Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 23, 2006 Volume 42—Number 42 Pages 1823–1865

VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:59 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCF4.020 P42OCF4 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Bill Signings See also Bill Signings; Meetings With Foreign John Warner National Defense Authorization Leaders Act for Fiscal Year 2007, statement—1836 CVS Pharmacy, remarks to reporters—1856 Military Commissions Act of 2006, remarks— Iftaar dinner—1830 1831 Medicare reform—1856 Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage National Republican Senatorial Committee Wilderness Act, statement—1836 reception—1856 North Carolina Communications to Congress Tour of Victory Junction Gang Camp, Inc., in Randleman—1843 Colombia, letter on continuation of national Waldo C. Falkener Elementary School in emergency with respect to significant Greensboro—1837 narcotics traffickers—1855 North Korea, U.N. Security Council Sudan, blocking property of and prohibiting Resolution—1830 transactions with Government, letter—1826 Pennsylvania, reception for congressional candidate Don Sherwood and the Communications to Federal Agencies Pennsylvania Victory Committee in La Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance Plume—1844 to the Government of Brazil, Radio address—1827 memorandum—1830 Transportation Department, swearing-in ceremony for Secretary Peters—1833 Executive Orders Virginia Reception for senatorial candidate George Blocking Property of and Prohibiting Allen in Richmond—1850 Transactions With the Government of U.S. Air Force Memorial dedication in Sudan—1824 Arlington—1828 U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, meeting Meetings With Foreign Leaders with organizations that support—1862 Croatia, Prime Minister Sanader—1835

(Continued on the inside back cover.)

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

VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:59 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCF4.020 P42OCF4 Contents—Continued

Notices Statements by the President Continuation of the National Emergency With See also Bill Signings Respect to Significant Narcotics Traffickers Population of the U.S. reaching 300 million— Centered in Colombia—1854 1837 Supplementary Materials Proclamations Acts approved by the President—1864 Checklist of White House press releases— 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian 1863 Revolution—1844 Digest of other White House National Character Counts Week—1823 announcements—1862 National Forest Products Week—1823 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1863

VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:59 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCF4.020 P42OCF4 VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:59 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCF4.020 P42OCF4 VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:59 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7969 Sfmt 7969 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCF4.020 P42OCF4 newmail.eps Week Ending Friday, October 20, 2006

Proclamation 8070—National acter Counts Week. I call upon public offi- Character Counts Week, 2006 cials, educators, librarians, parents, students, October 13, 2006 and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and pro- By the President of the United States grams. of America In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of October, in A Proclamation the year of our Lord two thousand six, and America’s strength is found in the spirit of the Independence of the United States of and character of our people. During National America the two hundred and thirty-first. Character Counts Week, we renew our com- George W. Bush mitment to instilling values in our young peo- ple and to encouraging all Americans to re- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, member the importance of good character. 8:45 a.m., October 17, 2006] As the primary teachers and examples of NOTE: This proclamation was published in the character, parents help create a more com- Federal Register on October 18. This item was passionate and decent society. And as indi- not received in time for publication in the appro- viduals, we all have an obligation to help our priate issue. children become responsible citizens and re- alize their full potential. By demonstrating values such as integrity, courage, honesty, Proclamation 8071—National Forest and patriotism, all Americans can help our Products Week, 2006 children develop strength and character. October 13, 2006 Countless individuals throughout our country demonstrate character by volun- By the President of the United States teering their time and energy to help neigh- of America bors in need. The men and women of our Armed Forces set an example of character A Proclamation by bravely putting the security of our Nation During National Forest Products Week, before their own lives. We also see character we take time to appreciate the natural splen- in the family members, teachers, coaches, dor of our country’s forests and acknowledge and other dedicated individuals whose hearts the importance of these woodlands to our are invested in the future of our children. economic and environmental vitality. It is Our changing world requires virtues that also an opportunity to renew our commit- sustain our democracy, make self-govern- ment to conserving our natural resources and ment possible, and help build a more hopeful to using them responsibly. future. National Character Counts Week is Our forests are important to our economic an opportunity to recognize the depth of well-being, supplying products that drive our America’s character and appreciate those economy and create jobs and opportunities. who pass on our values to future generations. America’s forests are also an important Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, part of our Nation’s natural beauty, and we President of the United States of America, must continue to conserve and use these re- by virtue of the authority vested in me by sources in a manner that preserves them for the Constitution and laws of the United future generations. My Administration is States, do hereby proclaim October 15 committed to protecting our forests and through October 21, 2006, as National Char- woodlands against fire damage. Through the 1823

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1824 Oct. 13 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Healthy Forests Initiative, we have reduced I, George W. Bush, President of the the danger of fires by removing hazardous United States of America, find that, due to fuels from millions of acres of Federal land, the continuation of the threat to the national making communities safer from catastrophic security and foreign policy of the United fire and improving wildlife habitat. States created by certain policies and actions Recognizing the ‘‘importance and heritage of the Government of Sudan that violate of our vast forest resources which are insepa- human rights, in particular with respect to rably tied to our present and our future,’’ the the conflict in Darfur, where the Govern- Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. ment of Sudan exercises administrative and 123), as amended, has designated the week legal authority and pervasive practical influ- beginning on the third Sunday in October ence, and due to the threat to the national of each year as ‘‘National Forest Products security and foreign policy of the United Week’’ and has requested the President to States posed by the pervasive role played by issue a proclamation in observance of this the Government of Sudan in the petroleum week. and petrochemical industries in Sudan, it is Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, in the interests of the United States to take do hereby proclaim October 15 through Oc- additional steps with respect to the national tober 21, 2006, as National Forest Products emergency declared in Executive Order Week. I call upon all Americans to observe 13067 of November 3, 1997. Accordingly, I this week with appropriate ceremonies and hereby order: activities. Section 1. Except to the extent provided In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set in section 203(b) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. my hand this thirteenth day of October, in 1702(b)) or in regulations, orders, directives, the year of our Lord two thousand six, and or licenses that may be issued pursuant to of the Independence of the United States of this order, all property and interests in prop- America the two hundred and thirty-first. erty of the Government of Sudan that are George W. Bush in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or here- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, after come within the possession or control 8:45 a.m., October 17, 2006] of United States persons, including their NOTE: This proclamation was published in the overseas branches, are blocked and may not Federal Register on October 18. This item was be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or not received in time for publication in the appro- otherwise dealt in. priate issue. Sec. 2. Except to the extent provided in section 203(b) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)) Executive Order 13412—Blocking or in regulations, orders, directives, or li- Property of and Prohibiting censes that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract en- Transactions With the Government tered into or any license or permit granted of Sudan prior to the effective date of this order, all October 13, 2006 transactions by United States persons relat- By the authority vested in me as President ing to the petroleum or petrochemical indus- by the Constitution and the laws of the tries in Sudan, including, but not limited to, United States of America, including the oilfield services and oil or gas pipelines, are International Emergency Economic Powers prohibited. Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)(IEEPA), the Na- Sec. 3. (a) Any transaction by a United tional Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et States person or within the United States that seq.)(NEA), and section 301 of title 3, United evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading States Code, and taking appropriate account or avoiding, or attempts to violate any of the of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act prohibitions set forth in this order is prohib- of 2006 (the ‘‘Act’’), ited.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 13 1825

(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any (a) the term ‘‘person’’ means an individual of the prohibitions set forth in this order is or entity; prohibited. (b) the term ‘‘entity’’ means a partnership, Sec. 4. (a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this association, trust, joint venture, corporation, section, restrictions imposed by this order group, subgroup, or other organization; shall be in addition to, and do not derogate (c) the term ‘‘United States person’’ means from, restrictions imposed in and under Ex- any United States citizen, permanent resi- ecutive Order 13067. dent alien, entity organized under the laws (b)(i) None of the prohibitions in section of the United States or any jurisdiction within 2 of Executive Order 13067 shall apply to the United States (including foreign activities or related transactions with respect branches), or any person in the United to Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/ States; and Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile State, (d) the term ‘‘Government of Sudan’’ in- Abyei, Darfur, or marginalized areas in and cludes the Government of Sudan, its agen- around Khartoum, provided that the activi- cies, instrumentalities, and controlled enti- ties or transactions do not involve any prop- ties, and the Central Bank of Sudan, but does erty or interests in property of the Govern- not include the regional government of ment of Sudan. Southern Sudan. (ii) The Secretary of State, after consulta- Sec. 7. For those persons whose property tion with the Secretary of the Treasury, may define the term ‘‘Southern Sudan, Southern and interests in property are blocked pursu- Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile ant to section 1 of this order who might have State, Abyei, Darfur, or marginalized areas a constitutional presence in the United in and around Khartoum’’ for the purposes States, I find that, because of the ability to of this order. transfer funds or other assets instanta- (c) The function of the President under neously, prior notice to such persons of subsection 6(c)(1) of the Comprehensive measures to be taken pursuant to this order Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 (Public Law 108– would render these measures ineffectual. I 497), as amended by section 5(a)(3) of the therefore determine that for these measures Act, is assigned to the Secretary of the Treas- to be effective in addressing the national ury as appropriate in the performance of emergency declared in Executive Order such function. 13067 there need be no prior notice of a de- (d) The functions of the President under termination made pursuant to section 1 of subsection 6(c)(2) and the last sentence of this order. 6(d) of the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Sec. 8. The Secretary of the Treasury, Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–497), as amend- after consultation with the Secretary of State, ed by subsections 5(a)(3) and (b), respec- is hereby authorized to take such actions, in- tively, of the Act, are assigned to the Sec- cluding the promulgation of rules and regula- retary of State, except that the function of tions, and to employ all powers granted to denial of entry is assigned to the Secretary the President by IEEPA as may be necessary of Homeland Security. to carry out the purposes of this order. The (e) The functions of the President under Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any sections 7 and 8 of the Act are assigned to of these functions to other officers and agen- the Secretary of State. cies of the United States Government, con- Sec. 5. Nothing in this order shall prohibit: sistent with applicable law. All executive (a) transactions for the conduct of the offi- agencies of the United States Government cial business of the Federal Government or are hereby directed to take all appropriate the United Nations by employees thereof; or measures within their authority to carry out (b) transactions in Sudan for journalistic the provisions of this order and, where ap- activity by persons regularly employed in propriate, to advise the Secretary of the such capacity by a news-gathering organiza- Treasury in a timely manner of the measures tion. taken. The Secretary of the Treasury shall Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order: ensure compliance with those provisions of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1826 Oct. 13 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

section 401 of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641) ap- of Executive Order 13067 certain areas in plicable to the Department of the Treasury Sudan, including Southern Sudan, Southern in relation to this order. Kordofan/Nuba Mountains State, Blue Nile Sec. 9. This order is not intended to, and State, Abyei, Darfur, and marginalized areas does not, create any right, benefit, or privi- in and around Khartoum. lege, substantive or procedural, enforceable Pursuant to IEEPA and the NEA, I deter- at law or in equity by any party against the mined that the Government of Sudan con- United States, its departments, agencies, in- tinues to implement policies and actions that strumentalities, or entities, its officers or em- violate human rights, in particular with re- ployees, or any other person. spect to the conflict in Darfur, where the Sec. 10. This order shall take effect upon Government of Sudan exercises administra- the enactment of the Darfur Peace and Ac- tive and legal authority and pervasive prac- countability Act of 2006. tical influence, and that the Government of George W. Bush Sudan has a pervasive role in the petroleum and petrochemical industries in Sudan. In The White House, light of these determinations, and in order October 13, 2006. to reconcile sections 7 and 8 of the DPAA, I issued this order to continue the country- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, wide blocking of the Government of Sudan’s 11:27 a.m., October 16, 2006] property and to prohibit transactions relating NOTE: This Executive order was published in the to the petroleum and petrochemical indus- Federal Register on October 17. This item was tries in Sudan. not received in time for publication in the appro- The order blocks the property and inter- priate issue. ests in property of the Government of Sudan that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are Letter to Congressional Leaders on or hereafter come within the possession or Blocking Property of and Prohibiting control of United States persons, including Transactions With the Government their overseas branches. The order also pro- of Sudan hibits all transactions by United States per- October 13, 2006 sons relating to the petroleum or petro- chemical industries in Sudan, including, but Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) not limited to, oilfield services and oil or gas Consistent with subsection 204(b) of the pipelines. International Emergency Economic Powers The order specifies that Executive Order Act, 50 U.S.C. 1703(b)(IEEPA), and section 13067 remains in force, but that the prohibi- 301 of the National Emergencies Act, 50 tions in section 2 of that order shall not apply U.S.C. 1631 (NEA), I hereby report that I to activities and transactions with respect to have issued an Executive Order (the ‘‘order’’) Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan/Nuba to take additional steps with respect to the Mountains State, Blue Nile State, Abyei, national emergency declared in Executive Darfur, or marginalized areas in and around Order 13067 of November 3, 1997. Khartoum, provided that the activities or On October 13, 2006, I signed into law transactions do not involve any property or the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of interests in property of the Government of 2006 (DPAA), which, among other things, Sudan. calls for support of the regional government Sincerely, of Southern Sudan, assistance with the peace George W. Bush efforts in the Darfur region of Sudan, and provision of economic assistance in specified NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis areas of Sudan. Section 7 of the DPAA main- Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, tains the sanctions currently imposed on the and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. Government of Sudan. However, section 8(e) This item was not received in time for publication of the DPAA exempts from the prohibitions in the appropriate issue.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 14 1827

The President’s Radio Address United States, as well as economic coopera- October 14, 2006 tion in energy, trade, and investment. And the United States affirmed that we have no Good morning. Earlier this week, the Gov- nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula ernment of North Korea proclaimed to the and no intention to attack or invade North world that it had conducted a successful nu- Korea. clear weapons test. In response to North Ko- Unfortunately, North Korea failed to act rea’s provocative actions, America is working on its commitment. And with its actions this with our partners in the region and in the week, the North Korean regime has once United Nations Security Council to ensure again broken its word, provoked an inter- that there are serious repercussions for the national crisis, and denied its people the op- North Korean regime. portunity for a better life. We are working North Korea has been pursuing nuclear for a resolution to this crisis. Nations around weapons and defying its international com- the world, including our partners in the six- mitments for years. In 1993, North Korea an- party talks, agree on the need for a strong nounced that it was withdrawing from the United Nations Security Council resolution Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The that will require North Korea to dismantle United States negotiated with North Korea its nuclear programs. This resolution should and reached a bilateral agreement in 1994: also specify measures to prevent North Korea North Korea committed to giving up its pur- from importing or exporting nuclear or mis- suit of nuclear weapons in exchange for help sile technologies. And it should prevent fi- with peaceful nuclear power. nancial transactions or asset transfers that After I came to office, we discovered that would help North Korea develop its nuclear North Korea had been violating this agree- or missile capabilities. ment for some time by continuing work on By passing such a resolution, we will send a covert nuclear weapons program. My ad- a clear message to the North Korean regime ministration confronted the North Korea re- that its actions will not be tolerated. And we gime with this evidence in 2002, and the will give the nations with the closest ties to North Koreans subsequently walked away North Korea—China and South Korea—a from the 1994 agreement. framework to use their leverage to pressure So my administration decided to take a Pyongyang and persuade its regime to new approach. We brought together other change course. nations in the region in an effort to resolve As we pursue a diplomatic solution, we are the situation through multilateral diplomacy. also reassuring our allies in the region that The logic behind this approach is clear: America remains committed to their security. North Korea’s neighbors have the most at We have strong defense alliances with Japan stake, and they are North Korea’s principal and South Korea, and the United States will sources of food, energy, and trade, so it meet these commitments. And in response makes sense to enlist them in the effort to to North Korea’s provocation, we will seek get the North Korean regime to end its nu- to increase our defense cooperation with our clear program. allies, including cooperation on ballistic mis- This diplomatic effort was called the six- sile defense to protect against North Korean party talks, and these talks included North aggression and cooperation to prevent North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, and Korea from importing or exporting nuclear the United States. In September of last year, or missile technologies. these diplomatic efforts resulted in a wide- Our goals remain clear: peace and security ranging joint statement that offered a resolu- in Northeast Asia and a nuclear-free Korean tion to the problem and a better life for the Peninsula. We will do what is necessary to North Korean people. In this joint statement, achieve these goals. We will support our al- North Korea committed to abandoning all lies in the region; we will work with the nuclear weapons and existing nuclear pro- United Nations; and together we will ensure grams. North Korea was offered the prospect that North Korea faces real consequences if of normalized relations with Japan and the it continues down its current path.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1828 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Thank you for listening. the vast and open skies and focuses our mind on the endless possibilities of human flight. NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on Having flown an F–102, I know the exhila- October 13 in the Cabinet Room at the White ration of flight, and as a son of an aviator House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October 14. who was shot down in combat, I am keenly The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on October 13 but was em- aware of its dangers. I have spent a lot of bargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office time with the aviators, and one thing about of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- them that has always struck me, aviators, by guage transcript of this address. their nature, are optimistic people. It takes an optimist to climb into a steel tube, race to the sky at 1,500 miles an hour heading Remarks at the United States Air toward danger, and expect to return home Force Memorial Dedication in safely. Yet this is precisely what the men and Arlington, Virginia women of the Air Force do for our country October 14, 2006 every day. America is grateful for your service, and Thank you all. Thank you very much. Mr. I’m proud to be the Commander in Chief Secretary, thank you for your kind words. of such fine men and women. Secretary Nicholson, General Hayden, Gen- Today, it’s hard to imagine a world without eral Pace, Secretary Wynne, General the Air Force protecting us in the skies Moseley, Chief Master Sergeant McKinley, above. Yet by the standards of history, air Ross Perot, Jr., Major General Grillo, mem- power is still a relatively new phenomenon. bers of the Armed Forces, military veterans, Men have been fighting on land and sea for and distinguished guests: Laura and I are thousands of years, but there are still Ameri- honored to join you on this historic day. cans alive today who were born before man With today’s ceremony, the United States had ever flown. Over the past century, Air Force begins a year-long celebration of manned flight has gone from the dream of its 60th birthday. As someone who recently two brothers working in an Ohio bicycle shop crossed that milestone—[laughter]—it’s not to an indispensable tool in our Nation’s arse- all that bad. [Laughter] I can think of no bet- nal. ter way to begin the celebrations than by We saw the importance of air power 6 days dedicating this magnificent monument. So, ago—six decades ago, after our Nation was General Grillo, here in the company of the attacked at Pearl Harbor. Soon after the at- brave men and women of the United States tack, General Hap Arnold called Lieutenant Air Force, I proudly accept the Air Force Colonel Jimmy Doolittle into his office and Memorial on behalf of the American people. gave him an unprecedented mission—retali- A soldier can walk the battlefields where ate against Tokyo. Just over 4 months later, he once fought; a marine can walk the beach- Doolittle’s raiders had shocked the world by es he once stormed; but an airman can never striking the enemy capital some 4,000 miles visit the patch of sky he raced across on a away from Pearl Harbor. To do it, they had mission to defend freedom. And so it’s fitting to load B–52 bombers on the deck of an air- that, from this day forward, the men and craft carrier, sail within a few hundred miles women of the Air Force will have this memo- of enemy territory, take off and drop their rial, a place here on the ground that recog- payloads, knowing they had little chance to nizes their achievements and sacrifices in the make it safely to China. skies above. But the Doolittle raid sent a clear message Building this memorial took a lot of talent to America’s enemies: If you attack this coun- and creativity and determination. Like the try and you harm our people, there is no cor- aircraft whose flight it represents, this memo- ner of the Earth remote enough to protect rial is a incredible feat of engineering. Like you from the reach of the aviators who wear the country whose freedom it represents, this our Nation’s uniform. memorial is hopeful and optimistic. By its de- Five years ago, our enemies learned this sign, this monument raises our eyes toward lesson anew after the attacks of September

