Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, June 20, 2005 Volume 41—Number 24 Pages 981–1023

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Budget amendments, letter transmitting—988 African Growth and Opportunity Act—983 Emergency Response Fund, letter on ‘‘An American Celebration at Ford’s reallocation—983 Theatre’’—983 Congressional picnic—1004, 1005 Communications to Federal Agencies Energy Efficiency Forum, 16th annual—999 Determination To Authorize a Drawdown for Medicare Modernization Act, implementing— Afghanistan, memorandum—1004 1006 Suspension of Limitations Under the Minnesota, discussion on implementing the Jerusalem Embassy Act, memorandum— Medicare Modernization Act in Maple 1004 Grove—1012 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast—1005 Executive Orders Partnerships for Learning, Youth Exchange and Study, students—985 Amendment to Executive Order 13369, Pennsylvania, strengthening Social Security in Relating to the President’s Advisory Panel University Park—988 on Federal Tax Reform—1012 President’s Dinner—995 Implementing Amendments to Agreement on Radio address—982 Border Environment Cooperation Commission and North American Appointments and Nominations Development Bank—1020 Senate Confirmation of Thomas B. Griffith as a U.S. Appeals Court Judge for the District Letters and Messages of Columbia Circuit, statement—995 Juneteenth, message—1003

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on June 17, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under There are no restrictions on the republication of material regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; ments. 1 CFR Part 10).

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Meetings With Foreign Leaders Statements by the President Botswana, President Mogae—983 See also Appointments and Nominations Ghana, President Kufuor—983 Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, birthday—1021 Mozambique, President Guebuza—983 Iran, Presidential elections—1010 Namibia, President Pohamba—983 Supplementary Materials Niger, President Tandja—983 Acts approved by the President—1023 Checklist of White House press releases— Proclamations 1023 Digest of other White House Father’s Day—1011 announcements—1021 Flag Day and National Flag Week—981 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1022

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Proclamation 7910—Flag Day and designated June 14 of each year as ‘‘Flag National Flag Week, 2005 Day’’ and requested that the President issue June 10, 2005 an annual proclamation calling for its observ- ance and for the display of the flag of the By the President of the United States United States on all Federal Government of America buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as A Proclamation amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President For more than two centuries, the flag of issue annually a proclamation designating the the United States has been a symbol of hope week in which June 14 occurs as ‘‘National and pride. The flag has inspired our citizens Flag Week’’ and calling upon all citizens of during times of conflict and comforted us the United States to display the flag during during moments of sorrow and loss. On Flag that week. Day and throughout National Flag Week, we Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, celebrate the proud legacy of Old Glory and President of the United States of America, reflect on this enduring symbol of freedom. do hereby proclaim June 14, 2005, as Flag On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Day and the week beginning June 12, 2005, Congress passed a resolution stating that ‘‘the as National Flag Week. I direct the appro- flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, priate officials to display the flag on all Fed- alternate red and white; that the union be eral Government buildings during that week, thirteen stars, white in a blue field.’’ As States and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day have been added to the Union, the flag has and National Flag Week by flying the Stars been modified to reflect their addition to our and Stripes from their homes and other suit- Nation. Today, the appearance of our flag able places. I also call upon the people of is based on President Eisenhower’s Execu- the United States to observe with pride and tive Order of August 21, 1959, to include a all due ceremony those days from Flag Day star for all 50 States together with 13 stripes through Independence Day, also set aside by representing the original 13 American colo- the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to nies. honor America, to celebrate our heritage in Generations of Americans in uniform have public gatherings and activities, and to pub- carried the Stars and Stripes into battle so licly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the that our citizens can live in freedom. Across Flag of the United States of America. the globe, a new generation of Soldiers, Sail- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set ors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen my hand this tenth day of June, in the year has stepped forward to serve under our flag, of our Lord two thousand five, and of the defending America from our enemies. We Independence of the United States of Amer- are grateful to them and their families for ica the two hundred and twenty-ninth. defending our flag and the values of our great George W. Bush Nation. On this Flag Day, we recall the rich history [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of Old Glory, and we remember our duty 9:04 a.m., June 14, 2005] to carry our heritage of freedom into the fu- ture. NOTE: This proclamation was published in the To commemorate the adoption of our flag, Federal Register on June 15. This item was not the Congress, by joint resolution approved received in time for publication in the appropriate August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), issue. 981

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The President’s Radio Address The House has passed a good energy bill. Now, the American people expect the Senate June 11, 2005 to act. For the sake of our economic and na- Good morning. As we enter the summer tional security, Congress needs to get a good season, my administration is working hard to energy bill to my desk by August. keep our economy growing and creating jobs. On Thursday and Friday, I will discuss a Next week, I will talk about some of my plans key element of ensuring health care security to help American families achieve long-term for our Nation’s seniors. The Medicare mod- economic security. ernization bill I signed into law in 2003 cre- On Tuesday, I will discuss Social Security ated a new prescription drug benefit, so our reform with young people in Pennsylvania. seniors could have more choices and receive I will remind them that the Social Security the affordable modern health care they de- system is in good shape for their grand- serve. This voluntary benefit begins next Jan- parents and for anybody born prior to 1950. uary, and seniors will be eligible to enroll I will also tell them that we must act now starting this November. The plan will provide to strengthen and modernize Social Security many options for dependable prescription so these young people can have a secure re- drug coverage through Medicare. During the tirement. Our young people understand that coming months, we will work to educate all if we fail to act, Social Security will not be of our seniors about this new benefit, so they sound when they need it. They know that can choose confidently the drug plan that the millions of baby boomers about to retire best meets their needs. will live longer and collect benefits that the Finally, to ensure economic security for all system cannot afford. Americans, Congress needs to keep your As we make Social Security permanently taxes low and be wise with taxpayers’ dollars. sustainable, we must also make it a better I proposed and the House and Senate passed deal for younger workers, by allowing them a responsible budget resolution that meets to set aside a portion of their payroll taxes our priorities and keeps us on track to cut in voluntary personal savings accounts. These the deficit in half by 2009. The weeks ahead accounts would provide the opportunity to will bring important decisions on Govern- earn a higher rate of return than the current ment spending including the highway bill. system can offer. Personal accounts would Congress needs to soon send me a fiscally contribute to the economic security of Amer- responsible highway bill that modernizes our icans by allowing them to build up a real nest roads and bridges and improves safety and egg, something they own and can pass on creates jobs. to their spouse or children, and that Govern- Achieving economic security for all Ameri- ment cannot take away. cans requires us to confront challenges now, On Wednesday, I will address the Energy not pass them on to future generations. In Efficiency Forum here in Washington and the coming weeks, I will work with Congress renew my call for Congress to act on the en- on all these priorities so we can strengthen ergy plan I proposed 4 years ago. Today’s our Nation’s prosperity for generations to high energy prices are like a tax that drags come. on our economy. We must ensure that Amer- Thank you for listening. ican families and small businesses have ac- cess to a reliable supply of affordable energy. My energy strategy will lessen our depend- NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on June 10 in the Cabinet Room at the White House ence on foreign oil by encouraging conserva- for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on June 11. The tran- tion, promoting domestic production in envi- script was made available by the Office of the ronmentally friendly ways, and funding Press Secretary on June 10 but was embargoed promising new sources of energy such as hy- for release until the broadcast. The Office of the drogen, ethanol, and biodiesel. It will also Press Secretary also released a Spanish language modernize our aging electricity grid. transcript of this address.

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Letter to the Speaker of the House of it is doing. As a working stage, Ford’s Theatre Representatives on Reallocation of provides an important venue for the arts right Emergency Response Fund here in the heart of our Nation’s Capital. I’m really grateful to the members of the June 10, 2005 Armed Services who participated in tonight’s Dear Mr. Speaker: celebration. Our military is defending Amer- I am notifying the Congress of my intent ica and advancing the cause of freedom and to reallocate funds previously transferred peace around the world. We are privileged from the Emergency Response Fund (ERF). to be citizens of a country served by our At this time, $1.074 million of ERF funds brave troops, and we thank them for their will be reallocated within the Department of service. the Treasury to strengthen the physical pro- We appreciate the military families who tection of the main Treasury building. are with us tonight. It’s not easy being left The details of this action are set forth in behind when a loved one goes to war. By the enclosed letter from the Director of the loving and supporting a man or woman in Office of Management and Budget. uniform, our military families also serve our Sincerely, Nation, and America is grateful to all of them for their support and sacrifice. George W. Bush Once again, we thank all the entertainers NOTE: This letter was released by the Office of and the supporters of the Ford’s Theatre who the Press Secretary on June 13. have made this evening one to remember. May God bless you all, and may God con- tinue to bless the United States. Remarks at ‘‘An American Celebration at Ford’s Theatre’’ NOTE: The President’s remarks were videotaped at approximately 8:45 p.m. at Ford’s Theatre for June 12, 2005 broadcast on July 4 on the ABC Television Net- work. In his remarks, he referred to entertainers The President. Jeff, thanks for the warm Jeff Foxworthy, the Pendragons, and Julie Rob- introduction. I like a good, long introduction. erts. The transcript was released by the Office of [Laughter] Say, listen, if you’re ever looking the Press Secretary on June 13. for work, Laura is looking for some new ma- terial. [Laughter] We’ve had a wonderful time this evening. Remarks on the African Growth and Thank you all very much. I particularly want Opportunity Act to thank the entertainers tonight: Debbie June 13, 2005 Allen and Geena Davis, Hilary Duff, Josh Gracin, Denyce Graves, Jesse McCartney. Thank you all for coming. Welcome to the Thanks for dedicating a song to Laura, Jesse. White House. I want to thank the five Presi- The First Lady. Thank you very much, dents who are with us today: President Jesse. Mogae of Botswana, President Kufuor of The President. Pendragons—how about Ghana, President Guebuza of Mozambique, the Pendragons—and Julie Roberts. Thank President Pohamba of Namibia, and Presi- you all so very much for being here. dent Tandja of Niger. I also want to thank our gala chair, Cath- We just had a great discussion. I consider erine Reynolds, as well as the general co- these men friends. I consider them to be chairs who are here, Karyn Frist, Landra strong patriots of their respective countries, Reid, Abby Blunt, and Debbie Dingell. and I consider them to be democrats. Laura and I thank the Ford’s Theatre Society I want to thank Secretary of State Condi and to the producing director, Paul Rice for joining us today, and she was in the Tetreault. discussions we had earlier. I’m honored that Since we moved to Washington, Laura and the members of the diplomatic corps have I have been guests of Ford’s Theatre a num- joined us. I thank the Ambassadors for being ber of times, and we appreciate the vital work here.

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I appreciate Members of the Congress produce. Last year, exports to the United being here: Senator Bill Frist, the majority States from AGOA nations were up 88 per- leader is with us; Congressman Bill Thomas, cent over the year before, and non-oil exports Congressman Charlie Rangel of the Ways were up by 22 percent. In other words, we and Means Committee, two fine Members, pledged to open our markets; we have and I appreciate you being here as a symbol opened our markets; and people are now of unity and support for—[laughter]—for making goods that the United States con- moving the trade agenda forward. I appre- sumers want to buy. And that’s helpful. ciate Congressman Jim Kolbe from Arizona That’s how you spread wealth. That’s how for being here as well. Thank you all for com- you encourage hope and opportunity. ing, really are honored you’re here, and I Over the same period, interestingly know the Presidents are as well. enough, U.S. exports to sub-Sahara Africa All the Presidents gathered here represent were up 25 percent. In other words, this is countries that have held democratic elections a two-way street. Not only have folks in Afri- in the last year. What a strong statement that ca benefited by selling products in the these leaders have made about democracy United States; American businesses, small and the importance of democracy on the con- and large, have benefited through the open- tinent of Africa. All of us share a fundamental ing of the African market as well. Across sub- commitment to advancing democracy and Sahara Africa, economic growth increased to opportunity on the continent of Africa, and an 8-year high. Real per capita income in- all of us believe that one of the most effective creased by 2.7 percent, and this growth is ways to advance democracy and deliver hope expected to continue in 2005. By creating to the people of Africa is through mutually jobs and lowering prices and expanding op- beneficial trade. portunity, AGOA is today developing bene- That was certainly the idea behind the Af- fits for Americans and Africans alike, and rican Growth and Opportunity Act, a bipar- that’s important for our fellow citizens to un- tisan act, an act of the United States Con- derstand. Trade is beneficial for the working gress that recognized this fact. You see, people here in America, just like it’s bene- AGOA is promoting democratic reform in Africa by providing incentives for these na- ficial for people on the continent of Africa. tions to extend freedom and opportunity to We’ll continue to work for policies that all of their citizens. Under this law, African build on these impressive results. In Decem- nations can obtain greater access to our mar- ber, I announced that 37 African countries kets by showing their commitment to eco- are now eligible for AGOA benefits, and next nomic and political reform, by respecting month in Senegal, senior ministers from my human rights, tearing down trade barriers, administration will meet with government and strengthening property rights and the ministers from these 37 AGOA nations to rule of law, which is precisely what the lead- build on this progress. These representatives ers of these five nations are doing. will be joined by hundreds of American and Because AGOA is producing results, I’ve African businesses and private organizations twice signed into law provisions that build who will discuss ways to promote develop- on its success and extend its benefits long ment and strengthen civil society. into the future. My predecessor worked with As we expand our trade, the United States the Congress to get the law passed. I have is committing to expanding our efforts to re- been honored to work with the Congress to lieve hunger, reduce debt, fight disease on extend the good law. And the reason why the African continent. One thing we dis- I feel confident in going to the Congress is cussed was the Millennium Challenge Ac- because it has worked. It’s a good piece of count, and I assured the leaders we will work legislation that has made a difference in peo- harder and faster to certify countries for the ple’s lives. MCA, so that MCA countries and the people In 2004, we saw dramatic evidence of the in the MCA countries can see the benefit results that this new engagement between of this really important piece of legislation the United States and Africa is helping and funding.

