable intel- President Bush. Well, we are—I in- ligence, we will strike fast to bring killers to structed Ambassador Bremer to take—to go justice. And that’s what we’re doing as well. back to Iraq with the instructions that we President Ciampi. I only want to add a will work with the Governing Council to few words, and this concerns exclusively tac- speed up the political process in a rational tical maneuvers that have to be decided by way. That’s what he’s going to do, on the the commanders who are on the field, onsite. belief that we’ve made a lot of progress on Our military forces received specific and very the ground, that the Governing Council is clear instructions when they went to Iraq. better prepared to take more responsibility. The implementation of these instructions In terms of security, we will do whatever stem from the assessment of their com- it takes to help Iraq develop into a free and manders on the field. peaceful country. That is our goal. And we President Bush. Yes, very good. Steve will stay there until the job is done, and then [Steve Holland, Reuters]. Yes, sorry. we’ll leave. And the enemy has changed tac- Q. Can you envision pulling U.S. troops tics on the ground, and so we’re changing out of Iraq before Saddam Hussein is found? our response, and that’s what you’re begin- President Bush. Look, we will stay until ning to see now. The discussions with Gen- the job is done, and the job is for Iraq to

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be free and peaceful. A free and peaceful people deserve to be free of torture cham- Iraq will have historic consequences. And bers and mass graves. And the work we are we’ll find Saddam Hussein. The goal is for doing together is humane and compassionate a free and peaceful Iraq, and by being strong and necessary for peace, and I thank the peo- and determined, we will achieve that objec- ple of Italy. tive. Thank you all. Final question here. I promised the Presi- President Ciampi. I just want to add that dent I would buy him lunch, and if we keep the Italian Red Cross is still in Iraq, and answering questions, we won’t be able to eat they’re still carrying out their duties, and lunch. they’re giving assistance to the people who President Ciampi. I have nothing else to is really in need of assistance. add. President Bush. All right. We’ve got to President Bush. Okay. go eat. I hope you do too. Sir, please. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. in the Humanitarian Aid Workers in Iraq Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, Q. I have a question to President Bush. he referred to L. Paul Bremer III, Presidential Given the difficult security situation in the Envoy to Iraq; and Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, country and given the fact that the Red Cross combatant commander, U.S. Central Command. left the country, what can be done to ensure President Ciampi spoke in Italian, and his remarks and guarantee the protection of the return were translated by an interpreter. of the Red Cross and also of other humani- tarian organizations? Interview With British Journalists President Bush. Yes, that’s an excellent question. Thank you for asking that. First, November 14, 2003 there are Red Cross workers still there. The headquarters left Baghdad, but many work- The Oval Office ers are still there. Secondly, there are—be- The President. I wanted to show you this sides the Red Cross, there are other organi- shrine to democracy here, kind of give you zations still in place that are delivering the a sense of who I am. humanitarian help that is needed to help Iraq Laura designed that—that would be my rebuild herself. wife. I wanted people to, when they walk in It is very important for the leaders of the here, to have a sense of optimism. I wanted NGOs to recognize that if they don’t go into people to say, ‘‘The person whose office is Baghdad, they’re doing exactly what the ter- in here, or who works in here, is an optimistic rorists want them to do. The situation on the person.’’ And I thought she did a fabulous ground for the Iraqi citizens, the humani- job capturing my sense about our future. tarian situation, is improving, and the main Well, as you can see, it’s got sun rays. reason why is because there are ministries Q. Has it worked? Have people coming up and running, staffed by very capable Iraqi in—— citizens. The President. See, that’s what you’re We will stay the course, and as more and supposed to tell me. [Laughter] more Iraqis realize freedom is precious and Q. Can we—[inaudible]—the enemy to freedom is a beautiful way of life, they will you? [Laughter] assume more and more responsibilities, not The President. I don’t ask everybody that only for security but for humanitarian rea- comes in to work. I just want you to know sons as well. why we do what we do with the rug. This Finally, I want to thank the Italian people looks like Texas; it’s a Texas star. These are once again for working toward a world that paintings of Texas. This is a guy named is more humane and more decent and more Onderdonk, a great Texas painter. That’s peaceful. The Iraqi people deserve to live a what our ranch looks like. That’s west Texas, life of freedom. The Iraqi people deserve to where—far west Texas. Where I was raised, have their children go to schools. The Iraqi it’s flatter than that. Laura’s mother was

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raised in that country. It’s a really special part speaks to my spirituality. But my job as the of the room. President is not to promote a religion. My Q. Is that actually the ranch? job is to capture what I call the spirit of The President. No, it’s not. It looks like America, to call upon people to serve, and it—two other Texas paintings. Obviously, I that painting reminds me of that. love Texas. It’s very important for a President Q. What painting is it again? to know who he is before you take this job, The President. Pardon me? a lot of pressure here, a lot of decision- Q. What’s it called? making. If you try to figure out who you are The President. ‘‘A Charge to Keep I on the job—— Have.’’ Q. It’s too late. Q. Is that possible—— The President. ——you’re not doing a The President. I think it is, yes. This, by very good job. Exactly. Before I get to the way—now we’re going to get to the— there—well, Washington, George Wash- this is the beginning. I hope you’re recording ington, of course. It’s kind of hard to envision all this. Rutherford B. Hayes above the mantel, isn’t Q. Can we go again? [Laughter] it? Anyway, Lincoln is this country’s greatest The Resolute Desk/Churchill Bust President, so I put him on the wall. I think The President. This desk was given to he was the greatest President, because the America by Queen Victoria. By the way, I job of President is to unite the country to would like to talk about two things here in achieve big objectives. It’s hard to achieve the Oval Office, two articles, one the desk big things if you’re not united. We’re achiev- and one a bust, that should describe how I ing freedom and peace, so we’ll spend a little value the relationship with our close and time talking about it—Iraq. unique friend, which is why I’m so grateful At home, a compassionate America is a big that I’ve been invited to go. You’re about to objective. In order to do that, a President get the preamble to the discussions. must call upon people to serve their neigh- This desk is called the H.M.S. Resolute bors in need. I understand the limits of gov- Desk. The timber is from the H.M.S. Reso- ernment when it comes to compassion. The lute, which was rescued in the Arctic, and truth of the matter is, the great strength of Queen Victoria, out of gratitude for the rela- our country is the heart and souls of our citi- tionship, made this desk from the timber. It’s zens, incredibly passionate people here. My a beautiful desk. Not every President has job is to call them to, as I like to put it, to used this. love their neighbor like they would like to It has some interesting features. Roosevelt be loved themselves, which leads to this put the door on the desk to cover up his painting here. infirmities. He didn’t want people to know It’s called ‘‘A Charge to Keep.’’ It’s based he was in a wheelchair. John-John Kennedy upon a Methodist hymn. As you know, there put his head out of the desk, probably the was a renegade Englishman named John most famous Oval Office photo. His dad was Wesley, and we are Methodists—at least, I looking out at the South Lawn there. Reagan am Methodist, and my wife is a Methodist. put the bottom on the desk so his knees And we sang this hymn at my first inaugural wouldn’t hit. So it’s been an interesting his- church service as Governor. And my friend tory. I love it. O’Neill, who is not a Methodist—he intro- Q. What are you going to do to it? duced Laura and me in their backyard in The President. I don’t know. Good ques- Midland—he said, ‘‘I’ve got a painting based tion. I’m just going to treat it like a treasure, upon that hymn, and would you like to hang which is what it is. it in the Governor’s office?’’ I said, ‘‘I don’t Q. Does this mean we’re forgiven for think it’s going to fit.’’ It turned out to be burning down the White House? [Laughter] perfect. The President. Well, that’s another part The hymn talks about serving something of the White House. This was built after that greater than yourself in life. Personally it tragic occurrence. As a matter of fact, there’s