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 14 1829

the 11th, 2001. Within weeks of the attack, they are bringing us victory in the war on pilots at Whiteman Air Force Base in Mis- terror. souri boarded B–2 stealth bombers, flew And the stakes in this war could not be halfway across the world, refueling in mid- higher. Terrorists and extremists are fighting air, took out the Taliban and Al Qaida targets to overthrow moderate governments across in Afghanistan, dropped into Diego Garcia the broader Middle East so they can take for engine-running crew changes, and then control of countries and use them as bases made the journey home. Jimmy Doolittle from which to attack America. If we do not would have been proud. defeat these enemies now, we will leave our Together with Navy and Marine aircrew, children to face a Middle East overrun by submariners, Special Ops forces from every terrorist states and radical dictators armed service, and a vast coalition of nations, the with nuclear weapons. We are in a war that United States Air Force helped deliver jus- will set the course for this new century and tice to a regime nearly 7,000 miles away from determine the destiny of millions across the the World Trade Center and helped put the world. Defeating the terrorists and extremists terrorists on the run. Five years have passed is the challenge of our time and the calling since the opening salvos in the war on terror, of this generation. and every day in this war, we depend on the And like generations that came before, we skill and determination of the men and will answer history’s call with confidence. We women of the United States Air Force. In will confront the threats to our way of life; this war, battlefield airmen on the ground we will fight for our liberty without wavering; scout out enemy positions, locate targets for and we will prevail. aviators circling above, and use advanced Victory in this war depends on the one laser guidance systems to steer bombs, allow- thing that has not changed since the founding ing us to strike the terrorists and spare inno- of the Air Force six decades ago—the cour- cent civilians. age of the men and women who wear the In this war, Air Force aviators in Nevada Air Force blue. We see that courage in the step into a camouflage trailer on their base, men and women of the Air Force who return sit down in front of computer consoles, and from battle with wounds they will carry with fly Predator unmanned aerial vehicles half them for the rest of their lives. We see that a world away over the skies of Iraq, using courage in the airmen who left our shores them to find and remove terrorist nests in to defend freedom and did not live to make remote corners of the world. the journey home. They gave their lives so In this world—in this war, our airmen op- that their fellow Americans could enjoy a erate advanced space satellites circling the bright horizon of freedom and peace. We Earth. They beam down real-time images of mourn every loss. We pray for their families. terrorist positions to our troops on the And here at this memorial, we consecrate ground so they can strike the enemy before their memory for the ages. the enemy can strike our country. In this war, This memorial lies in sight of Arlington Air Force C–130 crews deliver supplies to National Cemetery, where so many of those our troops on the frontlines; Air Force teams fallen airmen are buried. This memorial also disarm and remove roadside bombs; Air lies in sight of the Pentagon, where our Na- Force maintenance squadrons keep our tion came under attack. It is a fitting location. planes in the air; Air Force A–10 Thunder- Under these magnificent spires, we pay trib- bolts provide close air support for troops in ute to the men and women of the Air Force contact with the enemy. And Air Force who stand ready to give all for their country. search and rescue teams evacuate soldiers And looking from this promontory to a place and sailors, airmen, and marines injured in once filled with smoke and flames, we re- the war on terror. member why we need them. Whether they are serving on the frontlines Every man and woman who has worn the or bases overseas or here in the homefront, Air Force uniform is part of a great history. the men and women of the United States From the Berlin Airlift to the Korean war Air Force bring honor to the uniform, and to Vietnam to the Gulf war to Kosovo and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1830 Oct. 14 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

today’s war on terror, a long blue line of he- Memorandum on the Provision of roes has defended freedom in the skies United States Drug Interdiction above. To all who have climbed sunward and Assistance to the Government of chased the shouting wind, America stops to Brazil say: Your service and sacrifice will be remem- October 16, 2006 bered forever and honored in this place by the citizens of a free and grateful nation. Presidential Determination No. 2007–03 May God bless you all. Memorandum for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense NOTE: The President spoke at 2:48 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of Defense Subject: Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Donald H. Rumsfeld, who introduced him; Chief Assistance to the Government of Brazil Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. Pursuant to the authority vested in me by McKinley; and H. Ross Perot, Jr., chairman of section 1012 of the National Defense Au- the board, and Maj. Gen. Edward F. Grillo, Jr., thorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, as USAF (Ret.), president, Air Force Memorial amended (22 U.S.C. 2291–4), I hereby cer- Foundation. tify, with respect to Brazil, that (1) interdic- tion of aircraft reasonably suspected to be primarily engaged in illicit drug trafficking Remarks on the United Nations in that country’s airspace is necessary be- Security Council Resolution on cause of the extraordinary threat posed by North Korea illicit drug trafficking to the national security October 14, 2006 of that country; and (2) that country has ap- propriate procedures in place to protect Today the United Nations Security Coun- against innocent loss of life in the air and cil passed a unanimous resolution, sending on the ground in connection with such inter- a clear message to the leader of North Korea diction, which shall at a minimum include regarding his weapons programs. This action effective means to identify and warn an air- by the United Nations, which was swift and craft before the use of force is directed tough, says that we are united in our deter- against the aircraft. The Secretary of State is authorized and mination to see to it that the Korean Penin- directed to publish this determination in the sula is nuclear-weapons free. Federal Register and to notify the Congress I have said all along there is a better way of this determination. forward for North Korea. There’s a better George W. Bush way forward for the people of North Korea. If the leader of North Korea were to verifiably end his weapons programs, the Remarks at the Iftaar Dinner United States and other nations would be October 16, 2006 willing to help the nation recover economi- cally. Please be seated. Good evening, and The message today, however, says to the Ramadan Karim. Welcome to the White leader of North Korea that the world is House. Laura and I are really glad you’re united in our opposition to his nuclear weap- here. This is the sixth year that we have been ons plans. pleased to host an Iftaar at the White House. Thank you. We’re honored to be with you, and once again, we’re honored to pay tribute to the month of Ramadan. NOTE: The President spoke at 3:30 p.m. on the Islam is a religion that brings hope and South Grounds at the White House. In his re- comfort to more than a billion people around marks, he referred to Chairman Kim Jong Il of the world. It has transcended racial and eth- North Korea. He also referred to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1718. nic divisions. It has given birth to a rich cul- ture of learning and literature and science.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 17 1831

And tonight we honor the traditions of a tains of Kashmir, where he helped treat the great faith by hosting the Iftaar here at the victims of last year’s devastating South Asian White House. earthquake. Farooq’s courage and compas- I’m so pleased our Secretary of State, sion represent the best of the American spir- Condi Rice, has joined us. Thank you, it. Madam Secretary. I’m pleased that Dr. Elias Paramedic Muhammad is a proud Muslim; Zerhouni, who is the Director of the NIH, he is a patriotic American. And those are is with us. Good to see you, Elias. I thank characteristics he shares with the other spe- Imam Eid from the Islamic Institute of Bos- cial American guests gathered in this room. ton, who’s with us. I welcome all the ambas- All of you bring credit to your faith. You sadors and other members of the diplomatic make America a better and stronger country, corps. and we’re honored by your presence tonight. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Mus- The United States also appreciates the lim calendar. For Muslims in America and many Muslim nations who stand with us in around the world, Ramadan is a special time the war on terror—some of whom are rep- of prayer and fasting, contemplation of God’s resented here tonight. You know that the ma- greatness, and charity and service to those jority of the victims of the terrorists have in need. And for people of all faiths, it is been innocent Muslims, and many of you a good time to reflect on the values we hold have seen terrorist violence in your own cities in common, including love of family, grati- and your streets. We welcome you here. We tude to God, the importance of community, are proud to work with you to defeat the ter- and a commitment to tolerance and religious rorists and extremists and help bring a bright- freedom. er future to millions of Muslim people America is a land of many faiths, and we throughout the world who yearn for modera- welcome and honor the Muslim faith in our tion and peace. Nation. Our society is enriched by our Mus- lim citizens. Your commitment to your faith On this special evening, we celebrate the reminds us all of the precious gift of religious millions of Muslims that we are proud to call freedom in our country. America is a more American citizens. We honor the many Is- hopeful nation because of the talents and lamic nations that America is proud to call generosity and compassion of our Muslim friends. And we renew the ties of friendship citizens. that should bind all who trace their faith back Tonight we have with us a group of special to God’s call on Abraham. guests—American Muslims who are serving Laura and I are grateful that you’re here. our country. We have with us New York City Once again, I wish you a blessed Ramadan. police officers and a EMT worker who risked And now Imam Eid will say the blessing. their lives to save their fellow citizens on 9/11, a military doctor, and a member of the NOTE: The President spoke at 6:52 p.m. in the Navy’s Chaplain Corps, members of our For- State Dining Room at the White House. In his eign Service, and military veterans who have remarks, he referred to Imam Talal Y. Eid, found- served in Afghanistan and Iraq to protect our er and director of religious affairs, Islamic Insti- country and help those nations build free and tute of Boston. democratic futures. One of our guests is Farooq Muhammad. Remarks on Signing the Military Farooq is the son of Pakistani immigrants and was born and raised in Brooklyn. He Commissions Act of 2006 spent the past decade with the New York October 17, 2006 City Fire Department, first as an emergency medical technician and now as a paramedic. Please be seated. Welcome to the White Farooq was at the World Trade Center on House on an historic day. It is a rare occasion 9/11, treating victims when the towers col- when a President can sign a bill he knows lapsed—he narrowly escaped death himself. will save American lives; I have that privilege He also recently volunteered in the moun- this morning.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1832 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

The Military Commissions Act of 2006 is One of the terrorists believed to have one of the most important pieces of legisla- planned the 9/11 attacks said he hoped the tion in the war on terror. This bill will allow attacks would be the beginning of the end the Central Intelligence Agency to continue of America. He didn’t get his wish. We are its program for questioning key terrorist lead- as determined today as we were on the morn- ers and operatives like Khalid Sheikh Mo- ing of September the 12th, 2001. We’ll meet hammed, the man believed to be the master- our obligation to protect our people, and no mind of the September the 11th, 2001, at- matter how long it takes, justice will be done. tacks on our country. This program has been When I proposed this legislation, I ex- one of the most successful intelligence efforts plained that I would have one test for the in American history. It has helped prevent bill Congress produced: Will it allow the CIA attacks on our country. And the bill I sign program to continue? This bill meets that today will ensure that we can continue using test. It allows for the clarity our intelligence this vital tool to protect the American people professionals need to continue questioning for years to come. The Military Commissions terrorists and saving lives. This bill provides Act will also allow us to prosecute captured legal protections that ensure our military and terrorists for war crimes through a full and intelligence personnel will not have to fear fair trial. lawsuits filed by terrorists simply for doing Last month, on the fifth anniversary of their jobs. 9/11, I stood with Americans who lost family This bill spells out specific, recognizable members in New York and Washington and offenses that would be considered crimes in Pennsylvania. I listened to their stories of the handling of detainees so that our men loved ones they still miss. I told them Amer- and women who question captured terrorists ica would never forget their loss. Today I can can perform their duties to the fullest extent tell them something else: With the bill I’m of the law. And this bill complies with both about to sign, the men our intelligence offi- the spirit and the letter of our international cials believe orchestrated the murder of obligations. As I’ve said before, the United nearly 3,000 innocent people will face justice. States does not torture. It’s against our laws, I want to thank the Vice President for join- and it’s against our values. ing me today. Mr. Vice President, appreciate By allowing the CIA program to go for- you. Secretary Don Rumsfeld, I appreciate ward, this bill is preserving a tool that has your service to our country. I want to thank saved American lives. The CIA program Attorney General Al Gonzales; General Mike helped us gain vital intelligence from Khalid Hayden, Director of the Central Intelligence Sheikh Mohammed and Ramzi bin al-Shibh, Agency; General Pete Pace, Chairman of the two of the men believed to have helped plan Joint Chiefs of Staff. and facilitate the 9/11 attacks. The CIA pro- I appreciate very much Senator John War- gram helped break up a cell of 17 south- ner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services eastern Asian terrorist operatives who were Committee, and Congressman Duncan being groomed for attacks inside the United Hunter, chairman of the House Armed Serv- States. The CIA program helped us uncover ices Committee, for joining us today. I want key operatives in Al Qaida’s biological weap- to thank both of these men for their leader- ons program, including a cell developing an- ship. I appreciate Senator Lindsey Graham thrax to be used in terrorist attacks. from South Carolina joining us; Congress- The CIA program helped us identify ter- man Jim Sensenbrenner, chairman of the rorists who were sent to case targets inside House Judiciary Committee; Congressman the United States, including financial build- Steve Buyer of Indiana; Congressman Chris ings in major cities on the east coast. And Cannon of Utah, thank you all for coming. the CIA program helped us stop the planned The bill I sign today helps secure this strike on U.S. marines in Djibouti, a planned country, and it sends a clear message: This attack on the U.S. consulate in Karachi, and Nation is patient and decent and fair, and a plot to hijack airplanes and fly them into we will never back down from the threats Heathrow Airport and Canary Wharf in Lon- to our freedom. don.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 17 1833