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I also announced last week that the United people of Africa realize the brighter future States will provide about $674 million of ad- they deserve. ditional resources to help alleviate humani- Again, I’m honored you all are here. Thank tarian emergencies in African nations, espe- you all for coming. May God bless you all. cially the growing famine in parts of Africa. On Saturday, we also announced an agree- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:11 a.m. in Room ment worked out through the Group of Eight 450 in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Of- industrialized nations that will cancel $40 bil- fice Building. In his remarks, he referred to Presi- lion in debt owed by 18 of the world’s poorest dent Festus Gontebanye Mogae of Botswana; nations, including 14 in Africa. The countries President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana; Presi- eligible for this relief are those that have put dent Armando Guebuza of Mozambique; Presi- themselves on the path to reform. We believe dent Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia; and that by removing a crippling debt burden, President Mamadou Tandja of Niger. we’ll help millions of Africans improve their lives and grow their economies. Remarks to Students From the Finally, one of the greatest causes of suf- fering in Africa is the spread of HIV/AIDS. Partnerships for Learning, Youth I appreciate Randy Tobias being here. I Exchange and Study made fighting this terrible disease a top pri- June 13, 2005 ority of my administration by launching an emergency plan for AIDS relief. Working Nice and warm today, isn’t it? I’m glad with our African partners, we have now deliv- you’re here. Almost a year living and studying ered lifesaving treatment to more than in America—I hope you’ve come to realize 200,000 people in sub-Sahara Africa, and this isn’t my house; this is the people’s house. we’re on our way to meeting an important And Laura and I are just temporary residents goal—an important 5-year goal—of pro- here. That’s how democracy works. viding treatment for nearly 2 million African I really think you’re part of an important adults and children. program that is bringing students from Mus- The United States of America is firmly lim countries to the United States. I think committed to working with governments to it’s important, and I hope you think it’s im- help fight the pandemic of AIDS. It is—this portant too. I’m amazed by the number of crisis is one that can be arrested. And I want countries represented amongst you all: Af- you all to know that when America makes ghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, a commitment, we mean what we say, and Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia, this Government means what it says, and this Yemen, West Bank, Gaza, Arab communities Congress means what it says, and we’ll work in Israel. You represent a lot of countries and together to fight HIV/AIDS. a lot of people. Here’s what I think. I think These are just some of the initiatives that your generation is going to help shape one we’re pursuing to help Africa’s leaders bring of the most exciting periods of history in the democracy and prosperity and hope to their broader Middle East and the world. It’s a people. The reason I ask these Presidents to period of time when the hope of liberty is join us today is because I applaud their cour- spreading to millions. age; I appreciate their wisdom. I appreciate And I’ve heard your stories, and people them being such good friends that they’re who know your program have talked to me able to feel comfortable in coming to the about your experiences and your attitudes. White House to say, ‘‘Mr. President, this is So let me make a prediction, that I should going well, and this isn’t. How about working be able to say to the world, I have confidence together to make this work better?’’ That’s in the spread of freedom because there’s a how we solve problems. We solve problems young group of people who love freedom and by having a frank and open dialog. want to do something about seeing freedom We believe Africa is a continent full of spread. That’s what I think. promise and talent and opportunity, and the I’m really pleased that Dina Powell is here. United States will do our part to help the Dina is the—Egyptian American, by the

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way—she ran the Presidential personnel de- maybe some of you all did the same thing partment. In other words, she’s the person during the holy month of Ramadan—ex- that brought names to me that would serve plained to students what that means. A lot in our Government. It’s a pretty powerful po- of kids your age here in this country really sition, when you think about it. I nominated aren’t sure what Ramadan means, and it’s im- her to be the Assistant Secretary of State for portant for them to understand what Rama- Educational and Cultural Affairs. That’s a big dan means. And so Abdul—here’s what he job here in America. I’m going to miss her said. He said, ‘‘When I got to one of my class- in the White House, but our country will be es on the first day of Ramadan, I was totally well-served by her serving in the State De- amazed. There were signs everywhere in the partment. class saying ‘Happy Ramadan, Abdul.’ Some I appreciate the staff of the Department students even tried to fast with me on the of State Bureau for Educational and Cultural first day.’’ Affairs. I want to thank the representatives Getting a high school kid in America to from AYUSA for being here. And I appre- fast is kind of hard to do. [Laughter] But ciate the representatives from the Close Up the point there of the story is, somebody— Foundation for coming. I want to thank your some kids in that high school class have a chaperones for being here as well, caring better understanding of a different culture. adults, people who want you to enjoy your Many of you have shown young Americans experience here in America. how Islam inspires you to live, to lead lives The American people probably don’t know based on honesty and justice and compas- this program well, so I’m going to say some sion. Because you came to this country, thou- things that’s obvious to you. First, you’ve sands of Americans better understand your been here for 10 months, and secondly, faith and your heritage, and that’s really im- you’ve attended American high schools, and portant. So I want to thank you. I want to you’ve stayed with American families, and thank you for reaching out. I want to thank you made American friends, which means you for taking a little bit of a risk. It’s not that you have made contributions. You’ve easy to come to a foreign country, is it, to contributed to better understanding. leave home. It must be kind of hard—you You’ve also done some interesting things. say, ‘‘Well, I can’t imagine what it’s going I’ve been told you volunteered in local char- to be like to go to school in America and ities. You found out one of the great be teamed up with a family I’ve never met strengths of this country is the fact that peo- before.’’ And so you were risktakers for the ple volunteer to make somebody else’s life sake of understanding and world peace, and better. We all got hearts and care deeply I want to thank you for that. about a neighbor in need, and there’s a uni- I suspect during your stay here, you came versal call in the Good Books throughout the across Americans who hail from your home world that says, ‘‘Love a neighbor like you’d countries. If you didn’t, it’s only because you like to be loved yourself.’’ And I understand didn’t get enough exposure, because I can some of you did that, and I want to thank assure you, for every country represented you for contributing to our country. here, there are hundreds of Americans—at I want to thank you for teaching—being least hundreds of Americans from your na- teachers, just by telling people your life story. tive land, men and women who came to It really wasn’t all that hard to be a good America because they know this is a land teacher, was it—say, ‘‘Here’s how I was where hard work will be rewarded, where raised,’’ and ‘‘Here’s what I believe,’’ and faith will be respected, and where cultural ‘‘Here’s what my culture is like,’’ and ‘‘Here’s heritage will be valued. what my faith teaches me.’’ So, thanks for Maria—a young girl named Maria from being a teacher as well as a helper. Pakistan—I don’t think she’s here with us I know there’s a student here who went today—put it well in an essay she wrote about to Grayling High School in Michigan, her experience. There’s some Americans who Abdulrahma. He’s from Syria. He took on may be watching this on TV now, and I want a special project. He decided—and I’m sure them to hear what Maria wrote. She says,

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‘‘The very important thing I learned about ‘‘I’m going to go to the polls, no matter what America is that it’s a melting pot where you the risk is.’’ Democracy is on the march. can find the world in one place living to- Freedom is on the march. And I’m convinced gether. I really appreciate this,’’ she said. we’re just seeing the beginnings of it, and ‘‘Now if someone says anything negative the world is going to be more peaceful be- about America, I would stand up, because cause of it. I love America.’’ That’s one of the lessons I know you’re looking forward to going she learned about her trip here. home. But when you get home, I hope you I don’t know if you—I guess you all were remind people about what you found here, here during the Presidential election. It must that the people of this country care deeply have been an interesting experience for you. about others, that we respect religion, that It was certainly an interesting one for me. we believe in human rights and human dig- [Laughter] You got to see candidates travel nity, that we believe every person has worth, the country asking for the vote, working day and that we do want to have a world that’s in and day out, in my case, saying to the peo- more peaceful and more free. ple, ‘‘I got something to do,’’ in my oppo- I hope you go home and say that Ameri- nent’s case—my opponents’ cases, saying, ‘‘I cans are proud of watching the progress that think I can do a better job than old George is being made, of people assuming liberty. W.’’ But that’s what democracy is about. It’s One of the lessons I hope you share with about understanding the boss; in our form the people back home, your buddies and of government, the people decide. And that’s your families, is that we understand that it’s a form of government that’s healthy and hard to go from tyranny to freedom. We had good. a little trouble on our own. If you’ve studied I know some of you got involved in the American history, you’ll realize that our path campaign. Cowtar from Morocco volun- to democracy wasn’t all that smooth. In other teered on election day, helping make sure words, we had setbacks and hard work to try Oregon voters had rides to the polls. And to achieve as good a government as we can I want to thank you for participating. I was possibly have. It’s hard work. It’s really hard told that a fellow named Butan from Iraq, work. who’s with us, actually volunteered at a local I hope when you go home, you explain to political headquarters in the State of Penn- people that we understand that the form of sylvania. I hope you found that an exciting democracy your country takes will reflect experience. It’s called grassroots politics. It your values and your history, not American probably doesn’t translate very well in some values and American history. In other words, of your native tongues, but it means getting we love the concept of people being free. involved at the local level to convince people We believe democracy is the best form of to participate in the democratic process. government, but we fully understand that it’s We’re seeing the democracy campaigns got to be a democracy that suits the needs like the one I went through taking place now of the people in the countries from which in other parts of the world. I mean, Afghani- you’re from. stan had a vote. It was a fantastic experience I believe freedom is universal. I don’t be- for a lot of people—folks. And I know some lieve freedom is America’s gift to the world. of you lived under the clutches of the I believe there’s an Almighty God who speaks Taliban. It must have been an incredibly re- to different faiths, and I believe freedom is freshing experience to be able to go and ex- a gift from that Almighty. And that’s why I’m press yourself at the polls, say, ‘‘This is what so confident and optimistic that freedom will I think. This is my opinion, not the opinion prevail. of tyrants, but this is my opinion.’’ And it’s I hope you realize the impact you’ve made the collective opinion of thousands which de- on some people. A lot of people—you know, cided the fate of that country. there’s such a thing called ‘‘word-of-mouth.’’ People in Iraq voted. People in that coun- People get talking, ‘‘I met so-and-so. I met try defied the car bombers, the suiciders, the old Abdul. He seemed like a good fellow to killers, those who fear freedom, and said, me.’’ And the word gets out about the values

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that you brought to America. There’s a lot for the Legislative and Judicial Branches. As of people here in this country, now when a matter of comity, appropriations requests they start thinking about the Middle East, of the Legislative and Judicial Branches are they’re going to think about it differently be- commonly transmitted without change. cause of the impact you’ve had on them, be- The details of these proposals are set forth cause you were willing to share your culture in the enclosed letter from the Director of and your way of life. the Office of Management and Budget. I hope you look at yourself as bridge build- Sincerely, ers. And as importantly, I hope you look at this experience as the beginning of a journey George W. Bush that will—in which you’ll become leaders. You know, old guys like me will be moving on, but someday—I plan to live for quite a NOTE: This letter was released by the Office of while—someday I hope to turn on my TV the Press Secretary on June 14. and see you standing up leading your country or talking about human rights and minority Remarks on Strengthening Social rights and human dignity in the countries where you’re from. I hope you understand Security in University Park, that you have a fantastic opportunity to make Pennsylvania a difference. You’ve already made a dif- June 14, 2005 ference here in America. And with this expe- rience, go home and continue making dif- The President. Mr. President, thanks for ferences. the great introduction, and thanks for having By the way, if you feel like going to college, me. It’s an honor to be here at Penn State come back. We’ve got some great universities University, one of the great universities in here. We want people from all around the our country. I want to thank the president world coming to our universities. Tell your of this fine university, President Spanier, for buddies, your friends and neighbors, to think having us. Thank you for letting me come about coming to America to go to university. here on this beautiful campus. The more exchanges there are of people of Guess what happened? There was a pretty like age, the better off the world will be. famous person at the airport today. [Laugh- Anyway, welcome to the Rose Garden. I ter] And so I said, ‘‘Why don’t you ride over hope you loved our country. I hope you en- to the college campus with me here, the uni- joyed your experience. I hope you come versity campus. I need a briefing on what’s back. In the meantime, I ask for God’s bless- going on.’’ And Joe Paterno kindly agreed to ings on you all and your families and the peo- travel with me. I said, ‘‘Let’s talk football.’’ ples of your country. Thank you for being He said, ‘‘Why don’t you tell me what’s going here. Thank you all. on in Washington.’’ [Laughter] I tell you one thing about Joe Paterno; there’s no more de- NOTE: The President spoke at 1 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. cent fellow on the face of the Earth—what a man who sets high standards. He loves his family. He loves this university. He loves his Letter to the Speaker of the House of country, and my mother and dad love him. Representatives Transmitting Coach, thanks for coming, proud you’re here. Budget Amendments I appreciate the FFA a lot. I appreciate June 13, 2005 the fact that the Pennsylvania FFA has made a table for the Crawford, Texas, FFA. I’m Dear Mr. Speaker: looking forward to telling the folks there at I ask the Congress to consider the en- Crawford how decent the good folks here are closed FY 2006 budget amendments for the in Pennsylvania. I really want to thank you Department of Justice and the General Serv- for that gesture. I bet they like that table. ices Administration. In addition, this trans- I’m a little disappointed you didn’t make the mittal contains FY 2006 budget amendments table for me. [Laughter]