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a painting hanging in there that we love to and pretty magnificent. I’ve been looking for- show people, where Dolly Madison cut out ward to it. the picture of George Washington, rolled it I’m really looking forward to spending up, and ran with it before the White House time with my friend—and I emphasize ‘‘my burned, thanks to a savage attack. [Laughter] friend’’—Tony Blair. He’s a smart, capable, Q. It was all a mistake. trustworthy friend, and we’ve got a lot to talk The President. Of course it was. about. We’ll talk about Iraq. We’ll talk about Q. Identification problem. trade. We’ll talk about commerce. We’ll talk The President. Yes, exactly. Weren’t sure about issues that we can work together on where they were. This is, of course, Church- to help human suffering. ill. Tony Blair knew that I was an admirer I’ll be doing different events. I’ll be giving of Churchill, and he arranged for this bust a speech there that I’m working on now, that to be loaned here. I am an admirer. I thought will confirm my understanding of the impor- Churchill was a clear thinker. I thought he tance of this relationship. But I’ll talk about was a—the kind of guy that stood tough when other ambitions that we can work on together you needed to stand tough. He represented to promote freedom and peace and a com- values that both countries hold dear, the passion agenda that I think our countries are value of freedom, the belief in democracy, uniquely suited to work on. human dignity of every person. I admired his So I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to wit. I wish I could be as witty as he was, be an exciting trip for us, and I really thank because he had a fantastic mind and a charm- Her Majesty for opening the invitation. I’ve ing guy. got my tails all set out and ready to go. And there’s some interesting political les- [Laughter] Had to rent them, but—[laugh- sons there. Sometimes you’re up. Sometimes ter]—just don’t tell anybody. you’re down. But you’ve got to do what you Q. It gets a bit noisy in the palace when think is right. And that’s the lesson of Win- the morning papers arrive, so you’ll need ston Churchill, who was a strong leader. to—— So anyway, he sits here, along with Lincoln The President. They do? Yes. I guess I’ll and Ike. have to go to bed early and wake up early. All right. So welcome to the Oval Office. Anyway, let’s go around while we’ve got time. Q. Thank you very much. President’s Upcoming Meeting With Families of Fallen British Soldiers President’s Upcoming Visit to the United Q. May I just begin by asking what you Kingdom hope to take away from the visit? And in par- The President. The President must un- ticular, can I ask you what message you will derstand in this office that the person is have for families of the British servicemen never bigger than the office. If you think who have been killed in Iraq? you’re bigger than the office, you’ll fail as The President. Sure. President. The Presidency is bigger than the Q. Because I gather you’ll get to meet. person. It will last—stay here a lot longer The President. I am going to meet some. than any individual. That’s an important les- Look, there’s two messages. One, the prayers son here that Presidents must understand. of the American people and the prayers of Come on in. the President are with them as they suffer. Just a couple of comments, then we’ll an- I believe in prayer. I believe that there is swer questions for a while. I am looking for- a comforting and healing Almighty, and I’ll ward to the trip. It’s going to be a really inter- ask that their souls be comforted. esting and fun experience for Laura and me. Secondly, that I will tell them that their Obviously, staying at Buckingham Palace is loved one did not die vain. The actions we going to be an historic moment. I never have taken will make the world more secure dreamt when I was living in Midland, Texas, and the world more peaceful in the long run, that I would be staying in Buckingham Pal- that a free Iraq, free of weapons of mass de- ace. Buckingham Palace has got a resonance struction, free of tyranny, is not only good to it here in America which is pretty grand for the long-suffering Iraqi people, which in

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itself is important, but is going to be good Tony Blair understands the devastation for the long-term for countries which love that terror can bring to a country in a civ- freedom. Can you imagine the historic ilized world. He knows the tactics of the ter- change, the landmark moment that is taking rorists are to create fear and chaos. He knows place now, where we’ve got a free—a country what they want is for the civilized world to which is emerging to be free and peaceful retreat so that their tyranny and their blood- in the midst of a part of the world where shed and their unbelievable barbaric form of violence and tyranny and terror have government, like the Taliban, will take hold. reigned? And he refuses to allow his country to be And I view this as an historic moment, and terrorized, and he refuses to allow peoples I will share with them, just like I share with to become subjugated to that kind of our own families here, a deep grief, my sor- ideologies. And I respect him greatly for that. row for the sacrifice, but the fact that what And I admire him as a strong leader. He is taking place today is a noble cause. tells you what he thinks, and he does what he says he’s going to do. And that’s about Prime Minister Tony Blair as high a compliment as I can pay a fellow leader. Q. Mr. President, to focus it back on Mr. Blair and Britain, here is a guy who has lost President’s Popularity/Decisionmaking two Ministers, who has lost a large part of Q. Mr. President, you’re going to find, I the Parliamentary party, and who—it could think, quite a large number of people on the be said, polls—has lost the faith of a large streets demonstrating during your visit for a part of the country over Iraq. He’s still, as variety of reasons, which highlights a rather you saw the other night in the Lord Mayor’s striking contrast between—you’re still a pret- banquet speech, 100 million percent there, ty popular President at home, but you’re not and this against the great tide of popular a very popular President in various states opinion. What have you got on him? What’s around the world. the relationship? And what’s the—— The President. Yes. The President. Well, that’s just Tony—— Q. Does that—how do you account for the Q. And what’s the payoff? [Laughter] lack of popularity around the world? And The President. Freedom and peace. Tony does it matter to you? Blair is making decisions for the right rea- The President. Well, first of all, I—it’s sons. He is a—in my relationship with him, kind of—all I can tell you is I went to the he is the least political person I’ve dealt with. Philippines. There was thousands and thou- And I say that out of respect. He makes deci- sands and thousands of people out there, and sions based upon what he thinks is right. they were waving with all five fingers. He’s plenty independent. If he thinks— [Laughter] if he thought the policy that we have both No, look, I frankly haven’t paid that much worked on was wrong, he’d tell me. He be- attention to what you just described. But lieves it’s in his country’s interest that we first, I admire a country which welcomes work for a free and peaceful Iraq. He, as people to express their opinion. I’m proud much as any world leader, saw the con- of Great Britain’s tradition of free speech. sequences of September the 11th, 2001. Ob- I remember going to Hyde Park and seeing viously, there are more—those consequences Speaker’s Corner—what do they call it, and that moment has directly affected my Speaker’s Corner? foreign policy. See, it changed the nature of Q. Yes. the Presidency. It changed the security ar- The President. People up there express- rangements of the United States of America. ing their opinion. And it’s kind of—it’s a I vowed to the American people I would longstanding tradition. People speak their never forget the lessons of September the mind. 11th, 2001, and that is we are no longer pro- Q. Mr. President—— tected by oceans. We’re vulnerable to attack The President. Let me finish here. by terrorists. Q. Sure.