Altogether, information from terrorists in who kill Americans: We will find you, and CIA custody has played a role in the capture we will bring you to justice. or questioning of nearly every senior Al Over the past few months, the debate over Qaida member or associate detained by the this bill has been heated, and the questions United States and its allies since this program raised can seem complex. Yet, with the dis- began. Put simply, this program has been one tance of history, the questions will be nar- of the most vital tools in our war against the rowed and few: Did this generation of Ameri- terrorists. It’s been invaluable both to Amer- cans take the threat seriously, and did we ica and our allies. Were it not for this pro- do what it takes to defeat that threat? Every gram, our intelligence community believes Member of Congress who voted for this bill that Al Qaida and its allies would have suc- has helped our Nation rise to the task that ceeded in launching another attack against history has given us. Some voted to support the American homeland. By allowing our in- this bill even when the majority of their party telligence professionals to continue this vital voted the other way. I thank the legislators program, this bill will save American lives. who brought this bill to my desk for their And I look forward to signing it into law. conviction, for their vision, and for their re- The bill I’m about to sign also provides solve. a way to deliver justice to the terrorists we There is nothing we can do to bring back have captured. In the months after 9/11, I the men and women lost on September the authorized a system of military commissions 11th, 2001. Yet we’ll always honor their to try foreign terrorists accused of war memory, and we will never forget the way crimes. These commissions were similar to they were taken from us. This Nation will those used for trying enemy combatants in call evil by its name. We will answer brutal the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and murder with patient justice. Those who kill World War II. Yet the legality of the system the innocent will be held to account. I established was challenged in the court, and With this bill, America reaffirms our deter- the Supreme Court ruled that the military mination to win the war on terror. The pas- commissions needed to be explicitly author- sage of time will not dull our memory or sap ized by the United States Congress. our nerve. We will fight this war with con- And so I asked Congress for that authority, fidence and with clear purpose. We will pro- and they have provided it. With the Military tect our country and our people. We will Commission Act, the legislative and execu- work with our friends and allies across the tive branches have agreed on a system that world to defend our way of life. We will leave meets our national security needs. These behind a freer, safer, and more peaceful military commissions will provide a fair trial, world for those who follow us. in which the accused are presumed innocent, And now, in memory of the victims of Sep- have access to an attorney, and can hear all tember the 11th, it is my honor to sign the the evidence against them. These military Military Commissions Act of 2006 into law. commissions are lawful; they are fair; and they are necessary. NOTE: The President spoke at 9:35 a.m. in the When I sign this bill into law, we will use East Room at the White House. S. 3930, approved October 17, was assigned Public Law No. 109– these commissions to bring justice to the 366. The Office of the Press Secretary also re- men believed to have planned the attacks of leased a Spanish language transcript of these re- September the 11th, 2001. We’ll also seek marks. to prosecute those believed responsible for the attack on the USS Cole, which killed 17 American sailors 6 years ago last week. We Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony will seek to prosecute an operative believed for Mary E. Peters as Secretary of to have been involved in the bombings of Transportation the American Embassies in Kenya and Tan- October 17, 2006 zania, which killed more than 200 innocent people and wounded 5,000 more. With our Thank you very much. Good afternoon. actions, we will send a clear message to those We are here to congratulate Mary Peters on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1834 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

becoming our Nation’s 15th Secretary of always thanked you for that, Norm. [Laugh- Transportation. ter] Mary is a dedicated public servant, an ex- After Hurricane Katrina, Norm and his perienced leader, and one of our Nation’s team helped quickly repair and reopen the most innovative thinker on transportation major—area’s major highways, airports, sea- issues. Mary brings more than two decades ports, and pipelines. He offered incentive- of knowledge and skill to her new post. She based contracts and used other innovative also brings to her position the love and sup- ideas, and as a result, the Department of port of her friends and her family. I want Transportation was to get critical infrastruc- to thank her family for being here, especially ture in place faster than usual. I want to Mary’s husband, Terry. thank you for your leadership, Norm, and I I appreciate my Chief of Staff, Josh Bolten, want to thank you for your lifetime of service who is here to administer the oath. Presi- to our country, and I wish you all the very dents can’t administer the oath—[laugh- best. And I want to remind you, Maria made ter]—so I tapped my man, Josh. [Laughter] you look pretty good while you were in office. I want to thank Maria Cino, who is the [Laughter] Deputy Secretary, Acting Secretary. I thank Mary Peters is the right person to succeed you for your service and your friendship. Norm as the Secretary of Transportation. She I appreciate my friend Secretary Norm worked for several years with Secretary Mi- Mineta. I got some other stuff to say about neta, and she understands the fine legacy she you here in a minute. [Laughter] I do want has to live up to. She also knows firsthand to thank Rodney Slater for joining us, former the skills and dedication of the men and Secretary of Transportation, as well as Jim women who work here at the Department Burnley. Thank you both for coming. I’m of Transportation. She’s going to be a fine proud you’re here, and I know Secretary Pe- boss. She understands that to maintain our ters appreciates it as well. Nation’s competitiveness and to sustain our The job of Secretary of Transportation is growing economy, we need a Secretary who one of the most important in our Federal can see the challenges and be willing to con- Government. The American people rely on front them. the Department of Transportation to main- Mary Peters will provide strong leadership. tain a safe, reliable, and efficient transpor- She has spent a lifetime working on transpor- tation system. And the future of our growing tation issues in both the private and public economy and changing infrastructure de- sectors. Most recently, she has served as sen- pend on the decisions made by the Secretary ior executive for transportation policy at a that will be put into action by this Depart- major engineering firm. For 4 years before ment. that, she led the Federal Highway Adminis- The Secretary of Transportation also plays tration. Before coming to Washington, she an important role in our Nation’s coordinated served in the Arizona Department of Trans- efforts to guard against terrorist threats to portation. For more than 15 years, she rose our aircraft, seaports, and infrastructure. For through the ranks to become director in the past 6 years, these responsibilities have 1998. been carried out by Norm Mineta, who At both the State and Federal level, Mary served our country with distinction, integrity, Peters has worked to improve safety and se- and dedication. Norm is our Nation’s longest curity on roads and bridges. She’s worked to serving Secretary of Transportation, and he reduce traffic congestion and modernize served at a time of great consequence for America’s transportation infrastructure. As our country. Secretary of Transportation, Mary will work I remember after the attacks of September closely with Federal, State, and local leaders the 11th, when Norm led the successful ef- to ensure that America has a state-of-the-art fort to bring tens of thousands of passengers transportation system so that we can meet aboard commercial aircraft to safe landings. the needs of our growing economy. He grounded quite a few planes, including In her new position, she will face impor- the ones my mom and dad were on. They’ve tant challenges. Next year she will lead the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 17 1835

Department’s efforts to reauthorize our Na- President Bush. We just had a very tion’s aviation programs. Our Nation is out- lengthy and interesting discussion, which is growing our aviation capacity. More people what you would expect friends to do. I con- are flying every year, and so we must mod- sider the Prime Minister a friend; I consider ernize our airports and our air traffic control. Croatia a friend as well. We also face the challenges of reducing We talked about foreign policy issues, congestion in our surface and maritime trans- issues of peace. I thank the people of Croatia portation systems. To accomplish these tasks, for their support in Afghanistan of the young America needs creative thinking and innova- democracy. I also believe it’s in the world’s tive solutions, and I believe Mary Peters will interest that Croatia join NATO as well as provide them. the European Union. And to that end, when As Mary works to build a better transpor- I go to Riga, I will make the case that Croatia tation system, she will be a careful steward should be admitted. It seems like a reason- of the people’s money. She brings to her new able date would be 2008. position a reputation for fiscal discipline and We talked about bilateral relations. We integrity. As head of the Federal Highway talked about investments, investment oppor- Administration, Mary introduced better fiscal tunities in Croatia. We talked about the need oversight and accountability. She improved to enhance trade and commerce. The Prime management for the largest transportation Minister has invited me to come. I’ve heard projects. She worked closely with her depart- unbelievably great things about your country, ment’s inspector general to eliminate waste, Mr. Prime Minister. I hear it’s one of the fraud, and abuse. She’s going to carry this most beautiful places on the face of the kind of diligence into her new job. Earth. I’d love to come sometime. I’ve got She understands the importance of a mod- to clear it first with my wife. [Laughter] ern infrastructure and good management. But nevertheless, all in all, it’s been a very And I’m pleased she has agreed to serve her good meeting. And I welcome you here, and country once again. As she takes on this im- thank you for coming. portant position, she has my full trust and Prime Minister Sanader. Thank you, Mr. my confidence. Mary, I look forward to work- President. I’ve been touched by the warmth ing with you as the new Secretary of Trans- of this reception during this visit and of the portation. Congratulations. interest and understanding you have shown It’s now my honor to witness the swearing- in Croatia and the challenges facing Europe in of Mary Peters. today. NOTE: The President spoke at 1:16 p.m. at the About the only question we disagreed was Department of Transportation. In his remarks, he whether Croatia or the United States had the referred to Terryl ‘‘Terry’’ Peters, Sr., husband most beautiful coastline. of Secretary of Transportation Peters; and former President Bush. That’s right. [Laughter] Secretary of Transportation James H. Burnley IV. Prime Minister Sanader. I will let you The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary and Mrs. Bush judge for yourselves when you Peters. visit Croatia, where you certainly will be most welcome, Mr. President. The President and I, we discussed a range Remarks Following Discussions With of issues of bilateral concerns, especially of Prime Minister Ivo Sanader of the preparations of my country to join EU Croatia and NATO. And I expressed my gratitude October 17, 2006 to the President for his constant support for Croatia on its way. President Bush. It’s been my honor to I also—we discussed a range of issues of— welcome the Prime Minister of Croatia here. regarding our region of southeastern Europe: Mr. Prime Minister, welcome. final status of Kosovo; Georgia; Ukraine; Prime Minister Sanader. Thank you very Moldova. We are very active. Croatia is not much. forgetting that we are in the region

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1836 Oct. 17 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

where we still need a strong U.S. and Euro- Statement on Signing the John pean cooperation. We believe strongly in Warner National Defense transatlantic partnership. There is no alter- Authorization Act for Fiscal Year native to this. I think that President Bush 2007 and the United States of America, along with October 17, 2006 the EU, have still to be very, very closely cooperating in a couple of issues in Europe. Today, I have signed into law H.R. 5122, the ‘‘John Warner National Defense Author- So thank you very much, Mr. President, ization Act for Fiscal Year 2007’’ (the ‘‘Act’’). for warm reception and very fruitful discus- The Act authorizes funding for the defense sion. of the United States and its interests abroad, President Bush. Thank you, sir. I appre- for military construction, for national secu- ciate it. Good job. Thank you. rity-related energy programs, and for mari- time security-related transportation pro- grams. NOTE: The President spoke at 3:16 p.m. in the Several provisions of the Act call for execu- Oval Office at the White House. tive branch officials to submit to the Con- gress recommendations for legislation, or purport to regulate the manner in which the Statement on Signing the Northern President formulates recommendations to the Congress for legislation. These provisions California Coastal Wild Heritage include sections 516(h), 575(g), 603(b), Wilderness Act 705(d), 719(b), 721(e), 741(e), 813, 1008, 1016(d), 1035(b)(3), 1047(b), and 1102 of the October 17, 2006 Act, section 118(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1031 of Today, I have signed into law H.R. 233, the Act, section 2773b of title 10 as amended the ‘‘Northern California Coastal Wild Herit- by section 1053 of the Act, and section 403 age Wilderness Act.’’ The Act strengthens of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense protection of certain lands in California. Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Pub- lic Law 108–375) as amended by section 403 Section 4(i)(2) of the Act purports to give of the Act. The executive branch shall con- binding legal effect to guidelines in an ap- strue these provisions in a manner consistent pendix to a report issued by a congressional with the President’s constitutional authority committee, which was not incorporated into to supervise the unitary executive branch and the Act and for which presentment was not to recommend for the consideration of the made. Consistent with the bicameral ap- Congress such measures as the President proval and presentment requirements of the deems necessary and expedient. Constitution for the making of a law, the ex- The executive branch shall construe sec- ecutive branch shall, in carrying out the Act, tions 914 and 1512 of the Act, which purport take appropriate account of the guidelines as to make consultation with specified Mem- bers of Congress a precondition to the execu- a matter of comity between the executive and tion of the law, as calling for but not man- legislative branches. dating such consultation, as is consistent with the Constitution’s provisions concerning the George W. Bush separate powers of the Congress to legislate and the President to execute the laws. The White House, A number of provisions in the Act call for October 17, 2006. the executive branch to furnish information to the Congress or other entities on various subjects. These provisions include sections NOTE: H.R. 233, approved October 17, was as- 219, 313, 360, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1227, 1402, signed Public Law No. 109–362. and 3116 of the Act, section 427 of title 10,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 18 1837

United States Code, as amended by section broadly against disclosure of such informa- 932 of the Act, and section 1093 of the Ron- tion. ald W. Reagan National Defense Authoriza- George W. Bush tion Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375) as amended by section 1061 of the The White House, October 17, 2006. Act. The executive branch shall construe such provisions in a manner consistent with NOTE: H.R. 5122, approved October 17, was as- the President’s constitutional authority to signed Public Law No. 109–364. withhold information the disclosure of which could impair foreign relations, the national security, the deliberative processes of the Ex- Statement on the Population of the ecutive, or the performance of the Execu- United States Reaching 300 Million tive’s constitutional duties. October 17, 2006 The executive branch shall construe as ad- For more than two centuries, America has visory section 1011(b)(2) of the Act, which been a beacon of hope and opportunity for purports to prohibit the Secretary of the people around the world, millions of whom Navy from retiring a specified warship from came here to live in freedom and make better operational status unless, among other lives for themselves and their families. Today things, a treaty organization established by we celebrate a significant milestone—the the U.S. and foreign nations gives formal no- population of the United States has now tice that it does not desire to maintain and reached 300 million. Our continued growth operate that warship. If construed as manda- is a testament to our country’s dynamism and tory rather than advisory, the provision would a reminder that America’s greatest asset is our people. impermissibly interfere with the President’s America is built on a shared love of free- constitutional authority to conduct the Na- dom and a belief in the dignity and matchless tion’s foreign affairs and as Commander in value of every human being. Our confidence Chief. in our people has carried us to ever greater The executive branch shall construe sec- achievements in all areas of human endeavor tion 1211, which purports to require the ex- and allowed us to remain the world’s most vibrant and innovative country. And so long ecutive branch to undertake certain consulta- as we insist on high standards in education, tions with foreign governments and follow place our trust in the talents and ingenuity certain steps in formulating and executing of ordinary Americans, and protect our free- U.S. foreign policy, in a manner consistent doms, we will remain the land of opportunity with the President’s constitutional authorities for generations to come. We welcome this to conduct the Nation’s foreign affairs and milestone as further proof that the American to supervise the unitary executive branch. Dream remains as bright and hopeful as ever. As is consistent with the principle of statu- tory construction of giving effect to each of Remarks at Waldo C. Falkener two statutes addressing the same subject Elementary School in Greensboro, whenever they can co-exist, the executive North Carolina branch shall construe section 130d of title October 18, 2006 10, as amended by section 1405 of the Act, which provides further protection against dis- Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. closure of certain homeland security infor- I’ve known Margaret, as she said, a long time, mation in certain circumstances, as in addi- and I’m very proud of the job she’s doing. tion to, and not in derogation of, the broader She knows what she’s talking about when it protection against disclosure of information comes to the schools in America, and she afforded by section 892 of the Homeland Se- and I are going to work to make sure that curity Act of 2002 and other law protecting every child gets an excellent education.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1838 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

I want to thank the good folks here at to a State what national defense is to the Fed- Falkener for inviting the President to come. eral Government. And so I took my role as As you can tell, it’s not an easy thing—[laugh- Governor and being involved in public ter]—to host the President. It’s like, the en- school—just like Guy Hunt did—we over- tourage is pretty big, a lot of security. And lapped as Governors, and we prioritized pub- so for the school folks here, thank you very lic education. And so I spent a lot of time much for accommodating us. I’ve come be- with schools in Texas, and I learned one cause I appreciate the example you set. thing, that these little centers of excellence One of the things I like to do is to herald always depended upon having an aggressive excellence. So the first thing I want to say principal, a principal who is willing to set is, congratulations to the principal and the high standards and not allow for mediocrity teachers and the parents for working hard to set in. So, Amy, I want to thank you for to make this a fantastically interesting place your leadership and thank you for your hospi- for our children to go to school. tality. I want to thank—you know, they say to I met Josette Hamrick, who is the teacher me, ‘‘What do you want from the schools?’’ of the year. I congratulate you, Josette, for I don’t know if you recognize this, but we setting a good example. I think Josette is here just had six Nobel Prize winners recently an- somewhere—there she is. Thanks for being nounced—America had six Nobel—all of here. I also have recently gone to Mary whom went to public schools in America. Helen Parson’s third grade school—third And my hope as I travel through the halls grade class. And Tom ‘‘Ned’’—Tom of these schools—like this one—I’m meeting Niedziela—he is a—both of whom are dedi- Nobel Prize winners of the future. It’s a cated teachers. And so I want to say some- noble aspiration for all of us to aim for. And thing about teaching. It is a noble profession. so I want to thank you for letting me come. It is a necessary profession for this country. I’m going to talk about No Child Left Be- And for those of you who are teachers, I con- hind. I think you’re about to find out I am gratulate you and thank you for serving our a passionate advocate of this important law, country. because I know it can save children’s lives I oftentimes say to people that are asking and I know it can help us meet a national me about—do you have any recommenda- objective, and that is, every child getting a tions for what I should be doing, and my an- good education in every school throughout swer is, teach. And to parents I say, remem- the country. ber, you’re the child’s first teacher. As a mat- I bring greetings from Laura. Most people ter of fact, schools succeed when a parent say, ‘‘I wish Laura had come and the old boy understands that teaching begins at home, stayed home.’’ [Laughter] She’s actually in and it makes the job of the classroom teacher El Paso, Texas, today—I think she’s in El so much easier. But I want to thank the Paso, Texas, today—I’m confident, I think teachers who are here, and thank you for set- that’s what she told me—where a new school ting a good example. out there is opening up the Laura Bush Li- I want to thank the school board members brary. And well deserved, I want you to who are here. I told the head of the school know, because she has a great passion for board and the other man on the school making sure that every child can read. So board, I said, ‘‘It’s a pretty tough job to be I bring—as best I can—her passion here to on the school board.’’ [Laughter] One fellow this important school. said, ‘‘Do you want to switch jobs?’’ I said, I’m proud to be here with Senator Richard ‘‘You know—I don’t think so.’’ [Laughter] Burr from the great State of North Carolina. But thank you all for serving. Local control Thank you for working on us—with—on edu- of schools is important in order to achieve cational excellence. I appreciate Virginia educational excellence, and I’m going to talk Foxx, the Congresswoman, who joined us as a little about that in a minute. well. Amy Holcombe is the principal. I also landed today and met a lady named You might remember, I was a Governor Michelle Gilmore. Michelle is—there you of a State. And I used to say, education is are. Thanks for coming. Michelle and her