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But thanks for what you—thanks for the feed the hungry; find shelter for the home- example you have set. Thanks for under- less; love a neighbor just like you’d like to standing the importance of values. I mean, be loved yourself. Mickey, thank you for one thing that’s really important about our coming, and thank you for the example you farming communities all across the country have set. is that in our farming communities you find I am particularly grateful to come to speak the values of hard work, faith, love of family, to younger Americans and a few older ones and love of our country. And I want to thank here I see scattered around. [Laughter] you all for carrying on that tradition of car- We’re living in historic times. These are rying those values. amazing times. And I hope you’re as excited I’m sorry my wife isn’t here. about them as I am. I wish I could tell you Audience members. Aw-w-w! this wasn’t the truth—the case, but the case The President. Yes, I know, most people is, we’re still fighting the war against terror- are sorry—[laughter]—she’s not here instead ists. It’s a different kind of war. But it’s a of me. But she is doing great. I’m a lucky necessary war, because our most solemn duty man when Laura said, ‘‘I do.’’ She is a fabu- is to protect the homeland. lous First Lady, a great mom, and a great Our strategy is clear: We will stay on the wife. And she sends her very best. offensive against the enemy. We will find I want to thank the Governor of the great them where they hide. We will bring them State of Pennsylvania for joining us today, to justice. We will defeat them in foreign Governor Rendell. I’m proud you’re here, lands so we do not have to face them here and thank you for serving. at home. And for those of you with a relative I am traveling with members of the mighty in the United States military, I want you to Pennsylvania congressional delegation. First, do me a favor and thank them on behalf of Senator Arlen Specter—I appreciate you the Commander in Chief, but more impor- being here, Mr. Chairman. Senator Specter tantly, thank them on behalf of a grateful na- is battling cancer with incredible courage, tion for their sacrifice and service. and I appreciate your allegiance. I’m proud The second part of our strategy to defeat to be with Senator Rick Santorum, a graduate terror, to spread the peace, is to spread lib- of Penn State University. Congressman John erty, is to help those courageous souls who Peterson from this area. John, thank you for demand the God-given right to live in a free joining us. society. Freedom is on the march around the Dennis Wolff, the secretary of agriculture world now. We’re living in amazing times from Pennsylvania, I appreciate you being when millions of people in Afghanistan, when here, Dennis. I want to thank Chris Herr, given a chance, went to the polls to say, ‘‘We the president of the Pennsylvania FAA Foun- want to live in a free society.’’ Freedom is dation. I want to thank Mike Brammer, the on the march in places like Lebanon and executive manager. Most of all, I want to Ukraine. Freedom has taken hold in Georgia. thank you all for letting me come by. Freedom has taken hold in Lebanon. Free- You know, when I landed, I met another dom has taken hold in Iraq, where 8.5 million person, named Mickey Peters. The reason I citizens defied suiciders and killers to say bring up Mickey is she is a volunteer with with a loud voice to the world, ‘‘We want the Centre County Cooperative Extension 4– to be free.’’ And a free society is a necessary H program. She has been a volunteer for part of spreading the peace. more than 40 years and helping instill values So as you watch the dramatic changes tak- and reminding all of us that we have a com- ing place in the world, keep in mind we’re mitment to serve our respective commu- laying the foundation for a peaceful world, nities. The reason I bring up Mickey is be- a world in which boys and girls from all cul- cause, if you’re interested in serving your tures and all countries can realize their country, your State, or your community, vol- dreams, can live in a free society. There’s unteer. See, the great strength of this country no doubt in my mind this world will be better lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. off as freedom spreads. And I’m proud that If you want to truly be a patriot in America, the United States of America is taking the

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lead in spreading democracy and freedom today because of the tax relief. More people around the world. are working today in America than ever be- There are dramatic times here at home. fore in our Nation’s history. The national un- As you know, there are dramatic changes in employment rate is 5.1 percent. We’re mak- agriculture taking place. Now, farming is still ing good progress. But in order to make sure the first industry in America. It is a luxury this progress continues, Congress needs to that we live in a country that can feed our- make the tax relief we passed permanent. selves, and we need to keep it that way. The And speaking about tax relief, in order to American agriculture is diverse, and it’s a make sure our farms stay within our farming complex industry, where family farmers are families, we need to get rid of the death tax CEOs, where the occupations in agriculture once and for all. It makes no sense to tax run from engineering and food science to a person’s assets twice, once while they’re business management and to biotechnology. living and again after they die. For the sake Which says to me, you better take advantage of family farmers, Congress needs to get rid of the educations you got. Which says, you of the death tax forever. got to learn, you got to set high standards To keep agriculture strong, to make sure and work hard, read more than you watch these good folks have a chance to make a TV, take your teachers seriously because good living in the agricultural sector, we need you’re going to need a good education in to continue to open up new markets abroad. order to be able to compete in this world. I always told the American people, ‘‘If you’re We started our—we made good progress good at something, let’s promote it.’’ We’re for the agriculture community by this farm really good at growing things, so why don’t bill I was honored to sign 3 years ago. This we grow things and sell them abroad? I is a farm bill that provided a strong safety mean, we’ve got enough food to feed our- net for our farmers. It allows farmers and selves, so it seems like to me to be a good ranchers to plan and to operate based upon market realities, not Government dictates. strategy to open up markets so others can You see, we tried to reduce Government in- buy our crops, our soybeans and our corn, terference in the agricultural market and, at our products we grow right here at home. the same time, create incentives for sound My administration supports trade initia- conservation practices. The bill I signed and tives that level the playing field, and one such the Congress passed has helped strengthen initiative is the Central American Dominican the farm economy and promoted independ- Republic Free Trade Agreement, which is ence by our farmers and helped preserve the coming before the United States Senate and farming way of life. And now we’ve got to the House of Representatives. Let me tell build on the successes. you why I think this is a good deal for all I’ve got a good man as the Secretary of Americans as well as our farmers and ranch- Agriculture in Mike Johanns. He actually ers. Right now the United States is open to grew up on a farm. Some of you will be more than 80 percent of the goods being sold pleased to hear he grew up on a dairy farm. out of Central America into our own markets, He’s going to be speaking to an FFA group and yet 80 percent of our goods don’t have in Illinois. He’s going to be listening to farm- equal access to their markets, markets of ers and ranchers all across our country as we about 44 million people. Catch this: The prepare for a new farm bill. But one thing United States is already open to more than is for certain—he doesn’t need to travel the 99 percent of Central America’s agricultural country for me to understand this: In order products. In other words, we’ve opened up for the agricultural sector of America to be our market, but our farm exports to Central strong, we got to keep your taxes low. America are losing ground every day to third The tax relief we passed has helped our countries that have got trade deals with these economy overcome a lot of challenges. The nations. small-business sector is strong today because As your President, it seems like to make small businesses are paying fewer Federal sense to me to say, ‘‘If we treat you this way, taxes. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong you treat us’’—that’s what fair trade is all

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about. By opening up Central American mar- to, and that’s the Social Security issue. First, kets, it will help our farmers. The American you know, some people have said to me in Farm Bureau Federation estimates that Washington, ‘‘Why did you bring it up? Why CAFTA could boost our agricultural exports did you talk about such a politically difficult by $1.5 billion when fully implemented. For subject?’’ Well, here’s why. I think there’s the sake of fairness and for the sake of the a problem. I’m about to explain why there agricultural economy, the United States Con- is a problem. But I also know what the nature gress needs to pass the CAFTA trade agree- of the job of the Presidency is. The job of ment now. the President is to confront problems and not To keep American agriculture strong, we pass those problems on to future Presidents need to ensure that all Americans have access and future Congresses. The easy path is to to affordable, reliable, and secure supplies do nothing. That’s the easy political path. The of energy. You know, when I first came to tough path is to come together and get some- Washington, DC, nearly 4 years ago—a little thing done. But let me tell you something: over 4 years ago—I knew we had a problem By doing nothing, you’re about to hear that with energy. See, we’re too dependent on we will have done a disservice to a younger foreign sources of energy. So we developed group of Americans coming up. a strategy that would make us less dependent Franklin Roosevelt did a wise thing when on foreign sources of energy. And by the way, he created the Social Security system. Social one reason why you’re seeing your gasoline Security has been an important safety net for prices go up, why farmers are paying higher a lot of seniors. And for seniors receiving a fertilizer prices, why it costs more to fill your check today, I want to assure you you’re tractor, is because we’re dependent on for- going to continue to get your check. The sys- eign sources of energy. tem is solvent for our seniors. You have noth- And so I said to the United States Con- ing to worry about. I know all the political gress, ‘‘Why don’t we get wise about our en- ads and the propaganda. I’m sure, Governor, ergy policy.’’ Why don’t we do things dif- you’ve had to put up with that occasionally. ferently. Why don’t we encourage conserva- But the truth is—the truth is, if you’re born tion. Why don’t we make sure we spend prior to 1950, you’re going to get your check. money so we can have clean coal technology, I don’t care what the politicians say. so we can use the coal resources of a State Here’s the problem. The problem exists like Pennsylvania in our electricity plants that for a young generation of Americans. And has zero emissions. Why don’t we continue the reason why is there are a bunch of people research and development, so we can use getting ready to retire. We’re called baby soybeans or corn to develop new sources of boomers. I’m one. I was born in 1946. I reach energy. retirement age in 2008. It’s a convenient year I was at a plant the other day in Virginia. for me to reach retirement age. [Laughter] It was a soy diesel refinery. They’re taking The problem is there’s a lot of people like crops grown right here in America, putting me getting ready to retire. Do you realize them in the refinery, and out comes a fuel today there are about 40 million retirees re- that we can use in diesel engines. ceiving benefits? By the time the baby We need to be using clean, safe nuclear boomers retire, there’s going to be about 72 power. We need to make sure that the million of us receiving benefits. We got a United States of America diversifies away whole lot of people getting ready to retire. from a hydrocarbon society so we’re no And we’re living longer. My generation longer dependent on foreign sources of en- will live longer than the previous generation. ergy. The House has passed a bill. The Sen- Coach Paterno said, ‘‘Are you exercising a ate will have the bill on the floor. This Con- lot, Mr. President?’’ I said, ‘‘All the time, gress needs to stop debating energy policy Coach. I’m trying to live longer than the pre- and get a bill to my desk before the August vious generation.’’ recess break. And not only that, but when people were Now, I want to talk about one other sub- running for Congress in previous years, ject that the young here need to pay attention they’d say, ‘‘Vote for me. I’ll make sure your

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benefits go up faster than the rate of infla- about a group of youngsters getting ready to tion.’’ And that’s what happened. That’s one go into the workplace?’’ So I said, ‘‘The first of those political promises that was kept. So we got to do in a reformed system is to say you’ve got a lot of baby boomers like me, to future generations, ‘You’ll receive benefits a whole lot of us, going to be living longer, equal to or greater than the benefits today’s getting greater benefits than the previous seniors get.’ ’’ Seems to make sense to me. generation, which is all fine and good until Secondly, I said a reformed system must you realize the other half of the equation. reassure future generations that those who Now, in 1950, early fifties, there was about depend most on Social Security will have the 16 workers for every beneficiary, which most protection in their retirement. In other meant the load wasn’t all that heavy when words, I don’t believe anybody ought to retire you’re paying your payroll tax to take care into poverty. I don’t believe we ought to have of a beneficiary. Today, there’s 3.3 workers a system where somebody is working all their per beneficiary. When a lot of these kids get life, and then they get a check, and it keeps older, there’s going to be 2 workers per bene- them in poverty. That doesn’t make sense to ficiary. You’ve got fewer workers, fewer peo- me. ple taking care of people like me who will And so I’ve adopted the idea put out by be living longer and receiving greater bene- a Democrat named Robert Pozen. I think fits. And that’s the problem. Mr. Pozen has got a good idea, and here’s In 2017, there will be more money going what it says. It says that the Social Security out than coming in. And every year there- checks for the highest 1 percent of Ameri- after, it gets worse. In 2027, there will be cans will remain the same in today’s dollars about a $200-billion-a-year shortfall. And it as the checks received by beneficiaries today. gets worse until finally, 2041, the system It means no cut in benefits to the upper 1 would be bankrupt. percent. The other 99 percent of American So we’re looking at a bankrupt system for workers will get bigger checks in today’s dol- younger workers. We’re asking younger lars than the current retirees, which means workers to pay payroll tax, to pay hard-earned an increase in benefits. The top 1 percent money into a system that’s going broke. That earners would have their benefits go up at doesn’t seem right to me. That doesn’t seem the cost of living. The lower income Ameri- fair, to know the facts and not do something cans would have their benefits go up with about it. And so that’s why I went in front wages, and it would be scaled in between. of the United States Congress and I said, And that’s important because, you see, if ‘‘We’ve got a problem. The problem—the Congress were just to adopt that part of the facts are irrefutable, and now we need to do proposal, it would solve, by far, the biggest something about it.’’ I said, ‘‘Why don’t we problem we face in funding Social Security get rid of all the partisan bickering in Wash- for the out-years. ington, DC, and come together for the good Now, it takes other measures, and I want of a generation of people coming up.’’ to work with Republicans and Democrats to I believe I have more—a responsibility look at other ways to make the system perma- more than just bringing the problem out nently fixed. there. And so I have talked about solutions, We’ve got some folks here that are dairy and I’d like to share some of my thoughts farmers. Jeff Grove, and his son, Caleb, are with you. First, a reformed system—now, re- with us. Jeff is a third-generation dairy farm- member, if you’re getting your check, I’m er. Caleb will start his first year with FFA not talking to you. Nothing changes for peo- this fall in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Jeff ple receiving their checks. I met a lot of and his brother, Jay, run the family farm. By grandmothers and grandfathers who kind of the way, their mom, Anna, is here. Boys, lis- went, ‘‘Thank goodness, I’m going to get my ten to your mother. check.’’ And then, you know what the next Caleb wants to join the family business question is? They say, ‘‘What are you going when he’s finished school. If he chooses to, to do about my grandkids, Mr. President? Jeff could retire at 65 and start drawing bene- What do you and the Congress intend to do fits in 2021. Under a system with progressive