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The President. And I fully understand not the U.N. Security Council said, ‘‘Disarm or everybody is going to agree with the deci- there will be serious consequences.’’ sions I’ve made. I don’t expect everybody to And he didn’t disarm. He had no intention agree. And I make decisions based upon— of disarming. And so then the fundamental in the foreign policy arena, made decisions question came down to a couple of things, based upon a couple of principles. One, how one, the definition of serious consequence. best to secure America? That’s my biggest Serious consequence is not another resolu- responsibility. See, I was there right after tion or another debate inside the U.N. And September the 11th. I saw the smoke. I saw I understand people loathe war. So do I. And the devastation. I heard the grief. I hugged yet, we are war. That’s what September the the firefighters whose—the families of the 11th taught us. It’s a different kind of war. firefighters who rushed in to save. I saw the And I intend to, so long as I’m the President, heroism. And I vowed right then and there wage that war vigorously to protect the that I would use everything in my power to American people. prevent America from being attacked again. And there’s all kinds of ways to wage it. But there’s a greater ambition as well, be- And the best way to win, in the long run, cause I understand that free societies are so- though, is the spread of freedom. And that’s cieties which do not breed terror. And I gave what’s happening. But sure, I can understand a speech the other day, and in that speech people not agreeing with the decision I I said the are certain folks who I think don’t made. believe that freedom can take hold in parts Q. But it is striking, isn’t it, that opinion of our world. And I reminded them about poll after opinion poll—— some of the statements about the post-World The President. I don’t know. I don’t read War II Japan, that there were some skeptics them. who said that, well, Japan couldn’t possibly Q. ——huge solidarity after 9/11—— be a free society or a democratic society. The President. I just don’t pay attention I thought about that when I was eating to the polls. If I were trying to be President dinner with Koizumi, Prime Minister paying attention on the polls, I’d be running Koizumi—he’s a good friend—thinking around in circles. It’s a great—that’s one of about what would happen if we had not done the reasons I’ve got Winston Churchill’s bust a good job with the peace after World War here is, at least from my reading of the his- II. Would America and Japan be able to work tory, he pretty much said what he thought, together, for example, on the North Korean did what he thought was right, and led. He issue, had it not been done right? was courageous in his leadership. My point to you is that free societies and And you know the interesting thing about democratic societies are transforming soci- Presidents and Prime Ministers is you’re eties. And we have a chance to transform by never going to be around to judge history, working together, transform in a positive way judge the true merit of the history, of the whole societies and whole regions of the decisions you make. Short-term history is— world. it’s hard to call it unobjective. It’s very sub- And finally—and people don’t—I can un- jective, I guess, is the best way to put it. After derstand people not liking war, if that’s what all, the person who has written the history they’re there to protest. I don’t like war. War hasn’t had a chance to see the full effects is the last choice a President should make, of the decisionmaking. not the first. And it was the last choice, after And in my case, most of the short-term endless years of diplomacy took place—reso- historians probably aren’t that thrilled with lution after resolution after resolution after me being President in the first place, which resolution that was put forth in the U.N. con- might color the short-term history. [Laugh- demning the—and warning the world, frank- ter] But my only point is, I think a President ly, of the dangers of Saddam Hussein and must not try to write the legacy of every mo- condemning his programs and insisting that ment. The President just does what he thinks he disarm. And finally, in 1141, as you know, is right and try to explain as clearly as I can— by unanimous vote, the world said—at least part of the purpose of my visit to your great

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country is to use the opportunities I’ve had not going to be the case, power sharing as to speak directly, like I’m doing right now, opposed to not power sharing. to people about why I made the decisions And so there are elements of the Ba’athists I made. and Saddam holdouts that are desperately Go ahead, go ahead. trying—and I use the word ‘‘desperate’’ be- cause they see the progress being made. And Iraq there is progress being made. And I certainly Q. On Iraq, you mentioned you’re having don’t want to underestimate the security situ- intensive consultations these days—— ation. I know how tough it is. I know how The President. Constantly. tough it is firsthand. Q. Yes. And yet, on the humanitarian side, in 7 The President. With Blair, by the way. months we’ve got a new currency moving Q. Indeed. through the system, which is pretty remark- The President. Weekly. able when you think about it. The oil reve- Q. Seeming to point to the need to hand nues, which belong to the Iraqi people, are over—or a desire to hand over power faster now up to 2.1 million barrels. Prior to going to the Iraqis? Where is this going? in, I think if you were to review some of the The President. Yes. Well, we—Jerry writings and speculation, they would have Bremer is here in town today. I think he just said, ‘‘Well, that’s what’s going to take place had a press availability. And we discussed all if the oil reserves are destroyed. How is the options and just to make sure we understand coalition going to handle that?’’ where we are relative to the situation on the You might remember there was talk about ground. sectarian violence, that all we would do is We want the Iraqis to understand that we create a vacuum and longstanding bitterness believe they’re plenty capable of running and hatred would take hold, and Shi’ites and their own country. See, we’re of the school Sunnis and Kurds would all be after each of thought, this administration—and Tony is other. That hasn’t happened. the same way, if I could put words in his Electricity is up to prewar levels, although mouth—that believe the Iraqi people are it has dipped this month because of mainte- plenty capable of running a peaceful country. nance. My only point to you is that these And therefore, the sooner the people—the killers are beginning to see a society begin more the people realize that, I think the to emerge, a peaceful society, which is a more comfortable they’ll be with their future. major defeat for terror. And you bet we’re And the sooner that sovereignty is handed consulting on a regular basis to determine over in a way commensurate with a—with how best to deal with the tactics on the a stable country, the better off it is. That’s ground. The enemy is changing tactics, and been our position all along. So we’re con- we’ll change tactics with them. stantly reviewing the progress. But I do—I talk to Tony a lot. He’s got There’s been—obviously, it’s tough. We good wisdom on this subject. Our intel- lost Italian police today. These killers are— ligence services are very close. Our militaries they’re hardnosed people. They’ll kill be- are talking to each other. You’ve got this— cause they want to intimidate. They want us Government officials there amongst the to leave. That’s their goal. CPA, and our relationship is good there. And They’ve got different ambitions. Some it’s very important for us to continue to dis- would like to see a Taliban-type government, cuss these issues closely. And then, of course, that would be the mujahideen-type people. I stay in touch with Bremer. And—sorry. Some want to revenge the loss—the defeat Q. Well—— in Afghanistan. They would be your Al- The President. Are you trying to domi- Qaida-types. And the Ba’athists, of course, nate? You’re doing a fine job. [Laughter] No, want to get back in power. They represent go ahead. roughly 18 percent of the people, and they’ve Q. No, go—— had 100 percent of the power, and they like The President. We’ll make it around. I that. And obviously, in a free society, that’s promise you. I’ll wait. Nice try. I call down