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 18 1839

husband, Tiran, are here. Michelle volun- that’s a magnet school, that has got a pre- teers as a mentor. If you are concerned about international baccalaureate program. the future of North Carolina or concerned We support magnet schools at the Federal about the future of our country and you want level. First, let me just tell you my theory. to make a difference, become a mentor. It’s Most education needs to be funded at the amazing what happens when an adult takes State and local level. I believe that is the time out of her life, in this case, to say to proper role between the Federal Govern- a child, ‘‘I care about you, and I want to ment and the State government. And yet help.’’ The true strength of the United States there are incentive programs that come out of America lies in the hearts and souls of of Washington—Title I money, for example, our citizens. And the amazing thing about is an incentive program. We also have put our country is that there are millions of acts money in our budget for magnet schools. As of kindness that take place on a daily basis, a matter of fact, the budget next year I’ve and it hasn’t required one government law. asked for has got about $100 million for mag- And the reason I mention Michelle and net schools. I think magnet schools are inter- the reason I welcomed her to Air Force One esting concepts to—that the local folks ought is because I want to, one, thank you as an to decide to use. And so there’s a little incen- individual, and remind people that you can tive from the Federal Government to en- serve America by loving a neighbor just like courage you. you’d like to be loved yourself. And I appre- I’m a—also understand, and I hope you ciate you being here, Michelle. Thanks for do—I know those of you involved with public coming. schools understand that we’re now living in I like the fact that this—we’re at a school a global economy. North Carolina under- named for a civil rights pioneer. I happen stands that about as much as any State. What to believe reading is a modern-day civil right; happens abroad affects the lives of our stu- that if you cannot read, you cannot realize dents in the near future. If a child in China the great promise of the United States of gets a good engineering degree and a child America. That’s what I believe. And so I’ve in America doesn’t, it means China is likely come to this school because I believe schools to be more competitive in the 21st century. should set high standards and insist upon re- In other words, we’ve got to get education sults, like teaching a child to read. I don’t right not only because it’s a national responsi- think it’s too much to ask in schools around bility but because we’re in a global world. the United States of America. I know what Whether we like it or not, there is competi- happens when a child can’t read at grade tion for jobs of the future that are going to— level. I know the despondency that can be that will take place. And therefore, it’s impor- caused if a child is just simply shuffled tant that we make sure that our children get through a school. a solid foundation early in order—so that our Falkener is a magnet school. In other country can be competitive, as well as our words, it’s a school that—I equate that with children. educational entrepreneurship. It means peo- Now, let me talk about No Child Left Be- ple are willing to try things differently. This hind, because I’m really here to make clear school is one that, interestingly enough, has to people in Congress, not only who are here got a international baccalaureate program in- but around the country, that the reauthoriza- herent in its curriculum. And that’s impor- tion of this important bill is going to be a tant because international baccalaureate pro- top priority of mine. And it’s not only just grams are programs that set high standards the reauthorization; it’s the strengthening of for children in later years. So in other words, the bill, and not the weakening of the bill. it’s kind of a pre-international baccalaureate There’s been a lot of talk about No Child experience—all aimed at making sure that a Left Behind Act. First, you’ve got to under- child who goes from here has a chance to stand, it was a bipartisan effort. I readily con- even have a greater skill level than antici- cede that’s a rare occurrence in Washington, pated. So it’s interesting to be in a school DC, but nevertheless, Republicans and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1840 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Democrats came together to get this impor- that find problems early and solve the prob- tant piece of legislation passed. lems early, before it’s too late. That’s why It said, ‘‘We’ll spend more money at the I’m at this school. This school sets high stand- Federal level, but in return, we expect re- ards. sults.’’ It seems like a simple concept, but And by the way, if you set low standards, nevertheless, it was not inherent in the edu- guess what happens in schools? You get bad cation programs out of the Federal Govern- results. If you walk into a classroom full of ment. We just never really asked; we just as- the hard to educate and not have high stand- sumed everything was fine. As a matter of ards, the hard to educate remains hard to fact, in many schools around the country, educate. So the law says: ‘‘Set high standards; that’s the way it was. If people said it was use curriculum that works; you can deter- fine, it was fine. mine what works by measuring whether or You know, I remember, one time, going not students are meeting certain standards; to a school in Houston, Texas, and I said to and correct problems early, before it’s too the teacher, ‘‘How’s everything? Thanks for late.’’ That’s what No Child Left Behind is teaching.’’ She said, ‘‘My kids can’t read.’’ I all about. think it was ninth or tenth grade. It was a And it’s working. It’s working. You know, shock to the Governor. It should be a shock the first year this school was tested under to everybody when you hear a teacher say, No Child Left Behind, it didn’t meet stand- my kids can’t read by the time they get to ards—like, it just wasn’t good enough. This high school. Something was wrong. school decided to do something about it. See, The point was made to me—and this is they recognized they had a problem, and so when Margaret and I started working on this they used Federal funding to pay for new concept of measurement—that if you don’t laboratories, teacher collaboration, research measure, you don’t know. And the only way on what was going right and what was going to prevent kids from just getting shuffled wrong. There’s a new focus on results; there through schools—until the point where the was frequent testing; they set up a Saturday high school teacher says they can’t read— Academy for children with low test scores is to measure early. And so part of the No that needed extra help. And the results have Child Left Behind Act says, ‘‘We expect re- been impressive. Four years ago, about 46 sults, and you measure.’’ percent of third graders at this school were I believe in local control of schools. I do reading at grade level. That’s okay if you’re not believe the Federal Government should a parent of one of the 46 percent. It’s not be telling the people in North Carolina how okay if you’re a parent of one of the 54 per- to run their schools. I think that would be cent. And the principal and the teachers un- a mistake if that were the case. I don’t think derstood there was a problem, and they took the Federal Government ought to design the steps to change the status quo. And today, test; the people of North Carolina should de- 76 percent are reading at grade level. sign the accountability tests. I do think the That’s what No Child Left Behind does. Federal Government ought to ask, ‘‘Can a It can’t do the teaching; it can’t be the leader; child read?’’ but it can help people who care deeply about Look, I understand kids—I understand the the lives of a child—the life of a child to debate; you know, ‘‘They’re teaching the succeed, to recognize problems, address the test.’’ No, you’re teaching a child to read so problem, correct the problem, and teach a they can pass a comprehensive test. And if child to read. And that’s what’s—that’s why they can’t pass a comprehensive test, some- I’m at Falkener. This is a school that has gone thing is fundamentally wrong. You know, ‘‘All from mediocre to excellent, because they’ve we do is test.’’ No, what you do is, you teach used the tools of the No Child Left Behind so that the accountability system—when you Act. do test, a child is proficient. You know, if In the fifth grade, about 68 percent of the you don’t test, you don’t know. And if you students were reading at grade level 4 years don’t know, you can’t correct. Active schools, ago; today, 88 percent of the students are schools that are meeting excellence are those reading at grade level. I cannot thank you

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 18 1841

enough for taking advantage of a law that being bold on behalf of the children of your really was living up to its name—no child State. being left behind. Here’s what your principal Your test scores are encouraging. The per- said: She said, ‘‘Falkener has greatly bene- centage of fourth graders with basic math fited from this legislation. Our test scores tell skills rose 10 points between 2000 and 2005. our story of success.’’ The percentage of eighth graders with basic I met Tom Ned—you call him ‘‘Ned,’’ math skills rose about six points between right? Niedziela. He focused on reading 2000 and 2005. African American fourth and comprehension and vocabulary, and his class eighth graders in North Carolina achieved made the largest reading gains in the fourth some of the highest math scores in the Na- grade. One girl whose first language is Span- tion. How do we know? Because we measure. ish—see, if the child’s first language is Span- It’s got to make you feel good to hear Afri- ish, that child generally is what we call hard can American kids are scoring some of the to educate. And sometimes that label be- highest tests in the Nation. Can you imagine comes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Inner-city if the President came and said, ‘‘By the way, kids tend to be labeled hard to educate, so your kids are scoring the lowest scores in the all that mattered in the past was, if you’re Nation’’? I suspect you’d want to be doing 10, you’re supposed to be here; and if you’re something about that. At least I would hope 11, you’re supposed to be there. It’s unac- you would. ceptable for this country, by the way. That There are good results of No Child Left type of attitude is unacceptable. Behind across the Nation. In other words, we’re measuring—each State measures, and This child started the year reading at the you’re able to norm to determine how States second grade level. Thanks to Mr. Ned, she do relative to each other. In reading, 9-year- now reads at the sixth grade level. I met her. olds have made the largest gains in the past There’s nothing more than helping a child’s 5 years than at any point in the previous 28 self-esteem than to—teaching a child to read, years. That’s good. In math, 9-year-olds and just giving that child the basic skills necessary 13-year-olds earned the highest scores in the to succeed in a hopeful society. history of the test. Here’s what Mr. Ned said: He said, ‘‘I told We have an achievement gap in America them, if you want to be good at something, that is—that I don’t like and you shouldn’t you’ve got to practice. If you want to play like. It’s the difference between reading of football, you have to go to football practice. African American students and Latino stu- If you want to be good at reading, you have dents and White students. The gap is closing, to practice reading.’’ And he said, ‘‘I’ve never and that’s incredibly important for the had a class work so hard.’’ I want to thank United States of America, to see that achieve- Mr. Ned; I want to thank the students. ment gap close. How do we know? Because There’s nothing more heartwarming than to we’re measuring. know that standards are being met. Inherent in No Child Left Behind are We see the results in No Child Left Be- some interesting reforms. First, if we find hind across the State of North Carolina. I a child falling behind early, there is extra don’t know if you know this or not, but your Federal money to help that child. Think State has been an innovative State. Your about that. For the first time, the Federal State has been one that has not shied away Government has said, ‘‘Not only do we want from accountability. In other words, you you to measure, but when we find a child didn’t use excuses about testing. You said, falling behind, there is extra money to be ‘‘Look, we want to test because we want to used in either the private or public sector.’’ know.’’ Your State was the first in the Nation See, measuring encourages parental in- to establish an accountability system and one volvement. If you measure and a parent finds of the first to have the testing plans approved out that his or her child is not succeeding, under No Child Left Behind. In other words, most parents are going to say, ‘‘Do something your State led. And I congratulate the State about it.’’ And what the Federal Government leaders and those involved with education for has said, ‘‘Here’s some extra money to help

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1842 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

you, to get tutoring, to get you back up to school year begins, which is like—it doesn’t grade level.’’ work. So the bureaucracy, frankly, has got If a school continues to fail—in other to be a little more facile in getting the results words, a school doesn’t make progress—I be- out, and Margaret understands that. lieve parents ought to be liberated from that I think we ought to continue doing what school district if they so choose and go to we call the Teacher Incentive Fund. This is another public school. In other words, there a further reform. It allows States and school has to be a consequence at some point in districts to reward teachers who demonstrate time for a school that won’t—is not teaching results for their students. If this school board and won’t change, if you expect there to be decides they want to provide incentives for concrete results. teachers based upon results, the Federal This school started off with low scores, set Government will provide money to help you high standards, and has achieved the objec- do that. I like the idea. You may not like tive. I suspect not many parents, even if they it, and that’s fine. You got elected a school could, would want to leave, because you’re board member; I didn’t. But, nevertheless, meeting—you’re doing the job. There are I do believe we ought to make sure that schools around the country that are not doing school boards and school districts have the the job, and that is unacceptable to society. option. It ought to be unacceptable to school boards I also think there ought to be incentives and parents and teachers. for teachers who make the decision to teach In DC, we started something interesting. in some of the needier school districts, tough- We said that if the school fails, continue to— er schools—to provide an incentive. We have if there’s persistent failure, that a child ought got a program I’m going to work with Con- to be able to go to not only a public school gress on to encourage math and science pro- but a private school. We provide what are fessionals to come into classrooms. And the called opportunity scholarships. We work reason why is, in order for us to be competi- with the mayor to enhance—it’s an inter- tive in the future, our students have got to esting opportunity—said, if you fail, and the be proficient in math and the sciences, and school won’t change, then the DC came up we have to have more emphasis on math and with a scholarship that said this scholarship science. And there’s no better way to encour- could be redeemed at a public school or a age a child to take math and science than Catholic school, for example. to have a professional come in the class. We There is a debate going on about whether call them adjunct professors. we ought to reauthorize the No Child Left Margaret and I, one time, went over to Behind Act. I think you can get a sense for a school in Maryland, and there were some where I’m coming from. Not only do I think people from NASA there, two science guys we ought to reauthorize it; I think we ought from NASA that could talk the language of to strengthen it. I think it would be a huge science. And their message was: It’s cool to mistake for the United States Congress not be a scientist. Some pretty cool guys that to reauthorize this important piece of legisla- were there, but they were saying to eighth tion. And the reason I say that is that it’s grade kids, ‘‘Science is interesting for you.’’ working. In other words, there’s just more Sometimes it takes somebody in the field to than words there; we have achieved concrete be able to lend practical knowledge to con- results. vince children to continue to focus on science I’m not suggesting the law shouldn’t be and math and engineering. improved; it should be improved. For exam- I talked to you about how to make sure ple, we ought to make sure that scores are parents get better information. I do believe tested early, particularly for big districts, so we ought to fund a national opportunity that people understand what the results are. scholarship program to make sure parents Oftentimes in—I don’t know how many big have choices—particularly poor parents have districts, Margaret—but I’ve heard com- choices beyond just public school choice. plaints from school districts where the test I’m worried about high school, and I think scores get posted for the parents after the the new law ought to focus a lot on high

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 18 1843

school. Four out of every—one out of every I understand what it means for public four ninth graders in America does not grad- schools to guess whether or not a child can uate from high school on time. That’s a prob- read and write and add and subtract, and I lem. If we live in a global world that’s highly understand fully the consequences of a sys- competitive, our kids have got to get out of tem that guesses. I also understand the con- high school, and they got to head to commu- sequences of a system which measures, and nity college or college, if we’re going to be a system which measures and corrects prob- competitive. And so we need to bring the lems is a system which will help meet the same standards to our high schools that we great promise of this country. have brought thus far to elementary and jun- I want to thank you for giving me a chance ior high schools. to come and talk about something I feel We need to test. If it’s okay to test in the strong about, deeply passionate about. I’m third grade, it ought to be okay to test in looking forward to getting these elections be- high school to determine whether or not cur- hind us and start working on the reauthoriza- ricula works, whether or not teaching meth- tion of the No Child Left Behind Act, for odology is working, and whether or not our the good of every child in the United States children are learning. of America. God bless. Again, I told you about the international baccalaureate program. It feeds into another NOTE: The President spoke at 2:07 p.m. In his way for us to enhance the competitiveness remarks, he referred to former Gov. James Baxter of this country, and that is to encourage AP Hunt, Jr., of North Carolina; Alan W. Duncan, programs—Advanced Placement pro- chairman, Guilford County Schools Board of Edu- grams—throughout classrooms all across cation; and Mayor Anthony A. Williams of Wash- America. One of the bottlenecks is—a bottle- ington, DC. The Office of the Press Secretary also neck is the number of teachers that are capa- released a Spanish language transcript of these re- ble of teaching AP. I think it’s a good use marks. of your taxpayers’ money to train teachers in Advanced Placement; 70,000 teachers— Remarks Following a Tour of Victory is our initial goal to train in Advanced Place- ment, so that teachers have the skills nec- Junction Gang Camp, Inc., in essary to teach AP. But it works. Randleman, North Carolina It’s amazing what happens when you set October 18, 2006 high standards and give people the tools nec- essary to effect those standards. And so these The President. You know, it’s a remark- are ideas and ways to strengthen No Child able place. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am Left Behind. We’ll continue to listen to good to be with the Pettys and the champion race ideas. We, of course, will listen to Members car drivers who have heard a call to help peo- of Congress from both parties. ple who need help. And I wish our fellow This is a State that had a good idea. They citizens could see the physical layout here; were deeply concerned about how to make and if you were here, you’d also feel a great sure that the accountability system would sense of compassion. And, you know, the measure progress without—in an accurate Petty family has been well known for a long way. And so Margaret worked with the State time in America. And they’ve been known leaders, worked with the Senator to provide as great athletes—now they will be known flexibility for the accountability system, with- as great humanitarians as well. out undermining the whole concept of meas- And so we really thank you. urement. And so in other words, we’ll be ra- Kyle Petty. Thank you, sir. tional and reasonable, but what we will not The President. This is a place that’s in do is allow schools to lower standards. And honor of their son, Adam. They have made what we will not do is allow people to get a conscious decision to turn a tragic event rid of accountability systems, because I be- into a loving event, and that’s what I feel lieve the accountability system is the first here. And you guys did a good job. Thanks step in making sure no child is left behind. for having me.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1844 Oct. 18 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