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indexing, he could expect a benefit of over ferent programs of Government. And do you $12,000 a year in today’s dollars—today’s dol- know what’s left behind? Paper, IOUs in a lars—compared to about $11,000 in today’s file cabinet in West Virginia. [Laughter] dollars for a similar worker. In other words, Those are the assets of the Social Security the program would be beneficial to Jeff. That system. means after adjusting for inflation, his bene- In order to make sure there’s real assets fits would be 10 percent higher. in Social Security, I think we ought to allow What I’m trying to do is to tell you the younger workers, if they so choose, to take system that Mr. Pozen has proposed goes a some of their own payroll taxes and set up long way toward fixing the system, but it’s a voluntary personal savings account. I think a good deal for people paying into the system it makes sense to encourage people to build today. a nest egg they call their own—by the way, If Caleb turns out to be a farmer just like a nest egg the Government cannot take away, his dad, he can expect an annual benefit of a nest egg the Government can’t take and more than $15,700 in today’s dollars. In other spend on programs that they like. words, the system helps us achieve what we I’ll tell you why it makes sense to allow want, permanent solvency and to say you’re younger workers to take some of their own not going to retire into poverty. That makes money as a part of a Social Security system, sense. Under the reform proposed by Mr. if that’s what they so choose, is because peo- Pozen, 99 percent of Americans will see their ple can get a pretty good rate of return on benefits grow, and no one’s benefits will be a conservative mix of stocks and bonds or cut. a portfolio of bonds only. A conservative mix It’s important for Congress, if they’ve got of stocks and bonds can yield you 4.6 percent. a better idea, to bring it up. If you think you By the way, you get about 1.8 percent on can do better in solving this problem, I don’t your money in the Government. It’s a lousy care whether you’re a Republican or a Dem- rate of return compared to what a conserv- ocrat, put your ideas on the table. That’s why ative mix of bonds and stocks will get you. they sent you to Washington, DC, in the first And the important thing about earning 4.6 place. percent is that over time, your money com- So, I’ve got some ideas to permanently pounds. It grows, and that’s important. If solve the Social Security deficit and the prob- you’re a youngster and you start saving some lem, so we can say to youngsters, ‘‘When you of your own payroll taxes—and I say, by work and pay something into the payroll sys- ‘‘some of your own payroll taxes,’’ sometimes tem, there will be something for you when if you listen to the rhetoric in Washington, you retire.’’ And I’ve got another idea that it sounds like the people there believe the I want Congress to consider, and that I want payroll tax is the Government’s money. It’s people in this country to listen to carefully. not the Government’s money. It’s the peo- And it’s to make sure the system is a better ple’s money. The people are working hard deal for younger workers. for that money. Now, first, let me describe how Social Se- Let me just give you an example. Suppose curity actually works. It’s called a pay-as-you- one of your brothers or sisters becomes a go system. You work hard, and you pay farmer and marries a food scientist, and they through payroll taxes, and we go ahead and earn typical wages from both those profes- spend. We spend on the benefits for retirees, sions. And you enter the workforce in 2011, and then, with the money left over, we spend and you work your entire career. And you’re on programs. See, some people think, well, allowed to put a third of your payroll taxes the Social Security system is one where we aside, and it grows at 4.6 percent and com- take your money, and we hold it for you, and pounds over time. By the time you retire, then when you retire, we give it back. That’s you’ll have a nest egg of $570,000—your not the way it works. You pay. We pay out money. It’s a part of a Social Security system. the money for the retirees, and the money It would supplement your Social Security left over—see, there’s money left over until checks, but it’s your money. No one can take 2017—it goes ahead and funds all the dif- it away from you. It’s your money. It’s money

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you can pass on to whomever you choose. This isn’t a new idea, by the way, in Wash- And that’s an important part of an ownership ington, DC. I think you’ll find this inter- society in America. esting—at least I certainly did when I started It’s important—let me tell you—let me looking in on the issue—is that the United give you an example of the Social Security States Congress has set up what is called a system today that I think is patently unfair. Thrift Savings Plan. It’s a plan that lets You’ve got two folks working in their family. United States Senators and Members of the One of them dies before age 62. You know House of Representatives set aside some of what the Government pays? Burial benefits, their own money in a conservative mix of period. And then when the other spouse bonds and stocks. You know what I think? reaches a retirement age, he or she gets to I think if that plan is good enough for Mem- choose the benefits from her work or his bers of the United States Congress, it’s good work or the spouse’s work, which is ever enough for workers all across America. higher, but not both. In other words, the way I’ve come today to tell you that there are the system works today, you’ve worked all some of us in Washington, DC, who do not your life, and you predecease your spouse, want to leave you saddled with a retirement and the spouse’s benefits are greater than system that’s going broke, that we realize we yours would have been, the money you have an obligation to address this problem. earned just goes away. I’m enjoying traveling the country talking That doesn’t seem fair to me, that you’ve about the Social Security issue. It gives me got Americans all across the country working a chance to get out of Washington, gives me hard to put bread on the table, and they get a chance to remind the skeptics and critics a bad break, and they die early, and the that there are people in Washington, DC, money they’ve contributed to the Social Se- who care about the common good, that care curity system just isn’t around for the sur- about addressing problems. There are people viving spouse. in that Nation’s Capital that have gone there It seems like to me it makes sense to let for the right reason, to focus on the people’s workers, if they so choose, to take some of business and to come up with solutions, so their own money and put it aside in a per- that when it’s all said and done, no matter sonal savings account. And if something bad what your party might be, we can say, ‘‘Job happens, like early death, there would be well done. We came to Washington—we some assets for the surviving spouse, assets didn’t spend a lifetime there—we worked he or she could live on to help the family, hard, and we did the people’s business.’’ assets to help with the grief, and assets to I’m going to continue working this issue, make their life better in retirement. State after State after State. I’m going to con- No, the idea of giving younger workers the tinue to call upon the United States Con- ability to take some of their own money and gress, members of both political parties, to set it aside so they can watch their money stand up, to do what’s right for a young gen- grow is an idea that’s already taken hold here eration of Americans coming up, to fix this in America. Some of us older guys, like Spec- Social Security system once and for all so a ter and Rendell and others here, when we young generation of Americans will have that were coming up, we weren’t sure what a same sense of security that previous genera- 401(k) was. There weren’t any. We didn’t tions had when it came time for them to re- know what IRAs were in those days. There’s tire. a whole investor class of people growing up There’s no doubt in my mind, we’re going in America, people who are used to watching to get this job done. And if you’re interested their money grow. And it seems to make in the subject, pay attention. Call your elect- sense to me to make sure a modernized, re- ed Representatives. The voice of the people formed Social Security system for a young can determine what takes place in Wash- generation of Americans ought to incor- ington, DC. porate this idea, if that’s what they choose I want to thank you all for giving me a to do, as a part of a modern retirement sys- chance to come by and visit with you. I want tem. to thank the members of the FFA for being

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leaders, for making right choices, for setting that. I’ll tell you something about Laura. high standards, for setting the example, and She’s quite the comedian, quite the diplomat. for serving the communities in which you She’s a heck of a First Lady and a great wife live. May God bless you all, and may God and mom. I love her dearly. continue to bless our country. I want to thank Senator Lamar Alexander for his leadership on this incredibly success- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:54 p.m. in Eisen- ful dinner. I appreciate Speaker Denny hower Auditorium at Pennsylvania State Univer- Hastert. He is one fine man. He’s a great sity. In his remarks, he referred to Graham Speaker of the House. And through your Spanier, president, and Joe Paterno, head football coach, Pennsylvania State University; Gov. Ed- generosity, he’s going to stay Speaker of the ward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania; and Robert C. House. I want to thank the majority leader Pozen, former member, President’s Commission of the United States Senate, Bill Frist. He to Strengthen Social Security. The Office of the too is a great leader, and I appreciate calling Press Secretary also released a Spanish language him friend. transcript of these remarks. I want to thank Senator Elizabeth Dole, who is the NRSC chairman; Congressman Statement on Senate Confirmation of Tom Reynolds, the NRCC chairman. Those are initials for, like, let’s raise money and get Thomas B. Griffith as a United States the Senate in Republican—keep the Senate Appeals Court Judge for the District in Republican hands and House in Repub- of Columbia Circuit lican hands. Thank you for supporting these June 14, 2005 causes. I want to thank the Members of the Senate I commend the Senate for confirming and Congress for working so hard. I want Tom Griffith to the United States Court of to thank the Members of the—all the Mem- Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. bers of the Congress who’ve joined us to- Tom is an accomplished and experienced night. I appreciate the members of my Cabi- lawyer who will bring a broad range of legal net who are here. experience to the court. He has served in I want to pay special tribute to the Repub- the important post of Senate Legal Counsel, lican National Committee chairman, Ken as general counsel at a major university, and Mehlman, for the fantastic job he’s doing on in private practice. I look forward to the Sen- reaching out to people from all walks of life. ate’s prompt consideration and up-or-down I want to thank the President’s Dinner lead- votes for my other judicial nominees. ership, especially Ken Thompson and his wife, Kathylee, for the fantastic job you all Remarks at the 2005 President’s have done and everybody up here has done. Dinner I want to thank the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir for being here today. June 14, 2005 I’m proud to be the head of a party that Thank you all for coming. Thank you for has a positive and hopeful and optimistic vi- the warm reception. Thank you all. Thanks sion for every single person who lives in this for coming. It’s nice to have dinner with a country. And I’m proud to be a head of a group of friends. I appreciate you all coming party that is driving the debate on all the here. This is a very important dinner be- key domestic and foreign policy issues. Be- cause, through your generosity, we’re going cause of our achievements, the American to keep control of the Senate and the House, people see us as the party of reform and opti- and America will be better off for it. mism and results, the party that is moving I really appreciate you being here. I am this Nation forward. sorry that the First Lady is not here. She All of us in Washington have a duty to the sends her love. Generally when I say that, people who sent us here. Political parties can people groan, and I take it to mean they wish take one of two approaches. One approach she’d have come and not me. I understand is to lead, to focus on the people’s business,

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to take on the tough problems. And that is We need to have a fiscally responsible exactly what our party’s done. highway bill that modernizes our roads and The other approach is to simply do noth- bridges and improves safety and creates jobs. ing, to delay solutions, obstruct progress, We’re on our way to cutting this deficit in refuse to take responsibility. Members of the half in 5 years, and I want to thank the Mem- other party have worked with us to achieve bers of Congress for holding the line and important reforms on some issues. Yet, too doing what’s right for the American taxpayer. often, their leadership prefers to block the In order to make sure this economy grows, ideas of others. We hear ‘‘no’’ to making tax we need an energy bill. Four years ago, I relief permanent. We hear ‘‘no’’ to Social Se- presented Congress with a comprehensive curity reform. We hear ‘‘no’’ to confirming energy strategy that encourages conservation, Federal judges. We hear ‘‘no’’ to a highly renewable sources of energy like ethanol and qualified U.N. Ambassador. We hear ‘‘no’’ to biodiesel, that says we can use nuclear energy medical liability reform. On issue after issue, in a clean way, that recognizes the need to they stand for nothing except obstruction, spend money on clean coal technology. It’s and this is not leadership. It is the philosophy an energy plan that will make us less depend- of the stop sign, the agenda of the roadblock, ent on foreign sources of energy. For the and our country and our children deserve sake of national security, and for the sake better. of economic security, Congress needs to get Political parties that choose the path of ob- a bill to my desk before the August recess. struction will not gain the trust of the Amer- We’re proudly the party of free and fair ican people. If leaders of the other party have trade. During my administration and thanks innovative ideas, let’s hear them. But if they to the good works of Congress, we’ve opened have no ideas or policies except obstruction, up markets for millions of consumers of U.S. they should step aside and let others lead. products. And now we have an opportunity We’re a party that’s gotten things done. to continue to open up new markets with Because we acted to pass the largest tax relief CAFTA, the Central American and Domini- in a generation, our economy is growing can Republic Free Trade act. Right now most again. We’ve created more than 3.5 million of the goods coming from the Central Amer- new jobs during the last 2 years. More Amer- ican countries enter into our country duty- icans are working today than ever before in free. Yet our goods are not received in their our Nation’s history. countries duty-free. For the sake of free To keep this economy growing and cre- trade, for the sake of fair trade, for the sake ating jobs, we need to make the tax relief of good jobs, for the sake of promoting young permanent. We need to get rid of the death democracies in Central America, Congress tax forever. And we can do something else must pass CAFTA. about taxes. I’ve appointed a bipartisan panel Ours is the party of the entrepreneur and to examine our incoherent, out-of-date Tax small business. Ours is the party of litigation Code. When their recommendations are de- reform. We’re the party that continues to livered, I’m looking forward to working with free our entrepreneurs from needless regula- the United States Congress to give this Na- tions and protect honest job creators from tion a Tax Code that is progrowth, easy to junk lawsuits. I applaud the Speaker and the understand, and fair to all. leader for getting bipartisan class-action re- Our party is the party of economic growth, form and bankruptcy reform through the and our party is the party of spending re- Congress. Now we need asbestos litigation straint. I’ve submitted the first budget to ac- reform. And to stop junk lawsuits that are tually cut nonsecurity discretionary spending running good doctors out of practice and since Ronald Reagan was the President. Now running up the cost of medicine, we need the Congress needs to act to hold nondis- Federal medical liability reform. cretionary spending below last year’s level. Ours is the party that challenges the soft The budget we submitted adheres to an in- bigotry of low expectations, that worked to teresting principle. It says taxpayers’ money stop the practice of just shuffling kids should be spent wisely or not spent at all. through school, grade after grade, without