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to these characters all the time for hogging stand by it. And he makes a tough decision the mike, as we say. He’s one of the worst based upon what he thinks is right. of them. Flexibility in Foreign Policy Blair/Bush Relationship Q. Mr. President, we’ve heard—or heard from the administration emanating the Q. Regarding the nature of the pressure phrase, ‘‘No war in ’04.’’ that Prime Minister Blair is under, is that The President. Who said that? putting pressure on the decisionmaking, your Q. Behind the scenes. own relationship—— The President. Oh, yes. Is that you, The President. Not as far as I can tell. Lindlaw [Scott Lindlaw, Associated Press]? Q. Or pressure for change or change of [Laughter] tactic or anything? Q. Well, there you go. It’s now in the lexi- The President. Never once has he said con. to me, ever, ‘‘Gosh, I’m feeling terrible pres- The President. We’re at war. We are at sure.’’ Our discussions go as you would hope war, see? I don’t mean to anticipate your leaders of two allies would go: What can we question, but I’m just going to tell you, we’re do to help each other? What can we do to at war now. We’re at war with terror. But succeed? I have never heard him complain go ahead. about the polls or wring his hands. I’m telling Q. My point is—— you, the relationship is a very good relation- The President. And Iraq is just one of ship because I admire him, and I admire the—is a front in the war on terror. somebody who stands tough. And I admire Q. That’s where I’m going. I’m going to somebody who has got a vision which is a Syria, and I’m going to Iran. These are coun- vision that is peaceful, and somebody who tries which, by the criteria of Iraq, you could shares that same deep feeling that freedom argue, have the same application. is an incredibly important part of changing The President. Not really, because re- the world. Free societies do not attack each member, the—first of all, not every situation other. And Tony Blair doesn’t hold an elitist needs to be resolved through military action, view that says only certain people should be and I would cite you North Korea and Iran. free or can be free or capable of freedom. Secondly, the case in Iraq was unique, is And I admire that in him. unique, because the world, for over a decade, And so to answer your question, you say had spoken. The diplomatic route was tried. he’s—look, it may be hard for you to believe, No one can argue with that. We tried, I think and these guys will tell you, I—and ladies it was 12 resolutions, if I’m not mistaken, cul- will tell you, excuse me, guys and ladies— minating in 1441 which said, ‘‘Disarm, or you that my style of leadership is to lay out an face serious consequences.’’ I remember agenda based upon principle and lead. And going to the U.N. to give that speech. And I don’t pay that much attention to what is basically I was looking forward to giving that written about me or polls. And I think they speech because I wanted the U.N. to under- will verify that what I’ve just told you is true. stand that they are a vital institution, but And it’s not to say I don’t respect the press. their vitality depended upon their willingness I do respect the press. But sometimes it’s to have some meaning to their words. hard to be an optimistic leader. A leader And we’re at war. Okay? The war on terror must project an optimistic view. It’s hard to goes on. And the war on terror is going to be optimistic if you read a bunch of stuff take a while. America is vulnerable to attack. about yourself, if you know what I mean. So is your country, by the way. And the only I don’t know how much time Tony looks way to win this war is to do everything you at polls or anything. I’m just telling you from can to protect your homeland but to stay on my perspective, my relationship, he is the the offensive, which is what we’re going to kind of person with whom I like to consult, do. a person I’m proud to call friend, because And having said that, not every situation he’s willing to make the tough decision and requires a military response. As a matter of

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fact, I would hope very few situations would So I looked at the history and realized that require a military response. Let me talk the bilateral relations with Kim Chong-il about Iran. The Iranians must hear from a hadn’t worked. There’s a real politic here, unified world that it is unacceptable for them when somebody says they’re going to do to develop a nuclear weapon. And I want to something and they don’t do it. That should thank—I thanked Tony the other day on our be a warning signal, and it was. So I went videoconference we had, for he and his For- and worked with the Chinese and convinced eign Minister Straw and the French Foreign the Chinese through a variety of means of Minister and the German Foreign Minister, argument that they need to be involved, and delivering a message on behalf of all of us they now are involved. They’re hosting these that a nuclear weapon is unacceptable. The talks. So you’ve got the Chinese, and you’ve IAEA, an international organization, as you got the Americans, and of course, South know, based out of the United Nations, is Korea and Japan and now Russia are all in- now very much involved in this issue. The volved. So you’ve got five countries saying United States position is, is that we appre- the same message to Kim Chong-il: We ex- ciate their focus, and we expect there to be pect you not to develop a nuclear weapons a transparent regime inside of Iran. They ad- program. mitted they had—were enriching, that they And my point to you is, is that there are hadn’t disclosed their enrichment under the ways to rally constituencies and nations to- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. They had ward a common objective, which is precisely made that admission, which says that we what we’re doing. That is exactly what the need to be on guard. U.N. tried to do and others tried to do, and My point to you in regards to your ques- the U.N., as far as Iraq went. It’s just at the tion on war is that there is a way to deal end, some countries decided that serious with this issue in an international forum, consequences meant something other than— something different than what I thought seri- which we are now doing. There’s bilateral ous consequences meant, I guess is the best pressure; there’s trilateral pressure; and way to put it. there is multilateral pressure, I guess is the best way to put it. And that’s the best way to deal with it. Steel Tariffs Let me talk about North Korea, if you Q. Can I ask a question about trade? don’t mind, right quick, to show you, at least, The President. Please, yes. Let me guess. how I think on foreign policy issues. North [Laughter] Korea is a—had a bilateral relation with the Q. You had a ruling on Monday—— United States, and the leader would insist The President. We did. that the United States come to the table and Q. ——which was not favorable to the provide different aid, and he, the leader, U.S. decision last year. Are you going to lift would not—‘‘he,’’ Kim Chong-il, would not the tax? develop a nuclear weapon. And so our coun- The President. Well, let me kind of re- try agreed to that. It turns out he was devel- view the bidding right quick on this issue. oping highly enriched uranium suitable for The International Trade Commission ruled a nuclear weapon. The thought of Kim that imports were harming the industry. Chong-il having a nuclear weapon is very Therefore, I felt obligated to take a look at dangerous and/or the capacity to export a nu- that ruling and make a decision based upon clear weapon into the hands of terrorists. that ruling, which as you know, I did. And By the way, terrorist networks who are we’re now in the process of looking at a lot willing to kill with car bombs are also willing of things. One, of course, is whether or not to kill on a massive scale. The idea of weap- the respite given helped the industry to re- ons of mass destruction in the hands of ter- structure and to the extent at which it did rorist organizations is a dangerous, dangerous restructure. thought for the 21st century. And we’ve got Somebody went off. to deal with it. Q. Not me.