NOTE: The President spoke at 3:56 p.m. in Adam’s Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, Race Shop. In his remarks, he referred to President of the United States of America, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, by virtue of the authority vested in me by founders, Victory Junction Gang Camp, Inc. the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 23, 2006, Proclamation 8072—50th as a day of recognition in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. I encourage all Americans to observe this day Revolution with appropriate ceremonies and activities. October 18, 2006 In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of October, in By the President of the United States the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of America of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. A Proclamation George W. Bush On the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, we celebrate the Hungarians [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, who defied an empire to demand their lib- 8:45 a.m., October 20, 2006] erty, we recognize the friendship between the United States and Hungary, and we reaf- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the firm our shared desire to spread freedom to Federal Register on October 23. people around the world. The story of Hungarian democracy rep- resents the triumph of liberty over tyranny. Remarks at a Reception for In the fall of 1956, the Hungarian people Congressional Candidate Don demanded change, and tens of thousands of Sherwood and the Pennsylvania students, workers, and other citizens bravely Victory Committee in La Plume, marched through the streets to call for free- Pennsylvania dom. Though Soviet tanks brutally crushed October 19, 2006 the Hungarian uprising, the thirst for free- dom lived on, and in 1989 Hungary became Thank you all very much. Please be seated. the first communist nation in Europe to I’m glad to be back again. Thanks for wel- make the transition to democracy. The lesson coming me. I am pleased to be here with of the Hungarian experience is clear: liberty Don Sherwood. He is the right man to rep- can be delayed, but it cannot be denied. resent the people of the Tenth Congressional Today, this beautiful country has held demo- District from the State of Pennsylvania. cratic elections, established a free economy, He has got a record of accomplishment. and inspired millions around the world. He has been a strong supporter of those The United States is grateful for the warm brave men and women who wear our Na- relationship between our countries and for tion’s uniform. He has been a supporter of Hungary’s efforts to expand freedom and de- the Tobyhanna Army Depot. He’s a strong mocracy around the world in places such as supporter of Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers. the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cuba. By When it came time to make sure highway spreading the blessings of liberty, Hungary money was available for Pennsylvania, he did is helping to lay the foundation of peace for his job that you expect him to do. He’s a generations to come. person who has been working hard to in- As we celebrate this anniversary, we also crease jobs here in this part of the world. recognize the many ways Hungarian Ameri- He’s worked to cut taxes on the working peo- cans have enriched and strengthened our ple. He understands it’s important to keep country. Their spirit and hard work have con- the people of the district safe. I strongly be- tributed to the vitality, success, and pros- lieve the people in this part of Pennsylvania perity of our Nation, and we continue to be need to send Don Sherwood back to the inspired by their courage and conviction. United States Congress.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1845

And I’m glad Carol is here with us today. to do is make sure we become less dependent I read Carol Sherwood’s letter to the citizens on foreign sources of oil. You know, I under- of this congressional district. I was deeply stand the price of gasoline is dropping, but moved by her words. Carol’s letter shows that should not obscure the fact that we have what a caring and courageous woman she is. a national security problem when it comes I’m delighted to be here with Carol and their to relying upon oil from parts of the world daughter, Maria. Thanks for coming. that don’t like us. I am not Sherwood’s first choice to be here And so I want to continue to work with at the fundraiser—[laughter]—both he and Congressman Sherwood to make sure we Carol wanted Laura to come. [Laughter] But promote new technologies, new ways to she sends her very best to the Sherwoods, power our automobiles. I envision a day and she, like me, strongly believes Don Sher- when ethanol becomes more widespread, wood ought to be reelected to the United where Pennsylvania farmers are actually pro- States Congress. viding the fuel necessary to run our cars. For I want to thank Dr. Ned Boehm, the presi- the sake of economic security and for the dent of Keystone College—and Regina. Re- sake of national security, we must continue gina told me she broke her foot playing golf. to diversify away from foreign sources of [Laughter] In 21⁄2 years, I’m going to try that crude oil. out myself. [Laughter] But thank you very No, we’ll work together on issues like much for letting us use this facility on this health care. I appreciate the fact that he was beautiful campus, and thanks very much for a strong supporter of Medicare moderniza- being involved in higher education. I appre- tion. For the seniors who are on prescription ciate your leadership, and I know the people drugs here in this part of the district, they of this part of the world do as well. understand that this new Medicare bill is a I thank very much Rob Gleason, who’s the good bill. No longer do poor seniors have chairman of the Republican State Committee to choose between medicine and food, thanks for Pennsylvania, and Bob Asher, who is the to people like Congressman Don Sherwood. national committeeman. The reason I bring But as this campaign gets closer to the up these folks is that a lot of politics depends stretch, you will hear a lot of rhetoric and upon the capacity of the grassroots to do their a lot of partisan charges coming from the job. So first, I want to thank you very much other side. Their goal is to distract you from for raising the money, filling the hat. It’s im- the two main issues in this campaign, and portant for Don Sherwood’s campaign to be they are these: Which party will keep your able to advertise, and he will continue to do taxes low, and which party will take the steps so. But in order for him to win, we got to necessary to defend the United States of turn out the vote. And so for those of you America? who are involved with grassroots politics, I My administration, our party, and Don want to thank you in advance for what you’re Sherwood have clear records on both these going to do to get people to the polls come issues. Let me first start with taxes. Repub- November. licans have a clear philosophy: We believe I also want to thank my friend Bill Scran- that the people who know best how to spend ton, who’s with us today. Bill and Maryla are your money are the people that earn that fine citizens of this part of the world, and money, and that is you. The Democrats be- I’m proud to call him friend. And I really lieve that they can spend your money better want to thank you for being here. Thanks than you can. So we worked hard to ensure for coming. that the working families in this district and It’s a big campaign coming up, and I like all around the country kept more of their being out on the campaign trail because I paychecks when we enacted the largest tax like sharing with the people what I believe. cuts since Ronald Reagan was President of And I’m looking forward to working with the United States. Congressman Sherwood the next time Con- Our record is clear, and so is the record gress convenes in—not in a lameduck ses- of the Democrats in Washington, DC. When sion. We got a lot to do. One thing we got we cut taxes for everybody who pays income

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1846 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

taxes, the Democrats voted against it. When You might remember, back in 1992, the we reduced the marriage penalty, Democrats Democrats campaigned on a tax cut for the voted against it. When we cut taxes on small middle class. They won, but when they took businesses, Democrats voted against it. office, the middle class tax cut they promised When we lowered taxes for families with chil- turned out to be the largest tax increase in dren, the Democrats voted against it. We put American history. The moral of the story is the death tax on the road to extinction; the that when you hear Democrats talk about Democrats voted against it time and time fairness, there’s a pretty good chance they’re again. When the Democrats had a chance going to try to get in your pocket and raise to deliver tax relief for the American people, your taxes. they voted no. This is a party that is geneti- There is no doubt in my mind that the cally hostile to tax relief. [Laughter] key issue in this campaign, as far as domestic With every vote they have cast, they make politics is concerned, is: Who is going to keep clear to the American people, higher taxes your taxes low, and who will raise your taxes? are part of the congressional Democrats’ The Republican Party and Don Sherwood DNA. When we passed tax relief over the will make sure the working people have more Democrat objections in 2003, the minority money in their pocket. leader in the House called it a tragedy and Our most important job is to protect predicted it would not create jobs or grow America. The most important job of the Fed- our economy. eral Government is to use all our assets to And here are the actual facts: The tax cuts protect the American people from an attack. we passed put more than a trillion dollars We are still under threat. I wish I could re- in the hands of American workers and fami- port otherwise. I wish I could tell you every- lies and small businesses and farmers, and thing was fine in the world and the enemy the American people have used that money wasn’t around that would come and try to to fuel a strong and growing economy. The United States economy is the envy of the in- harm us again. But I wouldn’t be doing my dustrialized world. job if I reported that. An enemy still plots Since overcoming the recession, the ter- and plans to attack the American people. rorist attacks, war, hurricanes, corporate These people are nothing but coldblooded scandals, this economy has had 37 straight killers. They’re not religious people. I don’t months of job growth, since August of 2003. believe religious people kill innocent men And since that day, we’ve added 6.6 million and women and children. I believe the Presi- new jobs. The national unemployment rate dent must call these people by what they are: is low. The progrowth economic policies that They are evil. And our most important job Don Sherwood supported have made this is to protect the American people from fur- economy strong, and we intend to keep it ther attack. growing. You can’t negotiate with these people. You As well, because of growing our economy, can’t hope to have a treaty with these people. which increases tax revenues into the Federal The best way to defend America from an at- Treasury, and being wise about how we tack is to defeat them overseas so we do not spend your money, we met our goal of reduc- have to face them here at home. ing our Federal deficit in half 3 years ahead There are major differences between the of schedule. Democrats may call this a trag- political parties on the issue of how best to edy; we call it success. protect the American people. You know, the And now you’re going to hear that same enemy has got to be right once, and we’ve old, tired rhetoric—Washington Democrats got to be right 100 percent of the time to talking about how they’re going to raise taxes protect you. only on the rich. You know, they say they’re And that’s why I thought it was very impor- for fairness and they’re for tax relief for the tant to institute a program that would enable middle class. But we’ve heard this before, our professionals at the Central Intelligence and the American people shouldn’t be fooled Agency to question people that we captured by this kind of rhetoric. on the battlefield in order to be able to gain

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1847

information necessary to do our most impor- Rarely has a single series of votes summed tant job, which is to protect the American up the difference between the two parties people. so clearly. If the House Democrats had their And recently we had a vote on a program way, the PATRIOT Act would have expired; in the House of Representatives. When it the CIA interrogation program would have came time to stand up and be counted, Don been shut down; the terrorist surveillance Sherwood voted to support the professionals program would have been discontinued. And at the CIA. And that cannot be said for most that is the record the Democrats have to run of his Democrat colleagues in the House. on, and it is no record to be proud of in The American people must understand that a time of war. We Republicans understand nearly 80 percent of the House Democrats that we must give our professionals all the voted to take away this vital tool, which is tools necessary to protect the American peo- necessary to protect the American people ple. from further attack. Iraq is an important issue in this campaign. The other clear example is the PATRIOT I strongly believe that Iraq is a central front Act. This good bill tore down the wall that in the war on terror. Oh, I know some of made it impossible for law enforcement and them in Washington are saying Iraq is a di- intelligence to share information. I know version from the war on terror. That’s not that’s hard for you to believe, that when intel- what Usama bin Laden thinks. That’s not what the number-two man in Al Qaida ligence had information, they couldn’t share thinks, Mr. Zawahiri. It’s important to listen it with those who were responsible for pro- to the words of the enemy. Both of those tecting you. But that’s what happened. Over men have said that it’s just a matter of time time, there was a wall. And so I called for for America to lose her nerve and to leave the Congress to pass the PATRIOT Act that Iraq. And that’s what they want to do, so they enabled us to share information so we could can have a safe haven from which to plot break up terrorist cells, which we have—in and plan and to attack America again. California, in Texas, in New Jersey and Illi- These extremists are bound by a common nois and North Carolina, Ohio, New York, ideology of hate, and their objective is to es- Virginia, and Florida. The tools inherent in tablish that ideology throughout the Middle the PATRIOT Act have been vital and nec- East. Their objective is to topple moderate essary to enable us to do our job, which is government. Their objective is to use energy to protect the American people from further as a resource to bring the West to its knees. attack. When this important piece of legisla- And Iraq is a central part of this war against tion came up for reauthorization, Congress- them. man Don Sherwood supported this vital law, On this question, the Democrats have but more than 75 percent of the House been all over the place. Most leading Demo- Democrats voted to block it. crats argue we should pull our troops out of There’s a fundamental difference of opin- Iraq—some, ‘‘Right away,’’ others, ‘‘In just ion all across the Nation about which party a few months,’’ even if the terrorists have understands the stakes in this war on terror. not yet been defeated. Others recommend After 9/11, I decided it was essential that if moving our troops to an island some 5,000 Al Qaida or an Al Qaida affiliate was making miles away. Nineteen House Democrats in- a phone call into the United States of Amer- troduced legislation that would cut off all ica, we needed to know why in order to be funds for our troops in Iraq. All these pro- able to do our job and protect you. Recently posals have one thing in common: They this bill came up for a vote in the United would have our country quit in Iraq before States Congress. The United States Con- the job is done. For the sake of the security gressman from the Tenth Congressional Dis- of the United States of America, we must trict of Pennsylvania voted to support our defeat the enemy in Iraq. For the sake of professionals who are doing everything we world peace, for the sake of peace for our can to protect you, but almost 90 percent children, we must not let the extremists have of the House Democrats voted against it. their way in this vital front in the war on

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1848 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

terror. So America will stay; we will fight; of our brave men and women who have sac- and we will win in Iraq. [Applause] Thank rificed in that country and have given their you. lives in that country, which would mean their This summer, we saw what happens when sacrifice would be in vain. Retreating from a Democrat rejects his party’s doctrine of Iraq would crush the hopes of the millions cut-and-run. Senator Joe Lieberman, a three- of people who just simply want to live in term Democrat from Connecticut, supports peace, if America were to retreat. Retreating completing the mission in Iraq, supports vic- from Iraq would embolden the terrorists and tory in Iraq. And for taking this stand, he make our country more vulnerable to new was purged from his party. Think about what attacks. If we were to leave Iraq before the that means. Six years ago, the Democrats job is done, the enemy would follow us here thought Joe Lieberman was good enough to to America. run for Vice President of the United States. We know this because that’s what the ter- Now, because he supports victory in Iraq, rorists tell us. Usama bin Laden states that they don’t think he’s fit to be in their party. early American withdrawal from places like There’s only one position in the Democrat Beirut and Somalia are proof that the United Party that everybody seems to agree on: If States does not have the stomach to stay in you want to be a Democrat these days, you this fight. The terrorists are trying to wait can be for almost anything, but victory in Iraq us out. They’re hoping we will lose our nerve is not an option. and retreat in disgrace. If we were to follow The stakes in this war couldn’t be higher. the Democrat’s prescriptions and withdraw The security of the United States is at stake, from Iraq, we would be fulfilling Usama bin and we have no illusions—it’s tough. The Laden’s highest aspirations. There can be le- fighting is tough, because an enemy under- gitimate disagreements on the best way to stands what a defeat in Iraq would mean for win this war, and there are. But we should their ambitions. We are a nation at war, and at least be able to agree that the path to vic- we must do everything in our power to win tory is not to do precisely what the terrorists that war. want. Our goal in Iraq is clear and unchanging: Our goal is victory. What is changing are the The stakes in this war are high, and so are tactics we use to pursue that goal and defeat the stakes in this election. I want to tell you— our enemies. In Iraq, we face adversaries I want you to imagine what the House of who are brutal, and they are sophisticated. Representatives would look like if the Demo- Our commanders on the ground are con- crats get their way this November. The chair- stantly adjusting to stay ahead of the enemy. man of the House Ways and Means would We have a strategy that allows us to be flexi- be a Congressman who suggested cutting off ble and to adapt to changing circumstances. funding for our troops in Iraq. The Speaker We will continue to make the changes nec- of the House, the official third in line for essary to support our troops, and to support the Presidency, would be a Congresswoman those 12 million people in Iraq who want to who voted against renewing the PATRIOT be free, and to support the new democracy Act, against creating the Department of in Iraq that represents the unity of that coun- Homeland Security, against removing Sad- try. There is one thing we will not do: We dam Hussein from power, against continuing will not pull out our troops from Iraq before the terrorist surveillance program, and the terrorists are defeated. We will not pull against questioning terrorists in the CIA pro- out before Iraq can govern itself, sustain gram. The Speaker would be a Congress- itself, and defend itself. woman who has called liberating 25 million I’m going to make it clear to the American Iraqis a grotesque mistake. The Speaker people what a policy of retreat would mean. would be a Congresswoman who said catch- Retreating from Iraq would allow the terror- ing Usama bin Laden would not make Amer- ists to gain a new state—new safe haven to ica any safer. No wonder she says this elec- replace the one they lost in Afghanistan. Re- tion should not be about national security. treating from Iraq would dishonor the service [Laughter]