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them being able to read and write. Ours is greater benefits by Congress. And the real the party that set high standards, believes in problem is there’s fewer people paying into local control of schools, and insists that every the system. Today, there’s 3.3 workers per child learn to read and write, so no child is beneficiary. Soon, there will be two workers left behind in America. per beneficiary. In 2017, the system goes into We set a clear agenda to make health care the red. In 2027, it’s $200 billion short. In more affordable and to give American fami- 2041, it’s bankrupt. lies greater access to coverage and more con- It is not right to sit here in Washington, trol over their health decisions. In 2003, we DC, knowing the system is going bankrupt strengthened Medicare by giving seniors for younger Americans and not do anything more choices and adding a prescription drug about it. So I’m going to keep talking about benefit. We have kept our commitment to it and keep putting ideas out. I’ve laid out our Nation’s seniors, and now we must move some plans that would nearly fix all of the forward with more community health centers Social Security problem. to help the poor, improved health informa- I’ll tell you another idea we need to do tion technology, expanded health savings ac- is we need to give workers the option that counts and association health plans, so that Congress has given itself, and that is to be small businesses can pool risk and buy insur- able to take some of their own money, some ance at the same discount that big companies of their own payroll taxes and set it aside are able to do. in a personal savings account they call their Ours is the party that set the goal to en- own, a personal savings account that will let courage ownership in America. We want them earn a better rate of return on their more people owning their own business. I’m money, a personal savings account they can proud to report more people own a home leave to whomever they want, a personal sav- than ever before in our Nation’s history, and ings account the Government cannot take more minority families are owning a home away or spend on special programs. today than ever before. Ours is the party that believes in owner- We need to expand ownership to our re- ship. We want to extend the so-called inves- tirement system. Recently, I’ve been spend- tor class to all walks of life. We believe every- ing time talking about an important issue, body should have an asset they can call their and that’s Social Security reform. And the own. And we have a fantastic opportunity to reason I have is because I believe the job strengthen and save Social Security for a gen- of the President is to confront problems and eration of Americans to come and to give not pass them on to future Presidents and more Americans the great pride of owning future generations. We’ve got a problem something they call their own. Congress when it comes to Social Security. No, you needs to act on this issue. Strengthening So- don’t have a problem if you’re getting your cial Security requires honesty and courage, check now or if you were born prior to 1950. and the party I’m proud to lead will do our You’ll get your check. The problem is for a duty. Our children’s retirement security is younger generation of Americans who are more important than partisan politics. paying payroll taxes or getting ready to pay Our party will continue to support the payroll taxes into a system that is going broke. faith-based and community groups that bring Let me give you the math right quick, let hope to harsh places. We’ll continue to pro- you know why I’m talking about it all across mote a culture of life in which every person the country. There’s a lot of us getting ready is valued and every life has meaning. And to retire. We’re called baby boomers. As a we will defend the institution of marriage matter of fact, my retirement age is 2008— from being redefined forever by activist [laughter]—quite convenient. There are judges. about 73 million baby boomers getting ready And speaking about judges, the American to retire. There are 40 million people retired people made it clear they want judges who today; another 33 million will be retired faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from when the baby boomers fully retire. And the bench. I applaud Senator Frist and Sen- we’re living longer, and we’ve been promised ator Specter and Senator Hatch and other

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Members of the United States Senate in con- desire in their heart to live in a free society. firming some outstanding nominees who We believe mothers all around the world have waited a long time for a vote, Priscilla want to raise their children in a free and Owen and Janice Rogers Brown and Bill peaceful world. Pryor. I’ll continue to urge the Senate to ful- And the people of Afghanistan showed fill its constitutional responsibility by giving clearly the desire of those who have lived every judicial nominee an up-or-down vote under tyranny to take the risks necessary to on the Senate floor. live in a free society. Think about how far And speaking of confirmations, the Senate that country has come in a brief period of must promptly confirm John Bolton, my time. We enforced doctrine that said, ‘‘If you nominee to be our Ambassador to the United harbor a terrorist, you’re just as guilty as the Nations, so we can get on with the business terrorist.’’ And by removing the Taliban, of reforming that institution. America and the free world are safer. But My most solemn duty and the most solemn at the same time, we gave the Afghan people duty of those of us in Government here in a chance to live in a free and democratic soci- Washington is to protect the American peo- ety. And for the first time in the history of ple. Our strategy is clear: We will be relent- that country, for the first time in thousands less; we will never tire in chasing down the of years, millions of people went to the polls terrorists; we will confront them abroad so to vote. And the first voter was a 19-year- we do not have to face them here at home. old girl in Afghanistan. We carried out the largest reorganization Freedom is on the march from the of Government in a half-century to form a Ukraine to Afghanistan to the Palestinian single Department with a single mission, pro- Territory to Lebanon and to Iraq. By remov- tecting America from attack. The tireless ef- ing Saddam Hussein from power, America forts of the men and women of the Depart- and the free world are safer. By removing ment of Homeland Security and Federal and State and local first-responders—protecting Saddam Hussein from power, the people of our Nation and making this country more se- Iraq have a chance to live in a free society. cure. And as they do so, they need to have And the United States of America will stand all the tools to be able to help defend this squarely with that new democracy as it grows country. And that is why I call upon the and flourishes and becomes a free society in United States Congress to renew all the pro- the heart of the Middle East. visions of the PATRIOT Act. I know many of you here have got relatives The PATRIOT Act is an important piece and friends who are serving in the United of legislation. It gives those folks who are on States military. I can’t tell you how proud the frontline of fighting terror the same tools, I am to be the Commander in Chief of such many of the same tools that are used to track a great group of folks. America is more se- down drug kingpins or tax cheats. If those cure, the world is more free, the foundations tools are good enough to track down drug of peace are being laid because of the brave kingpins, they ought to be good enough in men and women who wear the uniform of this war on terror to give to our law enforce- the United States military. ment so we can better defend this country. The United States has a special obligation, And we’re making progress. Since Sep- in my view, to work with freedom fighters tember the 11th, 2001, we’ve closed down all around the world, to stand squarely with terrorist networks. We brought to justice the reformers. I believe it’s important for many of the key leaders of Al Qaida. We’re generations to come, because I understand disrupting their finances. There is no place that democracies don’t fight each other, that they can hide from the United States of democracies are the way to defeat hatred, America and our allies and friends. that democracies provide the best hope for The best way to secure this country in the men and women around the world. There’s long run, though, is to spread democracy and no doubt in my mind the policies that this freedom. We believe everybody deserves to administration has taken will make the world be free. We believe everybody has a deep more peaceful for generations to come.

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The American people have entrusted us that’s what I want to talk to you all about with the leadership of this great country at today, a strategy to make us less dependent an historic moment. We’ve set big goals, and on foreign sources of energy. they’re not always easy to achieve. Otherwise, I want to thank John. I want to thank Bob they’d have been done already. But we’re Catell, who is the event host. He’s the chair- going to continue to be the party that sets man of the United States Energy Association. the big goals, the party that’s idealistic, the I want to thank Betty Arndt. I want to thank party of reform. We’ll continue to lead, no Barry Worthington. Thank you both for set- matter how tough the challenge might be. ting this event up. I want to thank the Assist- You see, the American people have given us ant Secretary, David Garman, of the Depart- their trust. But the good news for the Amer- ment of Energy, for being here. I appreciate ican people is, in our policies we trust them. Pat Wood, the FERC Chairman. Where are We trust their values. We trust their judg- you, Pat? There he is, my fellow Texan. How ment. We trust them with their own money. many children you got now? [Laughter] So long as we stay true to our values and Three, one on the way? [Laughter] our ideas, we will do what Americans have I want to thank your fellow commis- always done. We will build a better world sioners—Commissioner Brownell, Commis- for our children and our grandchildren. sioner Kelliher, Commissioner Kelly—for It is such an honor to be the President joining you all. Thank you all for coming. of such a great nation. Thank you for coming Thanks for serving. Appreciate what you do. tonight. May God bless your families, and I’m optimistic about this country’s future, may God continue to bless our country. and Americans have a reason to be optimistic Thank you all. as well. Over the last 2 years, we have added NOTE: The President spoke at 7:30 p.m. at the more than 3.5 million new jobs. More Ameri- Washington Convention Center. In his remarks, cans are working today than ever before in he referred to Ken Thompson, dinner chairman, our Nation’s history. Homeownership in 2005 President’s Dinner, and his wife, Kathylee America is at an alltime high, and that’s good. Thompson; and former President Saddam Hus- We want more people owning something in sein of Iraq. America. We want more small-business own- ers. We want more homeowners. I, person- Remarks to the 16th Annual Energy ally, think it would be good for the country Efficiency Forum if people had more control over their retire- ment accounts. June 15, 2005 Small businesses are flourishing. Factory Thank you all. Thanks for the warm wel- output is growing. Exports are at their high- come. John, thanks for the introduction. est level ever. Families are taking home more Thanks for the invitation to be here for the of what they earn. Because of our policies, 16th annual Energy Efficiency Forum. It’s our economy is growing and creating more an important forum. By advancing the na- opportunity and increased prosperity for mil- tional dialog on the future of energy, you’re lions of citizens, and that’s good news. helping us support the cause of energy effi- And to build on this success and to keep ciency. And that’s critical for our economy, this economy growing. We need an afford- and it’s critical for the future of this Nation. able, reliable supply of energy, and that starts You see, increasing energy efficiency will with pursuing policies to make prices reason- help consumers save money. Increasing en- able at the pump. Today, millions of Amer- ergy efficiency will leave American busi- ican families and small businesses are hurting nesses with more capital, will make American because of high gasoline prices. If you’re try- businesses more competitive. Increasing en- ing to meet a payroll or trying to meet a fam- ergy efficiency will help reduce our energy ily budget, even small increases at the pump consumption and to help us achieve a vital have a big impact on your bottom line. For national goal, and that is making America less the sake of American families and American dependent on foreign sources of energy. And workers, this country must take action now

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to deal with the causes of rising gasoline ergy bill on my desk before the August re- prices. cess. Now is the time for them to act. The primary cause of rising gasoline prices The House has acted, and I want to thank is that the global demand for oil is growing the leadership in the House. And the Sen- faster than global supply. Here in America, ate’s turn is now up. It’s now their time to we have become too dependent—too de- get something done. And they’re beginning pendent—on the increasingly limited supply the debate on the energy bill this week. And of foreign oil for our own energy needs. For my advice is they ought to keep this in mind: many years, most of the crude oil refined in Summer is here; temperatures are rising; and American—into gasoline in America came tempers will really rise if Congress doesn’t from domestic oil fields. In 1985, 75 percent pass an energy bill. of the crude oil used in U.S. refineries came The American people know that an energy from American sources, only about 25 per- bill will not change the price of gas imme- cent came from abroad. Today, that equation diately, but they’re not going to tolerate inac- is nearly reversed. In a relatively quick period tion in Washington as they watch the under- of time, only about 35 percent of the crude lying problems grow worse. We have a re- oil used in U.S. refineries is produced here sponsibility to confront problems. The Amer- at home—think about that—while about 65 ican people expect us to act in good faith percent comes from foreign countries like here in Washington. To address the root Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Can- causes of high gas prices, we need to take ada. To compound the problem, countries four important steps toward one vital goal, with rapidly growing economies like India and that is making America less dependent on foreign sources of oil. and China are competing for more of the The first step toward making America less world oil supply, and that drives up the global dependent on foreign oil is to improve con- price of oil, and that makes prices of gasoline servation and efficiency. That’s why this con- here at home even higher for our families ference is an important conference, and I and small businesses and farmers. want to thank you for holding it. Hybrid vehi- Our dependence on foreign oil is like a cles are one of the most promising tech- foreign tax on the American Dream, and that nologies immediately available to consumers. tax is growing every year. My administration There are some interesting things taking is doing all we can to help ease the problem. place in the market place that will help We’re encouraging oil-producing countries achieve this part, this step of less dependency to maximize their production, so more crude on foreign sources of oil. Hybrid automobiles oil is on the market to meet the demands are powered by a combination of gasoline of the world. And we’re going to make sure and electricity. Some can travel twice as far that consumers here at home are treated fair- on a gallon of fuel as gasoline-only vehicles. ly. There’s not going to be any price gouging Hybrids produce lower emissions. To help here in America. consumers conserve gas and protect the envi- But people got to understand our depend- ronment, I proposed that every American ence on foreign oil didn’t develop overnight, who purchases a hybrid vehicle receive a tax and it’s not going to be fixed overnight. To credit of up to $4,000. We’re trying to en- solve the problem, our Nation needs a com- courage people to make right choices in the prehensive energy policy. That’s why one of market place that will make us less depend- the first things I did when I came to office ent on foreign sources of oil and to help im- 4 years ago was to develop a new energy prove our environment. strategy for America. And in my first months We are also encouraging automakers to in office, I sent Congress a plan to put our produce a new generation of modern, clean Nation on the path to greater energy inde- diesel cars and trucks. My administration has pendence. For 4 years, the United States issued new rules that will remove more than Congress has discussed and debated the plan 90 percent of the sulfur in diesel fuel by with no result. So earlier this year, I sent 2010. Clean diesel technology will allow con- a clear message to Congress: Get a good en- sumers to travel much farther on each gallon

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of fuel without the smoke and pollution of for these new refineries. By promoting rea- past diesel engines. To encourage this prom- sonable regulations, by being wise with pol- ising technology, Congress should extend the icy, we can refine more gasoline at home, tax incentives for the purchase of hybrid ve- and that will make us less reliant on foreign hicles to clean diesel cars and trucks. You sources of gasoline. see, America leads the world in technology, The third step toward making America less and we need to use that technology to lead dependent on foreign oil is to develop new the world in fuel efficiency. alternatives to gasoline and diesel. Two years The second step toward making America ago, my administration launched an ambi- less dependent on foreign oil is to produce tious program called the Hydrogen Fuel Ini- and refine more crude oil here at home in tiative. We’ve already dedicated $1.2 billion environmentally sensitive ways. By far the over 5 years to this effort to develop hydro- most promising site for oil in America is the gen-powered fuel cell vehicles. Last month, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. I visited a hydrogen fueling station right here Technology now makes it possible to reach in Washington. I saw cars and vans that run the oil reserves in ANWR by drilling on just on hydrogen fuel cells instead of gasoline. 2,000 of the 19 million acres. Developing this And these cars and vans emit pure water in- tiny area could eventually yield up to a mil- stead of exhaust fumes. The energy bill will lion barrels of oil a day, and that million bar- authorize additional funds for this vital initia- rels of oil a day would be—would make us tive. With bold investments now, we can less dependent on foreign sources of energy. begin to replace a hydrocarbon economy Thanks to technology, we can reach ANWR’s with a hydrogen economy and make it pos- oil with almost no impact on land or local sible for our children, today’s children to take wildlife. To make America less dependent, the driver’s test in a completely pollution- Congress needs to pass a pro-growth, pro- free vehicle. jobs, pro-environment development of We’ve got to be aggressive about finding ANWR. It makes sense. It is an important alternative sources of fuel. And one such part of a comprehensive strategy. source is ethanol. Ethanol comes from corn, We also need to improve our ability to re- and we’re pretty good about growing corn fine crude oil into gasoline and other prod- here in America. We’ve got a lot of good corn ucts. Do you realize this? There hasn’t been growers. Therefore, it makes sense to pro- a single new refinery built in America since mote ethanol as an alternative to foreign 1976. To meet our growing demand for gaso- sources of oil. Ethanol can be mixed with line, America now imports about a million gasoline to produce a clean, efficient fuel. barrels of refined gasoline every day. That In low concentrations, ethanol can be used means about one out of every nine gallons in any vehicle. And with minor modifications, of gas you get at the pump is refined in a vehicles can run on a fuel blend that includes foreign country. Not only are we dependent about 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gas- on foreign sources of oil, we’re becoming oline. Ethanol helps our farmers find new more dependent on foreign sources of gaso- markets and helps us replace foreign crude line. oil. I mean, I like the idea of spending money To help secure our gasoline supply and on research to make ethanol more feasible, lower prices at the pump, we need to encour- so that some day an American President says, age existing refineries to expand their capac- ‘‘Show me the crop report.’’ [Laughter] As ity. So the Environmental Protection Agency opposed to, ‘‘How many barrels of crude oil is working to simplify rules and regulations are we importing?’’ for refinery expansion, and I’m confident we By the way, we can get the same type of can do so and maintain strict environmental alternative fuel from soybeans. It’s called bio- safeguards. We also need to build new refin- diesel, and that’s a promising source of en- eries. So I’ve directed Federal agencies to ergy. I went to a biodiesel refinery in Virginia work with States to encourage the construc- that is making fuel from soybean oil. Other tion of new refineries on closed military fa- producers are making biodiesel, by the way, cilities and to simplify the permitting process from waste products like recycled cooking