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The President. I would hate for this pro- working together, we can transform society fundity to be lost. [Laughter] To answer— in a positive way. And I say, ‘‘working to- a very short answer—I am listening, looking, gether,’’ I mean with everybody. There’s and we’ll decide at an appropriate time. I some unbelievable devastation besides terror haven’t made up my mind yet. going on in the world. And I look forward to reminding the British people that our Iraq and Afghanistan/Democracy in the country proudly is leading the world when Middle East it comes to the battle of AIDS. I put forth Q. Just one last question on Iraq and Af- an initiative of $15 billion, $10 billion new ghanistan. money on top of $5 billion we’re already The President. Sure. spending over a 5-year period of time, to help Q. Is it really—it’s inconceivable that you get antiretroviral drugs into the hands of the could consider pulling out—— healers and helpers that are in these ravished The President. It is inconceivable. countries. Can you imagine living in a Q. However, bin Laden is at large, and world—we are living in a world, you don’t Saddam Hussein. How close are you to find- need to imagine it, it’s happening—in a world ing these people? in which the pandemic of AIDS is wiping The President. No, first of all, I out an entire generation on a continent? And wouldn’t—I think that your—let me answer we must do something about it. And it’s sad, your question this way. We will find them. and yet, we have an opportunity to lead. Okay? Yes, we’re not pulling out until the And I look forward to talking to my good job is done. Period. friend about how we can work together. And Q. And that includes finding those two? it’s not only the United States working with The President. Yes, that’s part of it. But Britain; it’s the United States working with even bigger is a free and democratic society. Europe, whole, free, and at peace—whole, That is the mission. And again, I’d repeat— free, and at peace. Today I was able to I know I’m sounding like a broken record present the Medal of Freedom, which is the to you. I just want you to get a sense for highest civil award that I give, to Lord how strongly I feel for the mission we are George Robertson. I don’t know if you all on. were in there and saw it or not. Were you I gave a speech the other—I think I might there? have—or mentioned it to you. I gave a Q. On TV. speech about democracy in the Middle East. I believe a—first of all, I believe that the The President. Yes, I’m sorry. Well, you Middle Eastern countries are plenty capable know, security risk. [Laughter] of being democratic countries. Their democ- Anyway, it was a—but the reason I bring racy won’t be Western. We don’t expect that up is that during my tenure here as them to look like America. We expect the President, we worked with George and Tony governments to be modern, however, and Blair and other countries to expand NATO that includes, well, women’s rights and in- and the most significant expansion ever, ex- cluding women into the future of their soci- cept for the initial thrust. And we expanded eties. to the Baltics. And by the way, we not only So the mission in Iraq is a free and peace- expanded to the Baltics, but at the same— ful and stable country. It will be a—this is in the same period of time, got rid of the a transforming mission. It is a milestone, as ABM Treaty, which I felt codified hatred and I said it, a milestone in the history of liberty. distrust. And Tony Blair understands that. He looks— And yet, relations are good. And we’re and I would hope—what they would say this moving forward. NATO is an incredibly im- of me: I look beyond the signs and the mo- portant institution, and NATO is an instru- ment to be able to see out, out in years, out ment for freedom. in history. Yes, one last. It’s an exciting time to be leaders of our Q. One last question. Can I ask a question two countries. It is exciting in the sense that, about European defense?

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The President. Yes. Anyway, what I was President’s Upcoming Visit to the United going to say is, is that the relations with Eu- Kingdom rope are vital and important. We’ve got good Q. Yes, if I may, I gather your program relations. Obviously, there was some disgrun- includes a visit to the northeast of Eng- tlement about the decision made on Iraq, but land—— I would remind you that Germany has troops The President. It does. in Afghanistan supporting that mission there, Q. ——which is Jordyland. And I was for which we’re very grateful. And they’re wondering how your Jordy was, and how you doing a darn good job. might all understand each other? Yes, last question. Yes, okay, last two ques- The President. My Jordy is probably just tions, then I’ve got to go. I’m heading toward about as bad as my English. [Laughter] And television. I’m trying to beam my way into I hope they understand Texan. You know Great Britain. what I’m saying? Q. David Frost will wait. [Laughter] Q. Yes, exactly. The President. That’s easy for you to say. The President. We may be talking above He gets to ask the questions, not you. Go each other. I can’t wait to go to his constitu- ahead. [Laughter] ency. It’s going to be—it will be good to get out into the countryside. I like—it’s hard for a President to get out to the countryside. I European Defense Force travel in somewhat of a bubble. Q. There was a fuss from American offi- Q. You’ll need your phrase book. cials after Tony Blair met with Jacques The President. What? Chirac and Gerhard Schroeder in Berlin and Q. You’ll need your phrase book while appeared to take forward the European ini- you’re out there. tiative on defense. I wanted to ask you what The President. Yes. They’ll need theirs your administration was worried about— too, I’m afraid. [Laughter] But I’m looking whether you could trust Tony Blair to keep forward to it. This is going to be an historic the thing—Atlantic alliance—— trip, and it’s going to be one that will be in The President. Let me make sure you un- my memory for a long time. I’m really look- derstand our position. What we believe, that ing forward to it. I appreciate you all giving me a chance Europe needs to take more of a defense pos- to visit with you. Thanks for coming by. ture and should act independently of NATO if NATO chooses not to take on the mission. NOTE: The interview was taped at 2:08 p.m. on We also believe that the European Defense November 12 in the Oval Office at the White Force—we agree with Tony Blair that it House. The transcript was made available by the should not undermine the vitality of the Office of the Press Secretary on November 12 NATO mission. And I trust Tony Blair to but was embargoed for release until 12 noon, No- make the right decision there. vember 14. In his remarks, the President referred to Joseph I. O’Neill III, managing partner, O’Neill I don’t know what chirping you’re hearing Properties, Ltd.; Queen Elizabeth II of the United about it, but at least in the President’s chair, Kingdom; Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of I’m confident that when he says—this is the Japan; former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; man, remember, he has told me things and L. Paul Bremer III, Presidential Envoy to Iraq; has stuck to his word. And therefore, I say Secretary of State for Foreign and Common- with confidence that when he says to me that wealth Affairs Jack Straw of the United Kingdom; NATO is a vital relationship and the Euro- Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique de Villepin of France; Minister of Foreign Affairs Joschka pean Defense Force will not undermine Fischer of Germany; Chairman Kim Chong-il of NATO’s capacities and/or ability to move North Korea; and Secretary General Lord Robert- when it needs to move, I believe him. son of NATO. Journalists referred to Lord Mayor Last question. Robert Finch of London, United Kingdom;