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1849

Given the Democrats’ record on national never been to Elvis’s place, and I thought security, I understand why they want to it would be kind of fun to go down there.’’ change the subject. I don’t want to change Koizumi wanted to go to Elvis’s place be- the subject. I’m going to keep talking about cause he’s an Elvis fan. But I also wanted this subject until election day. The most im- to tell an interesting story about the power portant job of the government is to protect of liberty to our fellow citizens. you. See, I find it very interesting that an 18- We’ll win. We will protect the American year-old George H.W. Bush volunteered to people by staying on the offense. There’s just fight the Japanese. After all, they were the a different attitude in Washington, if you sworn enemy of the United States of Amer- really listen carefully to the debate. Some be- ica. And then his son is on an airplane, Air lieve that we should respond after attack. I Force One, flying down to Memphis, Ten- understand the consequences of attack, and nessee, talking about the peace; talking about so do you. We must take threats seriously how we can work together to convince the before they fully materialize. leader in North Korea to give up his nuclear We got a fantastic group of men and weapons ambitions; talking about why it was women who wear our uniform. They are mo- important for Japan to have a thousand tivated; they are skilled; and Don Sherwood troops helping that young democracy in the and I will make sure they have all the tools necessary to protect the American people. heart of the Middle East. And we have one other asset at our dis- See, Koizumi understands what I know, posal to protect the American people, and that democracy will be a defeat to an ideology that is the power of liberty. You know, there’s of hatred in the long run. I found it inter- an interesting debate in the world about esting that my dad fought the Japanese and whether or not liberty is universal or not. I his son is talking about the peace with the believe it is. I believe there’s an Almighty, Prime Minister of the former enemy. Some- and I believe a gift of the Almighty to each thing happened, and what happened was, man and woman and child in this world is Japan adopted a Japanese-style democracy. the desire to be free. That’s what I believe. Democracies yield the peace we all want. I’m not surprised when 12 million people de- Someday, an American President will be sit- fied car bombers and said, ‘‘We want to live ting down, talking about the peace with duly in a land of liberty.’’ elected leaders in the Middle East, and gen- You know, I was amazed that they defied erations of Americans will be better off. the car bombers, but I’m not surprised, be- That’s the stake in the election. [Applause] cause I believe everybody wants to be free. These are the stakes in this election. I believe people have a deep desire to live I want to thank you for supporting Don in peace, and I know that liberty can help Sherwood. I want to thank you for being in- yield the peace we want for generations to volved in the process. Now go out and turn come. We’re in an ideological struggle be- out the vote, and he’s going to win. tween those of us who love liberty and ex- tremists who can’t stand the thought of lib- May God bless you, and may God bless erty. And it’s the call of our generation. It’s our country. the challenge of our time. But I have great confidence that our generation will rise and meet the challenge like previous generations NOTE: The President spoke at 2:04 p.m. at Key- stone College. In his remarks, he referred to Re- of Americans. gina Boehm, wife of Edward G. Boehm, Jr., presi- You know, I was reminded of that, and dent, Keystone College; Pennsylvania guber- one of my favorite stories to share with our natorial candidate Bill Scranton, and his wife, fellow citizens is my trip down to Memphis, Maryla; Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida Tennessee, to Elvis’s place, with former terrorist organization; former President Saddam Prime Minister Koizumi. He was sitting Hussein of Iraq; former Prime Minister Junichiro Prime Minister at the time. People say, ‘‘Why Koizumi of Japan; and Chairman Kim Jong Il of did you go down there?’’ I say, ‘‘Well, I had North Korea.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1850 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Remarks at a Reception for I really want to thank you all for coming. Senatorial Candidate George Allen I appreciate you contributing to his cam- in Richmond, Virginia paign, and I want to thank the grassroots ac- tivists who are here for what you’re fixing October 19, 2006 to do. See, we’re getting close to voting time. We’re coming down the stretch. And for Thank you all. Thank you for coming. those of you who are going to be putting up Thanks for the warm welcome, and thank you the signs and making the phone calls and for supporting George Allen to be reelected going to your houses of worship or commu- United States Senator of the great State of nity centers urging people to do their duty Virginia. as an American citizen and voting for George I’m proud to be here with him. He’s a man Allen, I want to thank you. A lot of times who has earned the confidence of the people the grassroots folks don’t get the thanks that of this State as a delegate, as the Governor— you deserve. I’m here giving you thanks; I and a very successful Governor—as a United know the Senator gives you thanks. Work States Senator. He’s the kind of fellow who hard. We need him in the United States Sen- says he’s going to—what he tells you on the ate, for the good of the United States of campaign trail, he does in office. He doesn’t America. need a poll or a focus group to tell him what I’m looking forward to continue to working to think or what to say. George Allen is a with Senator Allen to diversify our energy. man of strong principle; he is a leader; he I’m looking forward to promoting ethanol is the right man to be the United States Sen- and new technologies so that we can change ator from the State of Virginia. our habits and become less dependent on And he married well, and so did I. See, foreign sources of oil. For the economic se- we got something in common—we’re both curity of the United States and for the na- named George, and we both married smart, tional security of the United States, we need beautiful women. Laura is very fond of the to get off oil. Allens. She understands that they are honor- I’m looking forward to continue to work able, decent people—honest, good folks. with Senator Allen to make sure that patients We’re proud to call them friends, and I know and doctors make the decisions for health the people of Virginia are proud to call care, not for people in Washington, DC. George Allen United States Senator. Now, there’s a lot of domestic issues that I I appreciate the Lieutenant Governor— look forward to working with Senator Allen Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and his on, but there’s no bigger issue than what we wife, Jean Ann, and the family are with us do with the people’s money—no bigger issue. today. Governor, thanks for coming. Speaker There’s a lot of rhetoric in these cam- Bill Howell is with us. Appreciate you being paigns, a lot of needless noise in a campaign. here, Mr. Speaker. A lot of time it’s to obscure the fundamental I had the honor of meeting an interesting issues facing the people of Virginia and the fellow at the airport today—as a matter of people all across our Nation. And the two fact, he was at the steps there when I got biggest issues in this campaign, in any cam- off of Air Force One, and we traveled paign across the country, is which party will throughout his senatorial district a little bit take the steps necessary to protect the Amer- because we went and bought some pump- ican people and win the war on terror, and kins. [Laughter] His name is State Senator which party is going to keep your taxes low Benny Lambert. See, the Allen campaign un- to keep this economy growing. derstands that you reach across party line. George Allen and I have made our position He did that as the Governor of the State of very plain. Nobody has to guess where we Virginia; he has done that as the United stand. We got a clear record on taxes, and States Senator. There’s no doubt in my mind our philosophy is easy to understand. It says: this good man will win by getting the votes We trust the people. See, we understand it’s of Republicans, discerning Democrats, and your money, not the government’s money. wise independents. We think the best people to spend the hard-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1851

earned dollars that you make is you. We un- cover, we had to let the people have more derstand the economy grows when you have of their own money. more money in your pocket to save, spend, And one Democrat in the Senate said or invest. these tax cuts would do nothing to create And therefore, we worked together to de- jobs. One of his colleagues called the tax cuts liver the greatest tax cuts since Ronald the wrong prescription for our economy. Reagan was the President of the United Those were the predictions, and here are the States. We said, if you’re going to have tax results: The tax cuts we passed have put more relief, then everybody who pays taxes ought than a trillion dollars in the hands of Amer- to get relief. So we reduced the marriage ican workers and families and small busi- penalty as well. We doubled the child tax nesses—including millions of families living credit. We understand that an economy right here in Virginia. And the amazing thing grows when the small-business owners are is, the people did a much better job with growing. And so we cut taxes on small busi- your money than the Government did or nesses; we cut taxes on capital gains and divi- could have done. dends to promote investment and jobs. And Since August 2003, our economy has had to reward family businesses and farmers right 37 straight months of job growth. Since Au- here in the great State of Virginia for a life- gust of 2003, we added 6.6 million new jobs. time of hard work and savings, we put the Small businesses are flourishing. Home- death tax on the road to extinction. ownership is up. This economy is strong, and Our record on cutting taxes is clear, and we intend to keep it that way. the Democrats in Washington, DC, have a You know, I’m sure you’ve heard the line record of their own. The trouble is, they don’t want you to know about it. [Laughter] that the Democrats are just going to raise It’s interesting that recently the top Demo- taxes on the rich. They say it every time. But crat leader in the House of Representatives I want the people here in Virginia who are made an interesting declaration. She said, listening to the debate on taxes to remember ‘‘We love tax cuts.’’ Given her record, she what happened back in 1992, after the must be a secret admirer. [Laughter] It’s just Democrats campaigned on cutting the taxes not the so-called ‘‘tax cuts for the rich’’ she for the middle class. Well, they won, and they opposes. came to power, and the middle class tax cut When we cut taxes for everybody who pays they promised turned out to be one of the income taxes, she voted against it. When we largest tax increases in American history. reduced the marriage penalty, she voted We just have a different view of the world against it. When we cut taxes on small busi- when it comes to taxes. We believe you can nesses, she voted against it. When we put spend your money well. The Democrats want the death tax on the road to extinction, she the Government to spend your money. No, voted against it. Time and time again, she the best way to make sure that this economy and her party voted against tax cuts. Time stays strong is to make the tax cuts we passed and time again, when she had an opportunity permanent. And the best thing the Virginia to show her love for tax cuts, she voted no. citizens can do to make sure taxes stay low If this is the Democrats’ idea of love— is to send George Allen back to the United [laughter]—I wouldn’t want to see what hate States Senate. looks like. [Laughter] It’s interesting, if you look at the history But, by the way, this view of taxes extends of tax cuts, the Democrat Party always— beyond the House of Representatives. didn’t always feel the way they feel today. Democrats in the United States Senate had Back in the sixties, the Democrats under- the same point of view. I remember when stood that our economy grows when Ameri- we cut the taxes in 2003. See, we were com- cans keep more of what they earn, when ing out of a recession, and we were dealing Americans make their own decisions about with the effects of a terrorist attack, and we how to save, spend, or invest. You might re- were dealing with the effects of corporate member, when President John F. Kennedy scandal. And we knew that in order to re- became President, he proposed across-the-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1852 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

board tax cuts for American families and termine whether or not they have informa- small businesses, including tax cuts on capital tion that is necessary to protect you. We’re gains. at war with a group of killers. We pick people In his message to the Congress in 1963, up off the battlefield, and I believe that it’s he explained that cutting taxes across the necessary to learn what they know so that board, in his words, ‘‘would help strengthen we can anticipate attacks before they occur. every segment of the American economy and This bill came up before the—in front of bring us closer to every basic objective of the United States Senate, and one of the American economic policy.’’ John F. Ken- strongest advocates for making sure our pro- nedy was right in 1963, and George Allen fessionals had the tools necessary to protect and I are right in 2006. you was Senator George Allen of the State Next month, the people of this State and of Virginia. people all across the United States have a basic choice to make: Do we keep taxes low The same cannot be said for his Demo- so we can keep the economy growing, or do cratic Senate colleagues. More than 70 per- we let the Democrats in Washington raise cent of the United States Senators from the taxes, which will hurt our economic growth? Democrat Party voted to take away this vital And I’m convinced, when people sift through tool in the war on terror. We just have a dif- all the noise and listen carefully to the de- ferent point of view, a different look at the bate, the people of this State and the people world. across the United States will choose low taxes You know, another clear example of the and strong economy policy and growth, and difference of opinion came when we voted that means reelecting George Allen to the for and reauthorized what we call the PA- United States Senate. TRIOT Act. There was a wall that existed The biggest issue we face is protecting the between law enforcement and intelligence American people. It’s the most important job gathering in the United States. I know that’s of government. I learned that lesson on Sep- hard to conceive, but it’s true. In other tember the 11th, 2001, and so did George words, intelligence officers could not speak Allen and a lot of other good folks. And we with law enforcement officers. In this new learned that fateful day that our most impor- war on terror against these extremists we tant responsibility is to protect you, and this have to have good intelligence. And that good is a fundamental issue in this campaign: What intelligence must be shared with profes- candidate or what party has got the right poli- sionals all throughout government, in order cies to protect the American people from fur- to be able to protect you. ther attack? We face a brutal enemy—an enemy that Right after September the 11th, when peo- uses murder to achieve political objectives. ple were deeply concerned about attacks and You can’t negotiate with these people. future attacks, George Allen voted yes on the There’s no such thing as a peace treaty with PATRIOT Act, as did 97 of his colleagues these kind of killers. The best way to protect in the Senate. And yet the bill needed to the American people is to stay on the offense be reauthorized years later. And so I called and bring them to justice before they hurt upon the Senate. I said, ‘‘There’s still a America again. threat; we still face a threat.’’ And yet Senate And the best way to protect America is Democrats filibustered the bill, the reauthor- to give our professionals the tools they need ization of a bill that would tear down the to protect you from attack. We recently had walls between intelligence and law enforce- a debate—a series of debates in the House ment. Filibuster means they don’t want it to and the Senate that clarified the two political pass, so they talk a lot. [Laughter] It happens parties’ position on the war on terror on how quite a bit in Washington. [Laughter] The best to protect the American people. Senate Democratic leader bragged, ‘‘We I believe strongly that our CIA profes- have killed the PATRIOT Act.’’ Think about sionals should have authorization to question that. The main Democrat in the United people we pick up on the battlefield, to de- States Senate said, ‘‘We killed the PATRIOT

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1853

Act.’’ He was asked later by a reporter wheth- world to abandon our alliance with Israel; er killing the PATRIOT Act was really some- blackmail the free world to continue to force thing to celebrate, and he answered, ‘‘Of the West to cater to their needs and their course it is.’’ dark vision of the world. There’s a fundamental difference of opin- When you couple all that with the possi- ion between Democrats and Republicans on bility of Iran having a nuclear weapon, you this issue. They voted for it right after 9/11; begin to understand the stakes in the war they tried to kill it 5 years later. Kind of on terror. You begin to think about how im- sounds familiar, doesn’t it? [Laughter] They portant it is that when we confront the voted for it right before they voted against enemy, we defeat the enemy. it. [Laughter] You don’t have to worry about I fully understand—[applause]—we have George Allen being steadfast and making a fundamental disagreement in Washington, sure our folks have the tools necessary to pro- DC, on this central front in the war on terror. tect you. A fundamental issue in this cam- Most Democrats—most leading Democrats paign is—who best to protect the United argue we should pull our troops out of Iraq— States of America. Our record is clear, and some, ‘‘right away’’; others, ‘‘in just a few you need to send George Allen back to the months,’’ even if the terrorists have not been United States Senate so we can do our duty, defeated. Others recommend moving our so we can assume the responsibilities of this troops to an island 5,000 miles away. Nine- era and protect you from further attack. teen House Democrats introduced legisla- A big issue in this campaign, of course, tion that would cut off funds for our troops is Iraq. Iraq is a central front in the war on in Iraq. All these programs have one thing terror. Iraq is a part of defeating an enemy in common—they would have our country that would like to hurt us again. Oh, I quit in Iraq before the job is done. That’s know—I’ve heard all the rhetoric; I’m sure why they are the party of cut-and-run. you’ve heard it too, that people say Iraq is The United States of America will support just a distraction from the war on terror. our allies in Iraq. We will stand with the 12 That’s what a lot of Democrats believe. Well, million people who demanded freedom at if you’re out there listening and you’re wor- the ballot box. Our goal of Iraq that can de- ried about who to vote for and worried about fend itself and govern itself and sustain itself which party has the clearest vision about how and an ally in the war on terror is an impor- to protect the American people, don’t take tant goal. We will give our commanders the my word for whether Iraq is part of the war flexibility they need to continue to change on terror, listen to Usama bin Laden—or Mr. the tactics to achieve that goal. We will fight; Zawahiri, he’s the number-two man in Al we will stay; and we will win in Iraq. Qaida. And I want to thank Senator Allen’s stand. These two killers have made it clear that This is tough; this is a tough fight. It’s a tough Iraq is an important part of their campaign fight when we see carnage on our television to establish a totalitarian form of government screens. It’s a tough fight when somebody across the Middle East. They have made it you know has volunteered to serve the clear in their words that they believe America United States and doesn’t come home. It’s is weak, that it’s just a matter of time; if they tough, but it’s tough for a reason: because murder enough people, that we will with- the enemy understands the stakes in Iraq. draw. They have ambitions. And it’s up to this gen- And they want us to withdraw. They want eration to stand with our troops, to put forth us to withdraw so that they can establish safe a strategy for victory, to not abandon those haven from which to launch attacks. They voices in the Middle East—the millions of want us to withdraw so they can topple mod- people who simply want to live in peace. This erate governments. They want us to with- is the calling of our time. draw because they got designs on energy. You know, the Democrat Party made a They would like nothing more than to black- clear statement about the nature of their mail the free world with the fear of running party when it came to how they dealt with up the price of energy; blackmail the free Senator Joe Lieberman. He’s a three-term