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grease. Biodiesel can be used in any vehicle are confronting rising electricity bills. Sum- that runs on regular diesel. So as you get mer air conditioning costs are going to make more clean diesel engines in America, bio- it even more expensive to power homes and diesel becomes an alternative fuel for them. office buildings. It burns more completely and produces less To help our consumers save on their air pollution than gasoline or regular diesel. power bills, we must continue expanding our It makes sense for the energy bill to en- efforts to improve conservation and effi- courage renewable sources of energy that are ciency. The energy bill would extend the En- becoming much more practical and much ergy Star program. This program encourages more economic in today’s world. To encour- the sale and production of energy-efficient age greater use of ethanol and biodiesel, my products, like superefficient refrigerators administration supports a flexible, cost-effec- that use less energy than a 75-watt light bulb. tive renewable fuel standard as a part of the Advances in efficiency are saving American energy bill. This proposal would require fuel consumers more money. In 2001, the average producers to include a certain percentage of American family spent about half as much ethanol and biodiesel in their fuel. I pro- to heat its home as it did in 1978. One day, posed $84 million in the 2006 budget for on- technologies like solar panels and high-effi- going research into advanced technologies ciency appliances and advanced insulation that can produce ethanol from farms, forests, could even allow us to build zero-energy or even municipal waste dumps. We’ve got homes that produce as much energy as they a chance here as we go forward to do some- consume. thing smart, and that is figure out ways to We must also harness the power of tech- use that which we grow or that which we nology to help us deliver electricity more effi- dispose of to replace foreign sources of oil. ciently. For example, the Department of En- The fourth step toward making America ergy is funding research and development of less dependent on foreign oil is to help other superconducting power lines. It’s important nations use technology to reduce their own research because it will enable us to more demand for crude oil and gasoline. Much of efficiently move electricity. Really what we the current projected rise in gasoline prices need to do is bring our electricity grid into is due to rising oil consumption in Asia. the 21st century. Congress should make reli- These are emerging economies that are con- ability standards for electric utilities manda- suming more natural resources, one of which tory, not optional. We have modern inter- is oil. As Asian economies grow, their de- state grids for our phone lines and highways. mand for oil is growing much faster than It’s time for this country to build a modern global supply is growing. And that drives up electricity grid so we can protect American price. It’s in our interest to help countries families and businesses from damaging like India and China become more efficient power outages. users of hydrocarbons. That will help take To power our growing economy, we also the pressure off global supply, take the pres- need to generate more electricity. Electricity sure off gasoline prices here at home. comes from three principal sources, coal, At the G–8 meeting next month, I’ll ask natural gas, and nuclear power. To ensure other world leaders to join America in help- that electricity is affordable and reliable, ing developing countries find practical ways America must improve our use of all three. to use cleaner, more efficient energy tech- Coal is our Nation’s most abundant energy nologies. When we lower the global demand source, and America is blessed with enough for oil, Americans will be better off at the coal to last for the next 250 years. Yet, coal gas pump, and future generations will presents an environmental challenge. So breathe cleaner air too. when I ran for President in 2000, I pledged As we make America less dependent on to invest $2 billion over 10 years for research foreign oil, we are pursuing a comprehensive into clean coal technologies to remove vir- strategy to address other energy challenges tually all pollutants from coal-fired power- facing our country. Along with high gas plants. My budget for 2006 brings clean coal prices, many families and small businesses funding to 1.6 billion over 5 years—puts us

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on pace to exceed my pledge. And there’s For the past 4 years, Americans have been no doubt in my mind we can succeed. paying the price for delaying a national en- There’s no doubt in my mind this great coun- ergy policy. They’ve been watching their try can use technology to be able to burn power bills go up. They’ve seen blackouts. coal in environmentally friendly ways. And they’re watching the price of gasoline Congress needs to pass the Clear Skies Ini- rise at the pump. The energy bill will help tiative, which is a reasonable—it’s a good us make better use of the energy supplies piece of legislation. It’s sound policy. They we now have and will make our supply of need to pass it. And by passing it, not only energy more affordable and more secure for will we clean the environment, but it will re- the future. To make this promise real tomor- sult in tens of billions of dollars in clean coal row, we’ve got to act today. Now is the time. investments by private companies. America Now is the time to stop the debate and the must invest in clean coal technology and con- partisan bickering and pass an energy bill. tinue to do so, to harness the power of an I look forward to working with Members abundant resource. of the Congress to come up with reasonable Improving our electricity supply also comprises on outstanding issues such as means making better use of natural gas. The MTBE. But for the sake of national security United States has the sixth largest proven re- and for the sake of economic security, the serves of natural gas in the world. We need Congress needs to pass an energy bill now. to increase environmentally responsible pro- Now is the time to act. Now is the time duction of natural gas from our Federal to put a strategy—we should have done this lands. And to further increase our natural gas 10 to 15 years ago. Now is the time to move. supply, Congress needs to make clear Fed- And history shows that American innovation eral authority to choose sites for new receiv- is never in short supply. That’s the good ing terminals for liquefied natural gas. news. We’re going to harness our innovative We need to expand our Nation’s use of spirit in this new century, and by doing so, we will leave our children and grandchildren nuclear power. America has not ordered a a cleaner, a healthier, and a more secure nuclear powerplant since the 1970s. France, America. by contrast, has built 58 plants in the same period of time, and today, France gets more May God bless you all. than 78 percent of its electricity from safe, low-cost nuclear power. It’s time for America NOTE: The President spoke at 11:05 a.m. at the to start building again. So I’ve directed the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Department of Energy to work with Con- Center. In his remarks, he referred to John M. gress to help pass legislation that will reduce Barth, chairman and chief executive officer, and Betty Arndt, vice president, communications, uncertainty in the nuclear plant licensing Johnson Controls, Inc.; Robert B. Catell, chair- process. We’re also working with Congress man and chief executive officer, KeySpan Corp.; to provide other incentives, such as Federal and Barry K. Worthington, executive director, insurance to protect the builders of the first United States Energy Association. The Office of four new plants against lawsuits, bureaucratic the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- obstacles, and other delays beyond their con- guage transcript of these remarks. trol. To build a secure energy future for America, we need to expand production of safe, clean nuclear power. Message on the Observance of So I appreciate you letting me come by Juneteenth today to talk about a comprehensive strategy, June 15, 2005 a comprehensive way forward to achieve one overriding goal, and it’s an important goal to I send greetings to all Americans cele- achieve. And the goal is to address the root brating Juneteenth. causes of higher energy costs by diversifying Major General Gordon Granger led Union our energy supply and reducing our depend- soldiers into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, ence of foreign sources of energy. 1865, bringing the news that the Civil War

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had ended and that the Emancipation Proc- the Act. My Administration remains com- lamation, signed over 2 years earlier, had de- mitted to beginning the process of moving clared all slaves to be free persons. This his- our Embassy to Jerusalem. toric day is celebrated to remember the end You are hereby authorized and directed to of slavery. Emancipation demonstrated our transmit this determination to the Congress, country’s belief in liberty and equality for accompanied by a report in accordance with every citizen, and was a profound recognition section 7(a) of the Act, and to publish the that each and every American has rights, dig- determination in the Federal Register. nity, and matchless value. This suspension shall take effect after One hundred forty years later, the transmission of this determination and report Juneteenth observance continues to remind to the Congress. us of our country’s founding principles of lib- erty and justice for all. As we mark the anni- George W. Bush versary of the end of servitude, we also recog- nize the many contributions of African Amer- Memorandum on Determination To icans to our culture. African Americans have helped shape our country’s character, en- Authorize a Drawdown for hanced the diversity that makes America Afghanistan strong, and contributed to the vitality, suc- June 15, 2005 cess, and prosperity of our Nation. Juneteenth is a day that stands for the dignity Presidential Determination No. 2005–25 and equality of all citizens, regardless of race, so that all may share the blessings of freedom Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the that America provides. Secretary of Defense Laura and I send our best wishes on this Subject: Determination to Authorize a special occasion. May God bless you, and Drawdown for Afghanistan may God continue to bless America. Pursuant to the authority vested in me by George W. Bush the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 202 and other rel- NOTE: An original was not available for evant provisions of the Afghanistan Freedom verification of the content of this message. Support Act (Public Law 107–327) and sec- tion 506 of the Foreign Assistance Act of Memorandum on Suspension of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2318, I hereby direct the drawdown of up to $161.5 million Limitations Under the Jerusalem of defense articles, defense services, and Embassy Act military education and training from the De- June 15, 2005 partment of Defense for the Islamic Repub- lic of Afghanistan. Presidential Determination No. 2005–24 The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to report this determination to the Memorandum for the Secretary of State Congress and to arrange for its publication Subject: Suspension of Limitations Under the in the Federal Register. Jerusalem Embassy Act George W. Bush Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 7(a) Remarks at the Congressional Picnic of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Pub- June 15, 2005 lic Law 104–45) (the ‘‘Act’’), I hereby deter- mine that it is necessary to protect the na- Thank you all for coming tonight. I think tional security interests of the United States we’re going to have a pretty special picnic to suspend for a period of 6 months the limi- here on the South Lawn. Laura and Lynne tations set forth in sections 3(b) and 7(b) of and Dick and I are really pleased you’re here.

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It’s a chance to say thanks to the Members The transcript was released by the Office of the of Congress and their families. Press Secretary on June 16. I appreciate the Marine Band. I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I’ve enjoyed listening to them upstairs. Remarks at the National Hispanic So enjoy the food. In about 45 minutes Prayer Breakfast or so, we’re going to have a celebration of June 16, 2005 American musicals, at the tent down there below. We hope you join us. WETA is going Gracias, y sientese. [Laughter] Thank you to film it, so make sure you look pretty. for the warm welcome. It’s an honor to be [Laughter] here at the National Hispanic Prayer Break- But thanks for coming. May God bless you fast. Thanks for inviting me back. I under- all and your families. Glad you’re here. stand this, like you understand this: America is founded on los valores de fe y familia. NOTE: The President spoke at 6:56 p.m. on the These are the values at the heart of the His- South Lawn at the White House. panic American community. These are the values that enrich our Nation, and I am grateful. Remarks Following the Your good works and reverence bring Entertainment at the Congressional compassion to our country and, more impor- Picnic tantly, honor to the Almighty. This morning June 15, 2005 we come together to pray, to pray for God’s help as we serve our fellow citizens. Laura and I are pleased that you came to Danny, thank you very much for the invita- our backyard picnic. [Laughter] We really tion and the introduction. I’m proud to be want to thank the Speaker, Speaker Hastert, with a lot of the faith leaders from around and Senator Frist, Congresswoman Pelosi, our country. I saw my friend Luis Cortes. and all the Members of Congress who joined It’s good to see you again, Luis. I want to us today. I want to thank you for your hard thank John von Seggern, who is the chairman work, and I want to thank you for your devo- of the Prayer Breakfast. tion to your constituents and to our country. I want to thank the Members of the Con- I look forward to continuing to work with gress who are here, Nancy Pelosi, Chris Can- you, as we serve the American people. non, Hilda Solis, Rahm Emanuel, Luis Laura and I also want to thank all the fami- Fortuno. I want to thank you all for serving lies who are with us here for your extraor- our country, and thank you for setting aside dinary service and sacrifice. Public service politics to come and honor the Almighty puts great demands on our families and our through prayer. country is grateful to you all. It’s good to see my old buddy, former Laura and I want to thank WETA and all member of the Cabinet, Ridge. Tom Ridge tonight’s performers, Tom Wopat and Shirley is with us. Good to see Hector Barreto. He Jones, Harolyn Blackwell, and Cartier Wil- runs the SBA. Go ahead and pray, and then liams. You put on such a fantastic perform- get back to work. It’s good to see Don Powell, ance, and we’re grateful. Gaddi—who runs the FDIC, by the way— Again, thank you all for coming. We hope Gaddi Vasquez is the Director of the Peace you’ve enjoyed this evening. And may God Corps. bless your families, and may God continue And finally, I want to pay homage to the to bless our great country. First Lady of Panama. I want to welcome you here, Madam First Lady. Thank you for coming. We’re really glad you’re here. Your NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In husband is kind of like me. We both married his remarks, he referred to actor and singer Tom well. [Laughter] Wopat; actress Shirley Jones; actress and soprano We come from many faiths. In America, Harolyn Blackwell; and dancer Cartier Williams. every religion is welcome. That’s the great