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Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist preciate Assistant Secretary Thomas Hall, organization; television journalist Sir David Frost Assistant Secretary for Reserve Affairs, for of the BBC; President Jacques Chirac of France; coming; thank you, sir. I appreciate David and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany. Janes, the Acting National Chairman of the Participants in the interview were: Andrew Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Gowers, Financial Times; Martin Newland, Daily Telegraph; and Paul Potts, Press Association. A group. Thank you for coming. tape was not available for verification of the con- Most of all, I thank you all for being here, tent of this interview. particularly those who wear our Nation’s uni- form. American citizen soldiers have served in Remarks on Signing the National every conflict since the Revolutionary War. Employer Support of the Guard and Some of the most legendary names in Amer- Reserve Week Proclamation ican military history are associated with November 14, 2003 Guard and Reserve units. The famed ‘‘Key- stone Division,’’ as the Pennsylvania National Thank you all for coming. Thanks for the Guard was long known, once marched under warm welcome. Welcome to the people’s the command of Omar Bradley. The ‘‘Rain- house. bow Division,’’ which drew soldiers from In a few moments, I will sign a proclama- Guard units in 26 States and from the Dis- tion in honor of employers across America trict of Columbia, was led in World War I who have shown their support for our Na- by a young brigadier general named Douglas tional Guardsmen and reservists. In times of MacArthur. In 1905, 21-year-old Harry S need, our Nation counts on the guard and Truman joined the Missouri National Guard. reserve members to fulfill their commit- Our 33d President learned much from his ments of service. We value their courage, and experiences in the Guard, and so did the 43d we honor their sacrifice. They are defending President. their Nation in the war on terror, and they’re But most of all, I remember the high cal- serving in a just cause. iber of the people with whom I served. Our guardsmen and reservists depend on Today, more than 1.2 million men and the understanding of their employers. Across women serve in the Guard and the Reserve. America, where units have been activated, That’s almost half of America’s total military employers at offices and factories and strength. These men and women face the dif- schools, hospitals, and other workplaces have ficult challenge of balancing military duty been understanding and really supportive. with civilian employment. They know that They’ve given priority to the needs of our the call to active duty can come at any time. Nation. Employers have shown great consid- And they’re always ready. Guardsmen and eration for their workers who have been reservists are now serving around the world, called to duty and great support for the Na- in places like Afghanistan and in Iraq. They tion’s defense. These companies have the serve here at home as well, in the war on gratitude of our Nation. They have the grati- terror. They’re meeting the terrorist enemy tude of the Commander in Chief. abroad so our fellow citizens do not have to I appreciate members of my team who are face the enemy at home. here today. Secretary Elaine Chao of the De- They are part of our efforts to employ tar- partment of Labor and Secretary Tony geted and decisive force against coldblooded Principi of the Department of Veterans Af- terrorist killers. They’re helping to train and fairs, thank you both for coming. I appreciate equip Iraqis and Afghans to defend their own Deputy Secretary Paul Wolfowitz at the De- nations. They’re helping the Iraqi and Afghan partment of Defense for being here as well. people build just and free and democratic Under Secretary David Chu; thank you for governments. They’re helping to defend the coming, David. I appreciate Acting Secretary American homeland. of the Army Les Brownlee for being here. Our guardsmen and reservists are showing I see that General Pete Pace is here, Vice great skill and courage, and America honors Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I ap- their unselfish dedication to duty. Our

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guardsmen and reservists rely on the support America needs the Guard and Reserves and patience of their families, their wives and more today than we have had in decades. husbands and daughters and sons who must We’re at war. Yet we’re fortunate that so bear the prolonged absence of a loved one. many of our citizens have heeded the call They rely on their civilian employers to put to serve a cause greater than themselves. And the national interest above the corporate or we are fortunate that our Guard and Reserve self interests. Employers of guard and re- units have received such support from Amer- serve members make possible the contribu- ica’s business community. As a sign of Amer- tions of our citizen soldiers. By supporting ica’s gratitude, I’m pleased to invite rep- the mobilization of patriots, employers are resentatives from the nine companies here demonstrating their own patriotism. today to join me in signing a proclamation With us today are representatives of com- designating National Employer Support of panies that have given outstanding support the Guard and Reserve Week. to the Guard and to the Reserve. Central At- May God bless you all, and may God con- lantic Toyota Distribution Center, D.H. Grif- tinue to bless our great country. fin Wrecking Company, Miller Brewing, Pa- NOTE: The President spoke at 2:16 p.m. in the cific Gas and Electric Corporation, Tyson East Room at the White House. In his remarks, Foods are all winners of this year’s Secretary he referred to Rear Adm. David Janes, USN of Defense Employers Support Freedom (Ret.), National Chair, National Committee for Award. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The These companies do all their utmost to Office of the Press Secretary also released a Span- support and encourage service in America’s ish language transcript of these remarks. National Guard and Reserve. They provide pay, health care benefits, and job security to Proclamation 7736—National the men and women who are called to active Employer Support of the Guard and duty. They recognize that their workers are Reserve Week, 2003 fighting to keep America free. Other companies are making equally im- November 14, 2003 portant contributions. Albertson’s, Clear By the President of the United States Channel Airports, Home Depot, and Verizon of America all provide outstanding support to their em- ployees during mobilizations. All of us appre- A Proclamation ciate the generosity and the public spirit From before the American Revolution, to shown by these outstanding companies and the Civil War, to the wars in Vietnam and many others like them around our country. the Persian Gulf, our National Guard and Members of the guard and reserve are Reserve have served our country with dis- with us today. We’re proud of your service. tinction. Today, our National Guard and Re- We thank you for your sacrifice. The war on serve forces are active on every front in the terror has drawn on many of America’s War on Terror. During National Employer strengths, and one of the greatest strengths Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we is the citizen-soldier, like Specialist James honor our courageous citizen-soldiers and Dexter of the Illinois National Guard. At their employers, whose continued support is home, Specialist Dexter is a volunteer fire- vital to the success of our Armed Forces and fighter. In Iraq, he is serving as a military to the strength of our country. police officer. On three separate occasions America’s Guard and Reserve personnel in a single month, Specialist Dexter rushed are training hard and deploying frequently to the scene of traffic accidents, twice saving to meet new challenges worldwide. These the lives of American soldiers and Iraqi citi- brave defenders have performed combat op- zens and once putting out a dangerous fire. erations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have He was awarded the Bronze Star. He has provided security at Guantanamo Bay. They earned the gratitude of our country for his have prepared for homeland security mis- service. sions. Our Nation is blessed and grateful for