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1854 Oct. 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Democrat from Connecticut who supports his nuclear weapons ambitions. We’re talking completing the mission in Iraq. He took a about the fact that Japan had 1,000 troops strong, principled stand, and he was purged in Iraq because Prime Minister Koizumi and from the Democrat Party. Think about what I know that freedom is how you defeat an it means. Six years ago, the Democrats ideology of hatred; that we understand that thought that Joe Lieberman was a good when you encourage liberty to flourish where enough man and a good enough politician it hadn’t flourished, it provides hope. It helps to run as the Vice Presidential candidate. defeat those who prey on hopelessness. Now, because he supports victory in Iraq for It’s an amazing conversation—I’ve had the sake of security in the United States, they several with him. But every time I have sat don’t think he’s fit to be in their party. down with him, I find it interesting fact of There’s only one position in the Democratic history that my dad fought the Japanese, and Party that everybody seems to agree on: If today, his son is working to keep the peace. you want to be a Democrat these days, you Something happened. Japan adopted a Japa- can be for almost anything, but victory in Iraq nese-style democracy. It’s—the example is, is not an option. liberty has the capacity to change an enemy These are serious times. It requires stead- into an ally. Liberty has the capacity to turn fast leadership, strong determination. People a region of hate into a region of compassion. like George Allen need to be reelected—to Someday, an American President will be sit- stand strongly with our troops, the voices that ting down talking about the peace with duly desire peace. We’ll stay on the offense; we elected leaders from the Middle East, and will keep the enemy on the run. We will do a generation of Americans will be better off. the hard fight now so a generation of Ameri- God bless. cans can grow up in peace. We’ve got fan- tastic assets on our side. We’ve got a military NOTE: The President spoke at 5:33 p.m. at the that will get all the support and training they Science Museum of Virginia. In his remarks, he referred to Susan Allen, wife of Senator George need to defend the American people. Allen; Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida We also have the power of liberty. Free- terrorist organization; former Prime Minister dom is a powerful force. You know, I like Junichiro Koizumi of Japan; and Chairman Kim to tell people about an interesting experience Jong Il of North Korea. I had. That’s when I went to Elvis’s place— [laughter]—with the then sitting Prime Min- ister of Japan. I went down there. I’d never Notice—Continuation of the been to Elvis’s place. I thought it would be National Emergency With Respect to interesting to go there. [Laughter] Prime Significant Narcotics Traffickers Minister Koizumi wanted to go to Elvis’s Centered in Colombia place because he loves Elvis. [Laughter] October 19, 2006 But I wanted to tell a story, and I’m going to tell it to you right quick, the reason I went. On October 21, 1995, by Executive Order You might remember, my dad, and I know 12978, the President declared a national some of your relatives, fought the Japanese emergency pursuant to the International as a sworn enemy. There was a lot of kids Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. in the early forties that signed up to fight 1701–1706) to deal with the unusual and ex- the Japanese. They had attacked us, and this traordinary threat to the national security, country was going to defend ourselves. foreign policy, and economy of the United I find it amazing, and I hope you do too, States constituted by the actions of signifi- that the son of Navy pilot George H.W. Bush, cant narcotics traffickers centered in Colom- the sitting President of the United States, is bia, and the extreme level of violence, cor- on Air Force One, flying down with the ruption, and harm such actions cause in the Prime Minister of the former enemy talking United States and abroad. about the peace. We’re talking about North The order blocks all property and interests Korea and how we can work together to con- in property that are in the United States, or vince the leader in North Korea to give up within the possession or control of United

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 19 1855

States persons, of foreign persons listed in Letter to Congressional Leaders on an annex to the order, as well as of foreign Continuation of the National persons determined to play a significant role Emergency With Respect to in international narcotics trafficking centered Significant Narcotics Traffickers in Colombia. The order similarly blocks all Centered in Colombia property and interests in property of foreign persons determined to materially assist in, or October 19, 2006 provide financial or technological support for or goods or services in support of, the nar- Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) cotics trafficking activities of persons des- Section 202(d) of the National Emer- ignated in or pursuant to the order. In addi- gencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), provides for tion, the order blocks all property and inter- the automatic termination of a national emer- ests in property of persons determined to be gency unless, prior to the anniversary date owned or controlled by, or to act for or on of its declaration, the President publishes in behalf of, persons designated in or pursuant the Federal Register and transmits to the to the order. The order also prohibits any Congress a notice stating that the emergency transaction or dealing by United States per- is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- sons or within the United States in property sary date. In accordance with this provision, or interests in property of the persons des- I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal ignated in or pursuant to the order. Register for publication, stating that the Because the actions of significant narcotics emergency declared with respect to signifi- traffickers centered in Colombia continue to cant narcotics traffickers centered in Colom- threaten the national security, foreign policy, bia is to continue in effect beyond October and economy of the United States and to 21, 2006. cause an extreme level of violence, corrup- The circumstances that led to the declara- tion, and harm in the United States and tion on October 21, 1995, of a national emer- abroad, the national emergency declared on gency have not been resolved. The actions October 21, 1995, and the measures adopted of significant narcotics traffickers centered in pursuant thereto to deal with that emer- Colombia continue to pose an unusual and gency, must continue in effect beyond Octo- extraordinary threat to the national security, ber 21, 2006. Therefore, in accordance with foreign policy, and economy of the United section 202(d) of the National Emergencies States and to cause unparalleled violence, Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for corruption, and harm in the United States 1 year the national emergency with respect and abroad. For these reasons, I have deter- to significant narcotics traffickers centered in mined that it is necessary to maintain eco- Colombia. This notice shall be published in nomic pressure on significant narcotics traf- the Federal Register and transmitted to the fickers centered in Colombia by blocking Congress. their property and interests in property that are in the United States or within the posses- George W. Bush sion or control of United States persons and by depriving them of access to the U.S. mar- The White House, ket and financial system. October 19, 2006. Sincerely,

George W. Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 1:14 p.m., October 19, 2006] NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. Register on October 20.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1856 Oct. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Remarks to Reporters at a CVS NOTE: The President spoke at 11:04 a.m. Pharmacy October 20, 2006 Remarks at a National Republican Senatorial Committee Reception Medicare Reform October 20, 2006 The President. Secretary Leavitt and I are pleased to be here at this counter where sen- Thanks for coming. Please be seated. I ap- iors come to buy prescription drugs. And one preciate you being here. On the way down, of the interesting things that happens at this Mr. McConnell said, ‘‘Keep it short; they counter is that these decent folks are con- haven’t had their food yet.’’ [Laughter] stantly reminding seniors that there is a cost- But I want to thank you all for coming. saving benefit, Plan D in Medicare, available As you well know, we’re heading down the for them. It’s a new plan; it just started last stretch here in this important political sea- year. The Health and Human Services son. I want to thank you for helping our Sen- helped implement the plan, and millions of ate candidates. It means a lot. I don’t know seniors are benefiting. Our seniors are saving about you, but I am absolutely confident that money. They’re getting better coverage. It’s Mitch McConnell will be the leader of the a plan that I’m real proud of. United States Senate in 2007. We will continue to work to make it as I appreciate Mitch’s leadership, and I ap- good as it possibly can be. I really do want preciate the leadership of Elizabeth Dole as to thank these kind-hearted souls who say well. These are two of the finest United to a senior that you no longer—poor seniors, States Senators we have. particularly—you no longer have to choose Laura sends her best. She is a patient between food and medicine, because there’s woman. [Laughter] She is doing just fine. I’m a new way forward. Our compassionate ap- real proud of her. She is a fabulous First proach to health care is working for Amer- Lady. ica’s seniors. And I want to thank you—you Oh, there’s going to be a lot of noise here want to say anything about the enrollment at the end of the campaign. There always process? is. And sometimes it’s all meant to obscure Secretary of Health and Human Serv- the main issues. Sometimes folks don’t really ices Michael O. Leavitt. On November want to talk about the core issues that will 15th, people can go through an open enroll- affect the future of this country. I think there ment period. Eighty percent of seniors who are two big issues that we need to stay fo- are on this plan are satisfied with their plan, cused on and I know our candidates are talk- and if they’re satisfied, they don’t need to ing about, and they’re issues in which there do anything. But over 80 percent will be able are big differences of opinion. And the first to find a plan that’s cheaper, if they want issue is taxes. to, or that may, in fact, fit their particular There is a difference of opinion between— situation. what we ought to be doing with your money, We’ll have people available at 1–800– see. There are people in the Democrat Party MEDICARE. There will be people at phar- who think they can spend your money far macies and at senior centers—and others better than you can. And we believe that that can help them around the country. This you’re plenty capable of spending your own has been a big success, and we’re going to money. As a matter of fact, we believe that get better at it. We’re getting better at it when you have more of your own money in every year. It’ll be better this year than it your pocket to save, invest, or spend, all of was last, and it will be better the year after us benefit; that the economy grows; that that, just like Medicare was in 1965. This is hope expands; that the entrepreneurial spirit a very important American success story that is invigorated. we’ll now build upon. And so in times of economic difficulty, I The President. Thank you all very much. worked with Members of the United States Appreciate it. Senate and the United States House to pass

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 20 1857

the largest tax relief since Ronald Reagan was every major tax cut that we passed. Time and President of the United States. We didn’t time again, when she had her opportunity think the Tax Code ought to penalize mar- to show her love for tax cuts, she voted no. riage, so we reduced the marriage penalty. If this is the Democrats’ idea of love, I We cut taxes for small businesses. There’s wouldn’t want to see what hate looks like. a reason why we cut taxes for small busi- [Laughter] nesses—because we understand that 70 per- Now they’re trotting out their old lines. cent of new jobs in America are created by I’m sure Elizabeth and Mitch will tell you small-business owners. what they’re hearing out there. They’re say- We cut the taxes on capital gains and divi- ing, ‘‘Listen, we’re just going to tax the rich.’’ dends, because we wanted to encourage in- It is the same old, tired excuse for raising vestment. We understand that when people taxes. It sounds good, but that’s not what they invest, it means that someone is more likely believe. Look at the record. In 1992, when to be able to find a job. We cut the taxes they took over the White House and they on—we doubled the child tax credit. In other campaigned on middle class tax cuts, when words, we cut the taxes on families with chil- they got the capacity to deliver on their dren. We put the death tax on the road to promises, they passed one of the largest tax extinction. We don’t think it’s fair to tax you increases in American history. twice, once while you’re living and once after Raising taxes is what the Democrats want you’re dead. As a matter of fact, we cut taxes to do; make no mistake about it. If they take on everybody who pays taxes. [Laughter] We over the Senate, they will run up your taxes. don’t believe in this selective tax cutting. We Raising your taxes would hurt our economy. said, if you’re going to pay income taxes, you Raising our taxes would diminish the entre- ought to get relief. preneurial spirit. Raising taxes would be bad And we had a spirited debate about wheth- for small-business owners. Raising taxes is a er or not the tax cuts made sense. A lot of Democrat idea of growing the economy, and the Democrats in the United States Senate it won’t work. The best way to keep this econ- said, ‘‘These tax cuts are going to make the omy strong is to make the tax cuts we passed economy worse.’’ They went around the permanent. United States saying tax cuts don’t make any The other issue in this campaign is which sense, but they did make sense. party, which group of leaders can keep Amer- We’ve created 6.6 million new jobs since ica safe. We are at war, and it’s a tough war, August of 2003. This week a new report but it’s a war that is necessary to protect you. showed that real wages grew 2.2 percent over Our most important job, the solemn respon- the past 12 months. That’s faster than the sibility of those of us who are honored to average for the 1990s. Because of our serve you in Washington, DC, is to do every- progrowth economic policies, this economy thing in our power to protect the American is strong. People are working. The entrepre- people from further attack. neurial spirit is up. People are buying homes. There is an enemy which—[applause]— Our plan works, and our candidates have we face a coldblooded enemy. You can’t ne- something to run on coming this November. gotiate with these people. You cannot hope There’s a difference of opinion here in for the best, because they are ideologues Washington, and I’m going to continue re- bound by the desire to inflict damage on na- minding people of the clear difference of tions which love freedom. They will murder opinion in this campaign. Let me tell you the innocent. They have no conscience. And what the recent—the top leader, the Demo- they murder to achieve an objective, and crat leader in the House of Representatives that’s what’s important for our fellow citizens said recently. This is a person who aspires to understand. It may sound farfetched to to be the Speaker of the House. She said, some Americans out there, but this group of ‘‘We love tax cuts.’’ She actually said that. ideologues wants to establish a caliphate, a Given her record, she must be a secret ad- governing body, a—they want to spread their mirer. [Laughter] Over the past 5 years, she ideology of hate from Indonesia to Spain. and her Democrat colleagues voted against That’s what they have so declared. And they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1858 Oct. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

recognize in order to do that, they must in- ment who are in charge of protecting you flict serious damage on America to the point what they know? where we’re willing to retreat from the Mid- And so after September the 11th, I went dle East—so they can topple moderate gov- to the United States Congress and said, ernments. ‘‘Let’s pass what we call the PATRIOT Act.’’ Imagine a world in which radical extrem- It was a chance to make sure that we gave ists not only topple moderate governments our folks on the frontlines of protecting you so they can have territory from which to plan, all the tools necessary to do so. Right after plot, and attack America and our allies but September the 11th, both the House and the they have the capacity to control oil re- Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill, but sources, which they would be more than will- the bill needed to be reauthorized some ing to use in order to blackmail America and years later. And when it came up for reau- our allies into further retreat. You can imag- thorization, Democrat Members of the ine a circumstance in which these radicals United States Senate tried to kill the bill— say, ‘‘We’ll run up the price of oil by denying they, what we call here in Washington, fili- oil on the markets unless you abandon your bustered. They didn’t want to give that tool allies such as Israel, or unless you further necessary to those who protect you. withdraw from the world.’’ And compound There’s just a difference of opinion. We that with a nuclear Iran, and the world 20 believe we’re at war and we should give all or 30 years from now is going to say, ‘‘What the folks protecting you the tools necessary happened to them in 2006? How come they to do so. Evidently, Democrats don’t. As a couldn’t see the threat? What blinded these matter of fact, the Democrat leader, the per- people in order that they did not do their son who aspires to be the majority leader in job?’’ the United States Senate, when asked about One of the key issues in this election is his filibuster, he said—he proudly pro- who best sees the future and who best has the plan to deal with it? I firmly see the claimed he killed the bill. And a reporter threats we face, and the best way for America gave him a chance to recant—he said, ‘‘No, to protect ourselves is to go on the offense I’m proud of that.’’ and to stay on the offense. [Applause] Thank I don’t think that’s the kind of attitude that you all. is necessary—we can afford if the biggest job However, going on the offense is not going we have in Washington, DC, is to protect to be enough to protect you. It’s a part of you. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and a comprehensive strategy. You know, we’ve I was able to sign the reauthorization of the got to be right 100 percent of the time in PATRIOT Act, thanks to people like Mitch protecting this homeland from those who still McConnell and Elizabeth Dole. want to attack, and the enemy has got to be I felt it was important that our profes- right one time. And therefore, I felt it was sionals at the Central Intelligence Agency vital that our professionals who are in charge questioned people we picked up on the bat- of protecting you have all the tools necessary tlefield, in order to find out what they know, to do so. And so right after September the see. If you’re at war, you need to make sure 11th, we worked with Congress, in some that you get as much information as possible, cases—and in some cases, we felt like we in order to protect you. It’s a different kind didn’t need to—to put tools in the hands of of war. We can’t measure the size of an infan- professionals. try against these people; we don’t go out and One such tool was to tear down a wall that count the number of airplanes they have. prevented law enforcement from talking to This is a war that requires precise intel- intelligence. I know that’s hard to believe, ligence, good information, if the task is to but that’s the reality of what had happened protect you before an attack comes. in our country; that’s what grew up to be And so, yes, sir, I set up a program that the case. How can you protect our country gave our CIA professionals the opportunity when you’ve got people gathering intel- to question people like Khalid Sheikh Mo- ligence and they can’t tell the law enforce- hammed, the person our intelligence officials

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 20 1859

think is responsible for the killings on Sep- dential candidate who declared, ‘‘I don’t like tember the 11th—the mastermind. You communism, but I don’t think we have any could imagine my thought processes—they great obligation to save the world from it.’’ tell me they captured Khalid Sheikh Moham- It was a—it began a slow shift of philosophy med; my first question was, ‘‘What does he in the Democrat Party. A few years later, at know? Does he know anything else that we the height of the cold war, a Democrat Presi- need to know?’’ dent told the country that America had got- And so as a result of a Supreme Court rul- ten over, quote, ‘‘inordinate fear of com- ing, I took this bill to the United States Sen- munism.’’ In the mid-1980s, a Senator from ate. The Court said, work with the Senate Massachusetts, whom Democrats would later to set up a military tribunal. I felt it was im- choose as their Presidential nominee, de- portant for us to give these killers the justice clared that Americans should, quote, ‘‘aban- that they had denied others. But as a result don the kind of thinking that suggests we can of that bill, we also worked with the Senate gain a meaningful advantage over the Soviet to put legislation in place that would make Union in the nuclear arms race.’’ it clear to our professionals that they could In other words, this is a different attitude. interrogate. The philosophy of that party began to shift. I view this as a clarifying moment for the Fortunately, in the 1980s, America had a Re- country, a chance for Republicans, Demo- publican President who saw things dif- crats, and independents to learn firsthand the ferently. Ronald Reagan declared, ‘‘My the- differences of opinion we have in Wash- ory of the cold war is that we win and they ington, DC, because 70 percent of the people lose.’’ in the United States Senate who call them- By this time, the Democrat Party did not selves Democrat voted against giving our share his optimism or his strategy for victory. professionals the tools necessary to question See, they’d gotten to the point where they people so we can prevent attacks. These are didn’t think that we could win. Many of their fine people; they’re patriotic people; but leaders fought the Reagan defense buildup; they’re wrong. They don’t understand the they fought his strategic defense initiative; stakes in the war on terror. In order to pro- they opposed the liberation of Grenada; they tect America, we must stay on the offense didn’t like America’s support for freedom against the enemy and give our professionals fighters resisting Soviet puppet regimes; they the tools necessary to protect you. heaped scorn on him; they mocked him when It is interesting what’s happened to the he called the Soviet Union an ‘‘evil empire.’’ Democrat Party. I’m reading a lot of history Despite all the opposition that the President these days, and I read about Franklin Roo- faced from the Democrats, he didn’t waver. sevelt, who was strong in his confrontation He stood for what he believed, and history of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. His will remember Ronald Reagan as the man strength of character, his vision helped set who brought down the Soviet Union and won the course for victory in World War II— the cold war. strong wartime leader. It was a Democrat, And now we’re involved in what I have President Harry Truman, who confronted called the great ideological struggle of the the rise of Soviet communism, and he set 21st century. It’s a struggle between the the course for victory in the cold war. John forces of liberty and the forces of a tyrannical F. Kennedy declared America’s commitment vision that does not believe in freedom. It’s to, in his words, ‘‘pay any price and bear any a struggle between moderates who want to burden’’ in the defense of freedom. These live in peace in the Middle East and extrem- Presidents understood the challenges of their ists and radicals who will use murder to time and were willing to confront those chal- achieve their objective. lenges with strong leadership. And at the This is going to be a long struggle, but same time, they had great faith in the power in order to prevail, it requires perseverance of liberty and freedom. and determination and a strong belief in the And then something began to change. In power of liberty to conquer the ideology of 1972, the Democrats nominated a Presi- hate. The Democrat Party that has evolved