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thing about our country: Every faith is impor- a roomful of Marines. This prayer breakfast, tant. In America, people of faith have no cor- we remember the sacrifices of honorable and ner on compassion, but people of faith need good folks like Sergeant Peralta, who have compassion to be true to the call to ‘‘Ame shown their love of neighbor by giving their al projimo como a si mismo,’’ love your neigh- life for freedom. bor like you’d like to be loved yourself. That’s Hispanic Americans answer the call to a universal call. service willingly, because you understand For Hispanic Americans, a love of neigh- that freedom is a divine gift that carries with bor is more than a Gospel command; it’s a it serious responsibilities. And as you go way of life. We see the love of neighbor in about the work of repairing broken lives and the strong commitment of Hispanic Ameri- bringing love into the pockets of hopeless- cans to family and the culture of life. For ness and despair, be strong, because you’re Hispanic Americans, families are a source of sustained by prayer. Through prayer—[ap- joy and the foundation of a hopeful society. plause]. We’re working to support and defend the One of the most powerful aspects of being sanctity of marriage and to ensure that the the President is to know that millions of peo- most vulnerable Americans are welcomed in ple pray for me and Laura, people that I’ll life and protected in love. never have a chance—think about a country We see the love of neighbor in the tireless where millions of people of all faiths, people efforts of Hispanic American faith-based and whom I’ll never have a chance to look face community organizations that work daily to to face with and say, ‘‘Thank you,’’ take time bring hope to harsh places. In Boston, the to pray. It really is the strength of America, Leon de Judah congregation mentors inner- isn’t it? Through prayer we ask that our city teens so they have a chance to realize hearts be aligned with God’s. Through prayer the great dreams of America. In St. Louis, we ask that we may be given the strength Accion Social Comunitaria helps immigrants to do what’s right and to help those in need. and their children adapt to American life. In I want to thank you for the fine tradition the Archdiocese of Miami, Catholic Charities you continue here today. This is an important ministers to people with HIV/AIDS. Inner- tradition to continue right here in the heart city Philadelphia, Cortes runs a fantastic pro- of the Nation’s Capital. I want to thank you gram to help lift the spirits of every single for what you do for our Nation. Que Dios child. les bendiga, and may God continue to bless Many in the Hispanic community under- our country. Thank you very much. stand that by serving the least of nuestros hermanos y hermanas, that we’re serving a NOTE: The President spoke at 8:28 a.m. at the cause greater than ourselves. And by doing Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. In his remarks, so, we’re helping all citizens have an oppor- he referred to Rev. Danny Cortes, senior vice tunity to realize their dreams here in Amer- president, and Rev. Luis Cortes, Jr., president and ica. chief executive officer, Esperanza USA; and Viv- ian Fernandez de Torrijos, wife of President Mar- Finally, we see the love of neighbor in tens tin Torrijos Espino of Panama. The Office of the of thousands of Hispanics who serve America Press Secretary also released a Spanish language in the cause of freedom. One of these was transcript of these remarks. an immigrant from Mexico named Rafael Peralta. The day after Rafael got his green card, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Think Remarks on Implementing the about that. While serving in Iraq, this good Medicare Modernization Act sergeant wrote a letter to his younger broth- June 16, 2005 er. He said, ‘‘Be proud of being an American. Our father came to this country, became a Thank you very much. Please be seated— citizen because it was the right place for our unless you don’t have a seat. [Laughter] family to be.’’ Shortly after writing that letter, Thanks for coming. It’s glad—I’m glad to be Sergeant Peralta used his own body to cover back to the Department of Health and a grenade an enemy soldier had rolled into Human Services. The last time I visited here

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was to witness Secretary Leavitt’s swearing to thank you for being here. I particularly in. I said I’d be coming back to check up want to thank the leaders and representatives on him. [Laughter] I’m back. [Laughter] of the health care, faith-based and commu- He’s doing a fine job; really appreciate your nity organizations who are all going to help leadership. spread the word to our seniors about what I’m grateful to the men and women of this is available. I appreciate you being here. I Department for their compassion and serv- want to thank you for your compassion and ice. Thanks for serving our country. I want your care for America’s seniors. to thank you all for helping us launch a vital I also want to welcome the Medicare bene- effort to bring greater peace of mind to ficiaries who are here in attendance. Listen America’s seniors and people with disabil- carefully, I think you’re going to like what ities. Over the next 11 months, we will spread you hear. important news to everyone receiving Medi- Forty years ago—think about that, 40 years care. This great and trusted program is about ago this summer, President Lyndon Baines to become even better. Starting this Novem- ber, every American on Medicare can sign Johnson, from the great State of Texas— up to get help paying for their prescription [laughter]—signed a law creating Medicare drugs. to guarantee health care for seniors and I appreciate Mike Leavitt’s understanding Americans with disabilities. In the decades of how important it is to spread the news. since that historic act, Medicare has spared I also want to thank my friend Mark McClel- millions of our citizens from needless suf- lan for doing such a fine job at the Centers fering and hardship. Medicare is a landmark of Medicare and Medicaid Services. I want achievement of a compassionate society. It to thank you all who work there with him. is a basic trust that our Government will al- You’ve got an important job now. We’ve ways honor. passed good law. Now it’s important for peo- Medicare has also faced challenges. For ple to get the news. decades, medicine advanced rapidly and I want to thank members of my Cabinet grew to include innovations like prescription who are here who are going to help spread drugs, but Medicare didn’t keep pace. As a the news to their Departments, Secretary result, Medicare recipients were left with a Elaine Chao, Secretary Alphonso Jackson, program based on the medicine of the 1960s. Secretary Norm Mineta, Secretary Jim Nich- For example, Medicare would pay $28,000 olson. Thank you all for coming, as well as for ulcer surgery but not $500 for the pre- Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart of the So- scription drugs that eliminate the cause of cial Security Administration. Welcome. most ulcers. Medicare would pay more than Thank you all for being here. $100,000 to treat the effects of a stroke but I appreciate so very much all the other ad- not $1,000 for blood-thinning drugs that ministration officials who are here. I want could prevent strokes. That’s an outdated sys- to thank an old family friend of ours, Dr. tem, and it made no sense for American sen- Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of HHS, for iors. It made no sense for Americans with joining us. Louis, I was looking at that picture disabilities, and it made no sense for Amer- up there—[laughter]—looks like him. [Laughter] Tell me who the painter was— ican taxpayers. I’d like one to look like me one of these days. Year after year, politicians pledged to re- [Laughter] form Medicare, but the job never got done I want to thank Senator Craig Thomas until 2003, when members of both political from Wyoming for joining us. Thank you for parties came together to deliver the greatest being here, Senator. I also want to thank advance in health care for seniors since the former Senator John Breaux for joining us. founding of Medicare. This new law is bring- I can remember John was one of the leaders ing preventive medicine, better health care in the United States Senate in trying to bring choices, and prescription drugs to every people together to reform Medicare. I want American receiving Medicare. The Medicare to thank you for your help on this. I want Modernization Act renewed the promise of

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Medicare for the 21st century, and I was hon- discount cards and bring savings and peace ored and proud to sign that piece of legisla- of mind to all 42 million Medicare bene- tion. ficiaries. The new benefit will help every sen- Over the past year, millions of Americans ior as well as Americans with developmental have started to benefit from the new Medi- and physical disabilities and mental illnesses care program. Every senior entering Medi- and HIV/AIDS. Congress scheduled the pre- care is now eligible for a ‘‘Welcome to Medi- scription drug benefit to start in January of care’’ physical. It’s a fundamental improve- 2006. Thanks to the leadership of Secretary ment, and it makes a lot of sense. Medicare Leavitt and Mark McClellan, we are on track patients and doctors are now able to work to deliver prescription drug coverage on time together to diagnose health care and health to every American senior. concerns right away. And there’s a simple As Medicare’s professional staff prepares reason: The sooner you diagnose a prob- to implement the prescription drug benefit, lem—you can treat problems before they be- we also must ensure that seniors are ready come worse. Medicare now covers preven- to take full advantage of their new opportuni- tive screenings that can catch illness from di- ties. And that’s why I’ve come here today. abetes to heart disease. Medicare is covering It’s important for everyone to understand innovative programs to help seniors with that Medicare prescription drug coverage is chronic diseases like high blood pressure. I voluntary. Seniors can choose to take advan- urge every senior to take advantage of these tage of the benefit, or they can choose not new benefits in Medicare. to. It’s up to them. In the 21st century, preventing and treat- And there’s plenty of time to make the de- ing illness requires prescription drugs. Sen- cision. Starting on October 1st, Medicare iors know this. Yet because Medicare did not beneficiaries will begin getting information cover prescription drugs, many seniors had about the new prescription drug plans avail- to make painful sacrifices to pay for medi- able. They will receive a handbook called cine. In my travels around the country, I met ‘‘Medicare and You’’ that includes detailed seniors who faced the agonizing choice be- information about their options. If they like tween buying prescription drugs and buying what they see and choose to get prescription groceries. I met retirees who resorted to cut- drug coverage, they can enroll anytime be- ting pills in half. I met Americans who were tween November 15th of this year and May forced to spend their retirement years work- 15th of next year. Beneficiaries should make ing, just to pay for their prescriptions. These their decisions as soon as they are ready, be- hardships undermine the basic promise of cause enrolling before May will ensure that Medicare. And thanks to Medicare Mod- they pay the lowest possible premiums. ernization Act, those days are coming to an The Federal Government will work hard end. to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries under- To provide immediate help with drug stand their options. I’ve asked every agency costs, the new Medicare law created drug that touches the lives of seniors or disabled discount cards. Over the past year, millions Americans to devote resources to explaining of seniors have used these cards to save bil- the prescription drug benefit. And we need lions of dollars. In Missouri, I met a woman the help of people in the private sector as who used her discount card to buy $10 worth well. The only way to reach everyone on of drugs for $1.14. She was happy with the Medicare is to mobilize compassionate citi- card. Another senior went to her pharmacy zens in communities all over the country. and spent under $30 for medicine that used And that’s why we’ve come together this to cost about four times as much. And here afternoon to kick off a nationwide outreach is what she said: ‘‘When he got out my medi- campaign. cine card...and told me what the savings Over the next 11 months, we will unite was, I about dropped my false teeth.’’ a wide range of Americans from doctors to [Laughter] nurses to pharmacists to State and local lead- The Medicare Modernization Act created ers to seniors groups to disability advocates a prescription drug benefit to replace drug to faith-based organizations. Together, we

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will work to ensure that every American on for people who work here in Washington. Medicare is ready to make a confident choice And if these choices are good enough for about prescription drug coverage, so they can people who work here in Washington, they finally receive the modern health care they ought to be good enough for the seniors all deserve. across the country. As we spread the word about the new op- Third, the new Medicare coverage will portunities in Medicare, we will make it clear provide greater peace of mind by extending that prescription drug coverage will provide extra help to low-income seniors and bene- greater peace of mind for beneficiaries in ficiaries with disabilities. For years, bene- three key ways. ficiaries on the tightest budgets received no First, the new Medicare coverage will pro- help from Medicare to pay for prescription vide greater peace of mind by helping all sen- drugs. Because we acted, about a third of iors and Americans with disabilities pay for American seniors will be eligible for a Medi- prescription drugs, no matter how they pay care drug benefit that includes little or no for medicine now. On average, Medicare premiums, low deductibles, and no gaps in beneficiaries will receive more than $1,300 coverage. On average, Medicare will pick up in Federal assistance to pay for prescription the tab for more than 95 percent of prescrip- drugs. Seniors with no drug coverage and av- tion drug costs for low-income seniors. To erage prescription expenses will see their receive this important assistance, low-income drug bills reduced by half or more. The new seniors have to fill out a straightforward, Medicare benefits will also provide special four-page application form with, at most, 16 help for seniors with the highest drug costs. questions. No financial documents or com- Starting in January, Medicare will cover 95 plicated records are required, and the forms percent of all prescription costs after a senior are easy to obtain. In fact, millions of applica- has spent $3,600 in a year. Seniors will never tions have already been mailed to low-in- be able to predict what challenges life will come seniors. If you or a family member re- bring, but thanks to Medicare, they can be ceives one of these, I urge you to fill it out certain they will never have their entire sav- and send it in. Some of the seniors groups ings wiped out to pay for prescription drugs. Second, the new Medicare coverage will that are here have a saying, ‘‘When in doubt, provide greater peace of mind by offering fill it out.’’ [Laughter] By encouraging all beneficiaries better health care choices than low-income seniors to sign up for extra assist- they have ever had. Seniors will be able to ance, we will ensure that Medicare gives its choose any Medicare prescription drug plan greatest help to those with the greatest that fits their needs and their medical history. needs. Seniors who want to keep their Medicare the With all of these essential reforms, the way it is will be able to do so. Seniors using Medicare Modernization Act created a new Medicare Advantage to save money will be commitment to seniors and Americans with able to keep their plans and get better drug disabilities, and all of you are helping to make benefits. Seniors who receive drug coverage good on that commitment. By lending a hand from a former employer or union can count to neighbors in need, you are strengthening on new support from Medicare to help them your communities and showing the great keep their good benefits. Every prescription compassion of our country. Many organiza- drug plan will offer a broad choice of tions have already launched innovative ef- brandname drugs and generic drugs. Seniors forts to reach seniors. And I’ll continue to will also have the choice to pick up their pre- call on people to put forth innovative strate- scriptions at local pharmacies or to have the gies to reach our seniors. medicine delivered to their home. For example, in Wisconsin and Indiana, These options might sound familiar to more than 270 community leaders are com- some of you here at the Department. It’s got ing together to find ways to get information to sound familiar to Members of the United to rural seniors. In Chicago, a food pantry, States Congress. After all, these health care the Catholic Archdiocese, and a news publi- choices, these kind of choices are available cation are all working to get the word out