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the service of the brave men and women of Statement on Senate Action To Block the National Guard and Reserve. Up-or-Down Votes on Judicial By supporting our Guardsmen and Reserv- Nominations ists, employers across our Nation also are helping to advance freedom and democracy November 14, 2003 around the world. At the same time, these Today’s partisan action to block up-or- employers benefit from the experience and down votes on Justice Priscilla Owen, Judge leadership skills these citizen-soldiers bring Carolyn Kuhl, and Justice Janice Rogers home. Employer support of our Guard and Brown is inconsistent with the Senate’s con- Reserve in the United States and abroad stitutional responsibility and is just plain helps ensure our troops are mission-ready wrong. Once again, a partisan minority of and is a source of pride and assurance for Senators has thwarted the will of the majority all Americans. This country is grateful to em- and stood in the way of voting on superb ployers and workers for their support of judicial nominees. Guard and Reserve members and their fami- These obstructionist tactics are shameful, lies. Because military deployment often dis- unfair, and have become all too common. At rupts families and businesses, my Adminis- a time when the American people have im- tration is working to make deployments more portant issues backlogged in the courts, par- predictable. Together, our National Guard tisan Senators are playing politics with the and Reserve forces and their employers are judicial process at the expense of timely jus- united in purpose and reflect the highest tice for the American people. standards of professionalism and honor. I commend Senate Republicans, especially Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Leader Frist, Chairman Hatch, and Senator President of the United States of America, Santorum, for their leadership and commit- by virtue of the authority vested in me by ment to the Constitution and basic fairness. the Constitution and laws of the United During their 40-hour debate, these Senators States, do hereby proclaim November 16 have focused on the damaging vacancies that through November 22, 2003, as National exist on the Federal courts of appeals, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve highly qualified individuals I have nominated Week. I encourage all Americans to join me to serve, and the Senate’s obligation to vote in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the on every judicial nominee. members of our National Guard and Reserve No matter who is President or which party and their civilian employers for their extraor- controls the Senate, the American people de- dinary sacrifices on behalf of our Nation. I serve a well-functioning, independent judici- also call on State and local officials, private ary and a commitment by all Senators to live organizations, businesses, and all military up to their constitutional obligation. commanders to observe this week with ap- propriate ceremonies and activities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Proclamation 7734—America my hand this fourteenth day of November, Recycles Day, 2003 in the year of our Lord two thousand three, November 14, 2003 and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- By the President of the United States ty-eighth. of America

George W. Bush A Proclamation To preserve America’s majestic beauty, we [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, must conserve our natural resources and 8:45 a.m., November 18, 2003] practice responsible stewardship. On Amer- ica Recycles Day, we reaffirm our commit- NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the ment to conservation and recognize the in- Federal Register on November 19. crease in recycling in the last two decades.

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Twenty-five years ago, only one commu- Digest of Other nity in the United States had a curbside recy- White House Announcements cling program. Today, more than 9,000 com- munities have curbside collection, and many others provide drop-off centers or coopera- The following list includes the President’s public tive collection facilities. Businesses and com- schedule and other items of general interest an- munities are boosting recycling collection ef- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and forts, and companies are using new tech- not included elsewhere in this issue. nologies and methods to manufacture prod- ucts more efficiently. Manufacturers, retail- November 8 ers, and governmental and non-govern- mental organizations are engaging in vol- In the morning, at Camp David, MD, the untary product stewardship partnerships to President had an intelligence briefing. reduce waste. Industries are also discovering ways to reduce waste and cost, cut pollution November 9 and greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve In the afternoon, the President returned energy and water. to Washington, DC. Many of the products used every day, in- cluding aluminum cans, appliances, office November 10 paper, cardboard boxes, furniture, and cloth- In the morning, the President had an intel- ing contain recycled materials. We also recy- ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Little cle motor oil, tires, plastic, glass, batteries, Rock, AR, where, upon arrival, he greeted and building materials, and we are devel- USA Freedom Corps volunteer Dr. Michael oping new ways to recycle electronic prod- Quick. ucts—the fastest growing portion of Amer- In the afternoon, the President traveled to ica’s municipal waste. Greer, SC, where, upon arrival, he greeted On America Recycles Day, I encourage in- USA Freedom Corps volunteer Robin dividuals, businesses, communities, tribes, Longino and high school athlete Ben Comen. and government to continue to work together Later, he traveled to Greenville, SC. as good stewards of America’s resources. By In the evening, the President returned to using our resources wisely, we help build a Washington, DC. stronger economy and a healthier future. The White House announced that the Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President will award the Medal of Freedom President of the United States of America, to NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson by virtue of the authority vested in me by in a ceremony at the White House on No- the Constitution and laws of the United vember 12. States, do hereby proclaim November 15, The President announced his intention to 2003, as America Recycles Day. I call upon appoint Patrick Marshall Hughes to be As- the people of the United States to observe sistant Secretary for Information Analysis at this day with appropriate programs and ac- the Department of Homeland Security. tivities. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set November 11 my hand this fourteenth day of November, In the morning, the President had an intel- in the year of our Lord two thousand three, ligence briefing. Later, in an Oval Office and of the Independence of the United ceremony, he signed the Military Family Tax States of America the two hundred and twen- Relief Act of 2003. ty-eighth. Later in the morning, the President and George W. Bush Mrs. Bush traveled to Arlington, VA, where they participated in a Veterans Day wreath- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Un- 8:45 a.m., November 17, 2003] knowns in Arlington National Cemetery. In NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the the afternoon, they returned to Washington, Federal Register on November 18. DC.