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1860 Oct. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

from one that was confident in its capacity Listen, I fully understand it’s a tough fight to help deal with the problems of the world in Iraq. I know it; you know it; and our troops to one that is doubting today still has an ap- know it. Last week—or earlier this week, I proach of doubt and defeat. They believe that spoke with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Prime the war in Iraq is a diversion from the war Minister Maliki, and we discussed the vio- on terror. I believe the war in Iraq is a central lence in his country. I told him I was amazed part in defeating the terrorists, in order that at how tough the Iraqis are when it comes we protect ourselves. to violence. Think about that. They haven’t If you don’t believe me and if the citizens abandoned their hopes for a government of, of our country don’t believe me, then they by, and for the people; 12 million people ought to at least listen to Usama bin Laden— voted; they still long to live in a free society. [laughter]—and the number-two man in Al Yet they’re putting up with unspeakable vio- Qaida, Mr. Zawahiri, both of whom have lence. made it perfectly clear that Iraq is a central There’s a reason why the violence is in- part of their strategy to establish their caliph- creasing. One reason is that our forces, coali- ate. They believe America is weak, and it’s tion and Iraqi forces, are focused on oper- just a matter of time before we will lose our ations to bring security in Baghdad. In other nerve and abandon that young democracy in words, we’re on the move. We’re confronting the heart of the Middle East. That’s what those who would like to sow sectarian vio- they firmly believe, and they have said so and lence. We’re confronting the criminals who stated it clearly. are taking advantage of the situation. We’re confronting the militias who are harming in- The same Democrats that doubt and don’t nocent people. We’re operating in some of believe this is a part of the war on terror the city’s most violent neighborhoods to dis- also argue that we should pull out our troops rupt and bring to justice Al Qaida and IED before the job is done. The person I ran makers and death squad leaders. We’re en- against for President said there ought to be gaging the enemies, and they’re putting up a date certain for withdrawal. That means it a tough fight. doesn’t matter what’s happening on the Another reason why is, the terrorists are ground; it just means, get out. You’ve had trying to influence public opinion around the a leader in the House say, ‘‘Well, the best world and right here in the United States. way to deal with this is to put our troops They carry video cameras, film their atroc- on an island some 5,000 miles away from ities, e-mail images and video clips to Middle Iraq.’’ There’s all kinds of difference of opin- Eastern cable networks like Al-Jazeera and ions, but none of them are, ‘‘Let’s do the opinion leaders throughout the West. They hard work necessary to secure America.’’ operate web sites where they say their goal We have a difference of opinion. And is to, quote, ‘‘carry out a media war that is that’s why I have said that the Democrat parallel to the military war.’’ Party, the party that—where some leaders Our goal in Iraq is clear, and it’s unchang- have said we shouldn’t spend another dime ing: a country that can sustain itself, a country on Iraq; others have said, get out now; others that can govern itself, a country that can de- said, get out in a couple of months—that’s fend itself, and a country which will be an why they are the party of cut-and-run. ally in the war against these extremists. Our It’s a difference of opinion, but it’s a fun- strategy is threefold: to help rebuild that damental issue in this campaign. The voters country, to help the political process move out there need to ask the question, which forward, and to help the Iraqis stand up secu- political party will support the brave men and rity forces that are capable of defeating the women who wear our uniform when they do enemy themselves. their job of protecting America? Which polit- Our tactics are constantly changing. I talk ical party is willing to give our professionals to our generals who are in charge of these the tools necessary to protect the American operations, and my message to them is: people? Which political party has a strategy Whatever you need, we’ll give you; and what- for victory in this war on terror? ever tactics you think work on the ground,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 / Oct. 20 1861

you put in place. Our goal hasn’t changed, with the full force and might of the United but the tactics are constantly adjusting to an States. Kids signed up; many didn’t come enemy which is brutal and violent. home. They volunteered to fight for our free- My message to the United States of Amer- dom, just like the kids are doing today, volun- ica is: Victory in Iraq is vital for the security teering to fight for our freedom. of a generation of Americans who are coming One of them was an 18-year-old Navy up. And so we will stay in Iraq; we will fight fighter pilot. I find it really interesting that in Iraq; and we will win in Iraq. [Applause] his son was on Air Force One with the Prime All right. Thank you. Sit down now. Thank Minister of the former enemy, talking about you. I’m not through yet. [Laughter] I’m al- the peace. See, going down to Memphis from most through. [Laughter] The waiter is sig- Washington, we didn’t spend a lot of time naling to me, you know, giving me one of analyzing Elvis’s songs. [Laughter] We talked these things. [Laughter] about North Korea and how Japan and the I want to tell you one other thing we be- United States could work together to con- lieve in, and I believe it’s a difference be- vince the leader of North Korea to give up tween the philosophies of our parties—is that his nuclear weapons ambitions. We talked I believe in the power of liberty to transform about the fact that Japan had 1,000 troops regions and countries and yield the peace we in Iraq. want. That’s what I believe. I believe this is See, Prime Minister Koizumi knows what an ideological struggle, and the way you de- I know, that when you find a young democ- feat an ideology of hate is with an ideology racy that’s battling against extremists, it’s in of hope. I believe in the universality of free- our interests to help that young democracy dom. I believe there’s an Almighty, and I be- succeed. It’s in the interests of not only this lieve a great gift of that Almighty to every generation, who has got the charge of pro- man, woman, and child on the Earth is free- tecting ourselves from terrorists, but from fu- dom. ture generations, to help democracies flour- I believe people—I believe America ish. He understands what I know, that the should never condemn anybody to a society reason we’re talking about the peace is be- that does not embrace freedom. I believe in cause something happened between World freedom so much that I wasn’t surprised War II, when Japan was the sworn enemy when 12 million people defied car bombers of the United States, and 2006, when they’re and said, ‘‘I want to be free.’’ And I believe flying from Washington to Memphis on Air free societies yield the peace we want. Force One. And what happened was, Japan adopted a Japanese-style democracy. A story that I share all the time with people The lesson is, liberty has the capacity to is the story about my relationship with the change an enemy into an ally. And someday, Prime Minister of Japan—former Prime American Presidents will be sitting down Minister now, Prime Minister Koizumi. You with duly elected leaders from the Middle might remember, the Prime Minister and I East talking about keeping the peace, and went down to Elvis’s place—[laughter]—in a generation of Americans will be better off Memphis, Tennessee. I went down there be- for it. cause I’d never been. [Laughter] He went down there—and asked me to take him down Thank you for your help. God bless. there because he liked Elvis. [Laughter] NOTE: The President spoke at 11:53 a.m. at the But I wanted to tell a story to the American Mayflower Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to people. You see, my dad fought the Japanese. Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist They were the sworn enemy of the United organization; Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of States. And many of your relatives did the Iraq; former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of same thing. They attacked us; we responded Japan; and Chairman Kim Jong Il of North Korea.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1862 Oct. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Remarks Following a Meeting With nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Organizations That Support the not included elsewhere in this issue. United States Military in Iraq and Afghanistan October 14 October 20, 2006 In the morning, at Camp David, MD, the President had an intelligence briefing. I’ve had an uplifting and heartwarming In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. conversation with fellow citizens of all ages Bush returned to Washington, DC. He and from across our country who are supporting Mrs. Bush then traveled to Arlington, VA. our troops. These folks don’t really care Later, they traveled to Camp David, MD. about politics; what they care about is how best to send a strong message to the men October 15 and women who wear our uniform that In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. America supports them. Bush returned to Washington, DC. And so we’ve had examples of people who The President declared an emergency in started web pages to get different supplies New York and ordered Federal aid to supple- to send to troops who are—who need a care ment State and local response efforts in the package; to a woman who started a group area struck by a lake-effect snowstorm on Oc- of people to sew garments to help the tober 12 and continuing. wounded recover faster; to a guy who helped start video conferencing capabilities so that October 16 loved ones can share big moments in their lives together, even though one is in combat; In the morning, the President had separate to a child who started treasure hunts to raise telephone conversations with Prime Minister money to help kids go to school. It’s a re- Manmohan Singh of India and President markable country when we have people who Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq. Later, he had an intel- decide to step up and help men and women ligence briefing. Then, in the Oval Office, who are serving their country in a time of he met with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew need. of Singapore. And I want to thank you all for coming, Later in the morning, the President par- and I appreciate what you’re doing. ticipated in an interview with Bill O’Reilly Americasupportsyou.mil is a web site where of FOX News, for later broadcast. our fellow citizens can volunteer to help. You During the day, the President had a brief- can become a part of a group and find out ing on the October 15 earthquake and after- ways that you can support our men and shocks in Hawaii. women in uniform. These are brave, coura- The President declared a major disaster in geous people who deserve the full support Alaska and ordered Federal aid to supple- of the American citizenry. ment State and local recovery efforts in the So I want to thank you all for coming. I area struck by severe storms, flooding, land- appreciate you being here. Thanks very slides, and mudslides on August 15–25. much. October 17 NOTE: The President spoke at 2:35 p.m. in the In the morning, the President had an intel- Roosevelt Room at the White House. ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, he participated in a bill signing ceremony for H.R. 5122, the John Warner National De- fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which was assigned Public Law No. 109–364. Digest of Other He then met with United Nations Secretary- White House Announcements General-designate Ban Ki-Moon. The President declared a major disaster in The following list includes the President’s public Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supple- schedule and other items of general interest an- ment State and local recovery efforts in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 1863

area struck by an earthquake on October 15 ant Secretary of Mine Safety at the Depart- and related aftershocks. ment of Labor. The President announced that he has re- October 18 cess appointed Jeffrey R. Brown as a member In the morning, the President had a tele- of the Social Security Advisory Board. phone conversation with President Hosni October 20 Mubarak of Egypt. Later, he had an intel- ligence briefing. He then traveled to Greens- In the morning, the President had an intel- boro, NC, where, upon arrival, he met with ligence briefing. Later, at the Department USA Freedom Corps volunteer Michelle Gil- of Health and Human Services, he partici- more. pated in a roundtable discussion on Medi- In the afternoon, at Stamey’s restaurant, care. He then participated in an interview the President had lunch with community with Kevin Freking of the Associated Press. leaders. Later, he toured Waldo C. Falkener The White House announced that the Elementary School. He then traveled to President will host Secretary General Jakob Randleman, NC. Gijsbert ‘‘Jaap’’ de Hoop Scheffer of the Later in the afternoon, the President par- North Atlantic Treaty Organization at the ticipated in an interview with George White House on October 27. Stephanopoulos of ABC News, for later broadcast. He then traveled to Greensboro, NC, where, at a private residence, he at- tended a Republican National Committee Nominations dinner. Submitted to the Senate In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the October 19 Senate during the period covered by this issue. In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Avoca, PA, where, at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, he met with USA Checklist Freedom Corps volunteer Naomi Alamar. of White House Press Releases He then traveled to La Plume, PA. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Clarks Summit, PA, where he visited patrons The following list contains releases of the Office at Manny’s Ice Cream & Milk. Later he trav- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as eled to Richmond, VA, where, upon arrival, items nor covered by entries in the Digest of he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Other White House Announcements. William ‘‘Robert’’ Floyd, Sr. He then stopped by the Pumpkin Patch and visited with owner Released October 15 William F. Gallmeyer. Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster In the evening, the President returned to assistance to New York Washington, DC. The White House announced that the Released October 16 President will welcome President-elect Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Felipe Calderon of Mexico to the White retary Tony Snow House on November 9. The President announced his intention to Statement by the Press Secretary announcing nominate Katherine Almquist to be Assistant that the President signed H.R. 138, H.R. 479, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for Inter- H.R. 3508, H.R. 4902, H.R. 5094, H.R. 5160, national Development (Bureau of Africa). H.R. 5381, and S. 2562 The President announced that he has re- Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster cess appointed Richard E. Stickler as Assist- assistance to Alaska

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 1864 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006

Released October 17 District of Columbia to honor the victims of Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- the manmade famine that occurred in retary Tony Snow Ukraine in 1932–1933 Statement by the Press Secretary announcing H.R. 1463 / Public Law 109–341 that the President signed H.R. 4957 and To designate a portion of the Federal build- H.R. 6197 ing located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Al- Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster exandria, Virginia, as the ‘‘Justin W. Williams assistance to Hawaii United States Attorney’s Building’’ Fact sheet: The Military Commissions Act of H.R. 1556 / Public Law 109–342 2006 To designate a parcel of land located on the site of the Thomas F. Eagleton United States Released October 18 Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, as the Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- ‘‘Clyde S. Cahill Memorial Park’’ retary Tony Snow H.R. 2322 / Public Law 109–343 Fact sheet: A Day in North Carolina: Presi- To designate the Federal building located at dent Bush Highlights the Success of No 320 North Main Street in McAllen, Texas, Child Left Behind as the ‘‘Kika de la Garza Federal Building’’ Released October 19 H.R. 3127 / Public Law 109–344 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 retary Tony Snow Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit by H.R. 4768 / Public Law 109–345 President-elect Felipe Calderon of Mexico To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 777 Corporation Released October 20 Street in Beaver, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Rob- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- ert Linn Memorial Post Office Building’’ retary Tony Snow H.R. 4805 / Public Law 109–346 Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of To designate the facility of the United States NATO Secretary General ‘‘Jaap’’ de Hoop Postal Service located at 105 North Quincy Scheffer Street in Clinton, Illinois, as the ‘‘Gene Vance Post Office Building’’ H.R. 4954 / Public Law 109–347 Security and Accountability for Every Port Acts Approved Act of 2006 by the President H.R. 5026 / Public Law 109–348 Approved October 13 * To designate the Investigations Building of the Food and Drug Administration located H.R. 315 / Public Law 109–339 at 466 Fernandez Juncos Avenue in San Juan, To designate the United States courthouse Puerto Rico, as the ‘‘Andres Toro Building’’ at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the ‘‘John Milton Bryan Simpson H.R. 5428 / Public Law 109–349 United States Courthouse’’ To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 East Wash- H.R. 562 / Public Law 109–340 ington Street in Morris, Illinois, as the ‘‘Josh- To authorize the Government of Ukraine to ua A. Terando Morris Post Office Building’’ establish a memorial on Federal land in the H.R. 5434 / Public Law 109–350 * These Public Laws were not received in time To designate the facility of the United States for publication in the appropriate issue. Postal Service located at 40 South Walnut

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2006 1865

Street in Chillicothe, Ohio, as the ‘‘Larry Cox H.R. 5160 / Public Law 109–359 Post Office’’ Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006

S. 2856 / Public Law 109–351 H.R. 5381 / Public Law 109–360 Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer 2006 Act of 2006 S. 3661 / Public Law 109–352 S. 2562 / Public Law 109–361 Wright Amendment Reform Act of 2006 Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Ad- S. 3728 / Public Law 109–353 justment Act of 2006 North Korea Nonproliferation Act of 2006 Approved October 17 Approved October 16 H.R. 233 / Public Law 109–362 H.R. 138 / Public Law 109–354 Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage To revise the boundaries of John H. Chafee Wilderness Act Coastal Barrier Resources System Jekyll Is- land Unit GA–06P H.R. 4957 / Public Law 109–363 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to con- H.R. 479 / Public Law 109–355 vey the Tylersville division of the Lamar Na- To replace a Coastal Barrier Resources Sys- tional Fish Hatchery and Fish Technology tem map relating to Coastal Barrier Re- Center to the State of Pennsylvania, and for sources System Grayton Beach Unit FL–95P other purposes in Walton County, Florida H.R. 3508 / Public Law 109–356 H.R. 5122 / Public Law 109–364 2005 District of Columbia Omnibus Author- John Warner National Defense Authoriza- ization Act tion Act for Fiscal Year 2007 H.R. 4902 / Public Law 109–357 H.R. 6197 / Public Law 109–365 Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006 H.R. 5094 / Public Law 109–358 S. 3930 / Public Law 109–366 Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge Preservation Act Military Commissions Act of 2006

VerDate Aug 31 2005 12:00 Oct 24, 2006 Jkt 211250 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P42OCT4.020 P42OCT4