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Later in the afternoon, in an Oval Office November 14 ceremony, the President signed the National In the morning, the President had an intel- Cemetery Expansion Act. ligence briefing. Later, he participated in an November 12 interview with Trevor Kavanagh of the Brit- ish newspaper The Sun. Then, in the Oval In the morning, the President had an intel- Office, he and Mrs. Bush participated in the ligence briefing followed by a National Secu- presentation of the National Humanities rity Council meeting. He then met with Sec- Medal awards. retary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and In the afternoon, in the Residence, the Presidential Envoy to Iraq L. Paul Bremer President had lunch with President Carlo III. Later, in the Oval Office, he participated Azeglio Ciampi of Italy. Later, he traveled in a photo opportunity with Environmental to Camp David, MD. Protection Agency Administrator Michael O. Leavitt and members of Mr. Leavitt’s family. Later in the morning, the President met with NATO Secretary General Lord Robert- son. Nominations In the afternoon, the President partici- Submitted to the Senate pated in an interview with British print jour- nalists and a separate interview later with Sir David Frost of the BBC. Later, in the Oval The following list does not include promotions of Office, he and Mrs. Bush participated in the members of the Uniformed Services, nominations presentation of the National Medal of Arts to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- awards. eign Service officers. November 13 In the morning, the President had an intel- Submitted November 14 ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Or- lando, FL. While en route aboard Air Force David C. Mulford, One, he had a telephone conversation with of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to and Plenipotentiary of the United States of express his condolences to the families of the America to India. Italians killed in the suicide bombing in Nasiriyah, Iraq, on November 12 and to dis- Diane S. Sykes, cuss reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Eu- of Wisconsin, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for rope-U.S. relations. Upon arrival in Orlando, the Seventh Circuit, vice John L. Coffey, re- he greeted USA Freedom Corps volunteer tiring. Matilda Walther. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Fort Myers, FL, where, upon arrival, he greeted USA Freedom Corps volunteer Mark Asperilla. Checklist In the evening, the President attended a of White House Press Releases Bush-Cheney reception at a private resi- dence. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The following list contains releases of the Office The President announced his intention to of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as nominate Rhonda Newman Keenum to be items nor covered by entries in the Digest of an Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Di- Other White House Announcements. rector General of the U.S. and Foreign Com- mercial Service. The President announced his intention to Released November 10 nominate David Campbell Mulford to be Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- Ambassador to India. retary Scott McClellan

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Statement by the Press Secretary: President Transcript of an interview of National Secu- Bush To Award Medal of Freedom to NATO rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice by WAGA– Secretary General Lord Robertson TV, Atlanta, GA, on November 10 Statement by the Press Secretary announcing Transcript of an interview of National Secu- that the President signed H.R. 2691 rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice by WTVT–TV, Tampa, FL, on November 10 Released November 11 Transcript of an interview of National Secu- rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice by KXAS–TV, Dallas, TX, on November 10 Acts Approved Transcript of an interview of National Secu- by the President rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice by KING–TV, Seattle, WA, on November 10 Approved November 10 Transcript of an interview of National Secu- rity Adviser Condoleezza Rice by KHOU– H.R. 2691 / Public Law 108–108 TV, Houston, TX, on November 10 Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 Statement by the Press Secretary announcing that the President signed H.J. Res. 52, H.R. Approved November 11 1516, H.R. 3365, S. 470, S. 926, H.R. 1610, H.R. 1882, H.R. 1883, H.R. 2075, H.R. 2254, H.R. 1516 / Public Law 108–109 H.R. 2309, H.R. 2328, H.R. 2396, H.R. 2452, National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003 H.R. 2533, H.R. 2746, and H.R. 3011 H.R. 1610 / Public Law 108–110 Fact sheet: In Support of America’s Veterans To redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 East Released November 12 Ritchie Avenue in Marceline, Missouri, as Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- the ‘‘Walt Disney Post Office Building’’ retary Scott McClellan H.R. 1882 / Public Law 108–111 Announcement of the National Medal of Arts To designate the facility of the United States recipients Postal Service located at 440 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, as the Citation for the Presidential Medal of Free- ‘‘Arthur ‘Pappy’ Kennedy Post Office’’ dom presentation ceremony for NATO Sec- retary General Lord Robertson H.R. 2075 / Public Law 108–112 To designate the facility of the United States Released November 13 Postal Service located at 1905 West Blue Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- Heron Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Flor- retary Scott McClellan ida, as the ‘‘Judge Edward Rodgers Post Of- fice Building’’ Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- curity Adviser Condoleezza Rice on the H.R. 2254 / Public Law 108–113 President’s upcoming visit to the United To designate the facility of the United States Kingdom Postal Service located at 1101 Colorado Fact sheet: President Calls on Congress To Street in Boulder City, Nevada, as the ‘‘Finish the Job’’—Pass a Medicare Prescrip- ‘‘Bruce Woodbury Post Office Building’’ tion Drug Benefit for Seniors H.R. 2309 / Public Law 108–114 To designate the facility of the United States Released November 14 Postal Service located at 2300 Redondo Ave- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- nue in Long Beach, California, as the ‘‘Ste- retary Scott McClellan phen Horn Post Office Building’’

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H.R. 2328 / Public Law 108–115 H.R. 3011 / Public Law 108–120 To designate the facility of the United States To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2001 East Willard Postal Service located at 135 East Olive Ave- Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the nue in Burbank, California, as the ‘‘Bob ‘‘Robert A. Borski Post Office Building’’ Hope Post Office Building’’

H.R. 3365 / Public Law 108–121 H.R. 2396 / Public Law 108–116 Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1210 Highland Ave- H.J. Res. 52 / Public Law 108–122 nue in Duarte, California, as the ‘‘Francisco Recognizing the Dr. Samuel D. Harris Na- A. Martinez Flores Post Office’’ tional Museum of Dentistry, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Baltimore, H.R. 2452 / Public Law 108–117 Maryland, as the official national museum of To designate the facility of the United States dentistry in the United States Postal Service located at 339 Hicksville Road in Bethpage, New York, as the ‘‘Brian C. S. 926 / Public Law 108–123 Hickey Post Office Building’’ To amend section 5379 of title 5, United States Code, to increase the annual and ag- H.R. 2533 / Public Law 108–118 gregate limits on student loan repayments by To designate the facility of the United States Federal agencies Postal Service located at 10701 Abercorn H.R. 1883 / Public Law 108–124 Street in Savannah, Georgia, as the ‘‘J.C. To designate the facility of the United States Lewis, Jr. Post Office Building’’ Postal Service located at 1601–1 Main Street in Jacksonville, Florida, as the ‘‘Eddie Mae H.R. 2746 / Public Law 108–119 Steward Post Office’’ To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 141 Weston Street S.470 / Public Law 108–125 in Hartford, Connecticut, as the ‘‘Barbara B. To extend the authority for the construction Kennelly Post Office Building’’ of a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr.

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