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about the new Medicare benefits. The Fed- We had a problem in Medicare. It wasn’t eral Department of Transportation, under working the way it should. It wasn’t modern. the leadership of Norm Mineta, is working It wasn’t answering the needs of our seniors. with local agencies to post Medicare informa- And by coming together, we have done our tion in buses and at highway rest stops. Thou- job here in Washington. And as a result of sands of pharmacies are working with Medi- working together, we have changed Medi- care to provide information for seniors. care for the better. Medicare is now modern, Countless other organizations are holding reformed, and compassionate. And I urge all community events and connecting with sen- seniors—all seniors and those folks here in iors face to face, so Medicare recipients can America who want to help seniors, look into get their questions answered and make in- this new prescription drug benefit; it will formed choices about prescription drug cov- make your life better. erage. In other words, we’re on a massive Thank you all for coming. God bless. education effort, starting today. And I’m ask- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:22 p.m. at the ing for America’s help. Department of Health and Human Services. You can help by making a call to your mother or father and tell them what’s avail- able. You can help by showing an older Statement on the Presidential neighbor how to fill out a form. You can help Elections in Iran by spending an afternoon at the local retire- June 16, 2005 ment home. And by the way, when you help somebody, you’re really helping yourself. You In recent months, the cause of freedom can get information 24 hours a day calling has made enormous gains in the broader 1–800–MEDICARE. It’s pretty easy to re- Middle East. Millions of people in Afghani- member, 1–800–MEDICARE. Or you can stan and Iraq defied terrorists to cast their use the Internet to visit the official Medicare ballots in free elections. Palestinians voted web site at medicare.gov. All you’ve got to for a new President who rejects violence and do is type in medicare.gov, and you’re going is working for democratic reform, and the to find out what I’m talking about. people of Lebanon reclaimed their sov- ereignty and are now voting for new leader- Remember that information about pre- ship. Across the Middle East, hopeful change scription drug plans will be available starting is taking place. People are claiming their lib- October 1st, and November 15th is the first erty. And as a tide of freedom sweeps this day to sign up for the new coverage. You region, it will also come eventually to Iran. need to circle those dates on your calendar The Iranian people are heirs to a great civ- and tell the seniors in your life that modern ilization—and they deserve a Government medicine is on the way. This is a good deal, that honors their ideals and unleashes their and people need to take advantage of it. talent and creativity. Today, Iran is ruled by I think the passage of the Medicare Mod- men who suppress liberty at home and ernization Act is a good lesson for all of us spread terror across the world. Power is in who work in this city. You know, it wasn’t the hands of an unelected few who have re- all that long ago the leaders who talked about tained power through an electoral process Medicare reform faced a lot of name-call- that ignores the basic requirements of de- ing—to say the least. When Congress finally mocracy. rose above politics and fulfilled its duty to The June 17th Presidential elections are America’s seniors, it showed what’s possible sadly consistent with this oppressive record. in Washington, DC. We need that same spir- Iran’s rulers denied more than a thousand it—[applause]. I mean, this bill is proof that people who put themselves forward as can- Americans really aren’t interested in seeing didates, including popular reformers and one party win and another party lose. What women who have done so much for the cause Americans want to see is people coming to- of freedom and democracy in Iran. gether to solve problems. That’s what they The Iranian people deserve a genuinely want to see. democratic system in which elections are

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honest—and in which their leaders answer America, and we express our deep gratitude to them instead of the other way around. The for their selfless love and sacrifices. Iranian people deserve a truly free and Caring, decent, and hardworking fathers democratic society with a vibrant free press give much of themselves. By offering uncon- that informs the public and ensures trans- ditional love and providing guidance and dis- parency. They deserve freedom of assembly, cipline, a father is a source of stability and so Iranians can gather and press for reform one of the most important influences on his and a peaceful, loyal opposition can keep the children. A father’s example helps shape the Government in check. They deserve a free character and values that his children will economy that delivers opportunity and pros- carry with them into adulthood, and the les- perity and economic independence from the sons he teaches remain with them for a life- state. They deserve an independent judiciary time. By encouraging his sons and daughters that will guarantee the rule of law and ensure to set high standards, work hard, and make equal justice for all Iranians. And they de- good decisions, a father shows his children serve a system that guarantees religious free- that they can meet life’s challenges and be dom, so that they can build a society in which good citizens. compassion and tolerance prevail. Responsible fatherhood is essential to a Today, the Iranian regime denies all these compassionate society in which all children rights. It shuts down independent news- are surrounded by love and taught the impor- papers and web sites and jails those who dare tance of respect, honesty, and integrity. My to challenge the corrupt system. It brutalizes Administration commends all those who are its people and denies them their liberty. working to strengthen the bonds between fa- America believes in the independence and thers and their children. territorial integrity of Iran. America believes in the right of the Iranian people to make On Father’s Day and all year long, we their own decisions and determine their own honor our Nation’s fathers and express our future. America believes that freedom is the love and appreciation for them. We also birthright and deep desire of every human honor the many proud fathers who are serv- soul. And to the Iranian people, I say: As ing our country on the front lines of freedom. you stand for your own liberty, the people We are grateful for their service and sac- of America stand with you. rifice, and we pray for them and their fami- lies. These men have answered a great call, and they set an example of duty and honor NOTE: The statement referred to President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian for all Americans. Authority. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Proclamation 7911—Father’s Day, Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amend- 2005 ed (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June June 16, 2005 19, 2005, as Father’s Day. I direct the appro- priate officials of the Government to display By the President of the United States the flag of the United States on all Govern- of America ment buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local governments and citizens to A Proclamation observe this day with appropriate programs, Being a father is a great responsibility and ceremonies, and activities. a great joy. From the moment their children In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set are born, fathers face the daily tasks of being my hand this sixteenth day of June, in the mentors, protectors, providers, and friends. year of our Lord two thousand five, and of Fathers take great pride in watching their the Independence of the United States of children take their first steps, learn to read, America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. and attend their first day of school. On Fa- ther’s Day, our Nation honors fathers across George W. Bush

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[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, live here in Minnesota and around the coun- 10:40 a.m., June 17, 2005] try that Medicare has been strengthened, re- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the formed, and modernized, and we hope you Federal Register on June 20. take a look at it—the new program, because it’s going to benefit a lot of people. So what you’re about to see is Government Executive Order 13379— in the process of educating folks about what’s Amendment to Executive Order available, and I want to thank my fellow pan- 13369, Relating to the President’s elists for being here. I think you’re going to Advisory Panel on Federal Tax be find this to be an interesting discussion. Reform Before I begin, I just want you to know that Laura sends her best. She’s doing great, June 16, 2005 working on some new comedy material. By the authority vested in me as President [Laughter] But I’m really proud of her, and by the Constitution and the laws of the she and I are having the times of our life United States of America, and to extend the representing the United States of America, reporting deadline of the President’s Advi- and I’m really lucky to have her by my side. sory Panel on Federal Tax Reform, it is here- I want to thank the Governor for being by ordered as follows: here. Governor, thanks for coming, I’m Section 1. Section 5 of Executive Order proud you’re here. Thanks for serving. We’ve 13369 of January 7, 2005, is amended by de- got the secretary of state here. Mary, thanks leting ‘‘July 31, 2005’’ and inserting in lieu for being here. Oh, there she is. Hi, Mary. thereof ‘‘September 30, 2005’’. Thank you for coming. We’ve got the mayor, Sec. 2. This order is not intended to, and mayor of Maple Grove. I saw the mayor does not, create any right or benefit, sub- come in. Mayor—there he is. I appreciate stantive or procedural, enforceable at law or you being—sitting by your old classmate. in equity, against the United States, its de- Thanks for having us. I want to thank all the partments, agencies, entities, officers, em- folks who serve in the statehouse and local ployees or agents, or any other person. government. I appreciate you serving your State. I really want to tell you to thank your George W. Bush families. It’s not easy to be in public office, The White House, and it’s not easy to be in public office if June 16, 2005. you’re a family member. But thanks for serv- ing. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, I really want to thank the folks here at 10:40 a.m., June 17, 2005] Maple Grove for letting us come by. It’s not NOTE: This Executive order was published in the easy to host the President. [Laughter] It Federal Register on June 20. turns out his entourage is quite big these days. [Laughter] But I really want to—thank you for letting us do this. I think you’re going Remarks in a Discussion on to find this will help the seniors who use this Implementing the Medicare fantastic facility. It will help them at least Modernization Act in Maple Grove, understand there’s new options available to Minnesota them when it comes to making sure there’s June 17, 2005 a prescription drug benefit available to them. I want to thank Mark. I’m going to talk The President. Thanks for the warm wel- a little bit about Mark in a second here, but come. Thanks for the warm day too. [Laugh- I want to thank Rhonda Whitenack, who is ter] It’s good to be back in the great State the Social Security Administration training of Minnesota. Thanks for coming. I think instructor. I just was with Rhonda and some you’re going to find this to be an interesting folks who have taken time out of their lives discussion we’re about to have about Medi- to learn what is available in this new program. care. We’re here to say to the seniors who See, this is a part of a grassroots effort to

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educate people, to explain to people what I’m I don’t know if I got the right number, but about to explain to you. So, Rhonda, thank it’s close to that—but not one dime for the you very much. I want to thank Greg prescription drugs that would prevent the Chesmore of the Centers of Medicare and ulcer surgery from being needed in the first Medicaid Services, training instructor. place. Or the Government would pay [Laughter] His job is to instruct people, to $100,000 for heart surgery but not the $1,000 educate people. That’s his job. He works with a year necessary to stop the heart surgery Mark. from being needed in the first place, and that I want to thank Lisa Jost, who is the man- didn’t seem to make sense to me. That’s an ager of this fantastic facility. I want to example of what I mean by the system was thank—thank you all for coming. I’m tired outdated, and it wasn’t doing what it was sup- of thanking people. I appreciate you being posed to do. here. I believe those of us in public life have By the way, I met John and Agnes Jurek. a responsibility to fix problems. I saw a prob- Where are they, the Jureks? I know they lem, and fortunately, members of both polit- were at the airport. I think they came here ical parties came together to fix this problem, with us. There they are. Thank you all for to modernize Medicare. coming today. These are good folks who have Now, let me tell you what the Medicare— volunteered for years in the Minneapolis the new Medicare bill means. The first thing area. They volunteer at the veterans center. that happened in the Medicare bill is we— See, they’re volunteering to make some- for the first time the Federal Government body’s life better. And the reason I’ve asked decided to provide help for preventive care. them to come and the reason why at the air- In other words, it’s a simple concept here. port I thanked them for their volunteer work Let’s give you a diagnosis early when you sign is if you really want to serve our country or up for Medicare so that if you’ve got a prob- your community, volunteer. Take time out of your life to help somebody. Teach a child lem, we’ll cure it early before it becomes to read. Feed the hungry. Find shelter for acute. the homeless, and you will do a huge service And so there is a Medicare preventive care to our country. provision now available for seniors. And I See, the greatest strength about—the urge seniors to take advantage of this part greatest thing about America is the fact that of the Medicare program. In other words, we’ve got people with such wonderful hearts, get a checkup. When you sign up for Medi- that they are willing to take time out of their care, get the free checkup that will make it lives, just like John and Agnes. And so John easier for docs to solve your—any long-term and Agnes, thanks for setting such a good health problems you have. In other words, example. We’re proud you all are here. the sooner you find out what you got, the So Medicare worked for a lot of folks. But quicker it can be solved. And by the way, the problem is, medicine started to change, that saves taxpayers money. When we can and Medicare wouldn’t change with it quick solve a problem early, it will save our tax- enough. And I always believed since the Fed- payers money. And so that’s why we put pre- eral Government had made a commitment ventive care as a part of Medicare. It’s called to elders to provide health care, that the ‘‘Welcome to Medicare’’ physical. That’s health care we provide ought to be the best what you—that’s what you’re notified. When possible health care. In other words, if you’re you sign up, you get ‘‘Welcome to Medicare,’’ going to provide something, you ought to and then you go take your physical, which give it the best shot you can, and we weren’t the Government pays for. doing that when it came to Medicare. I hope people are beginning to understand And I’ll get you an example about one of why that makes sense. I think it made sense, the reasons why I became involved in this and I appreciate the Congress putting that issue and called upon Congress to modernize part of the Medicare Modernization Act. the Medicare system. You know, the Govern- Secondly, we provided discount cards for ment would pay $28,000 for ulcer surgery— seniors. We said, ‘‘Look, if you’re somebody

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relying upon prescription drugs, here’s a dis- give seniors ease of mind. That makes sense count card.’’ And a lot of seniors saved a lot in a good retirement system. of money. But what’s taken place as a result Let me talk about—and by the way, what of this law is we’re replacing the discount I haven’t really referred to is what happens card with a new prescription drug benefit as to low-income seniors. And this is why we’re a part of Medicare. And that’s what I want beginning the dialog early. And the reason people to understand, and that’s what we’re why we’re beginning the dialog early on a talking about. Medicare plan that becomes available next This bill provides seniors with better November is because we want low-income choices. In other words, I like the concept seniors to fill out some paperwork to justify of saying to a senior, ‘‘If you want to sign their participation in the program as a low- up for this benefit, you can. If you don’t want income senior. That’s really what we’re to, that’s fine too.’’ It’s voluntary. Secondly, doing. That’s why we’re kind of starting here if you want to buy your health care through in June, because the plan for low-income something like Medicare Advantage, we’re seniors is a really good deal. I mean, it’s a strengthening Medicare Advantage plans for good deal for everybody, but it’s a really good you. In other words, the more choices people deal for low-income seniors. After all, the have, the better off it is in the marketplace. Government is going to pay over 95 percent That’s what this bill does. of all pharmaceutical costs for qualified sen- iors. That makes sense, doesn’t it? You don’t This bill also will help those of you who want people choosing between medicine and are receiving prescription drugs from a labor food. If the health care system has modern- union or corporate America, by helping those ized, why not make the modern health care entities fulfill their responsibility to the con- system available for all people, all seniors. tracts they made with you. In other words, And that’s precisely what we’re doing. This it recognizes people are going to get their says, if you qualify, and therefore you’ve got medicines in a variety of different ways. And to fill out some paperwork to qualify—gen- so therefore, the bill strengthened options for erally when people hear that the Govern- people. And that’s good. ment is saying, ‘‘Fill out some paperwork to If you’re—on the average, the folks who qualify,’’ it makes people nervous. I think sign up for this prescription drug benefit are you’ll find that the forms that the Govern- going to save $1,300 a year. For the first time, ment has designed to decide whether you for the first time in Medicare’s history, there qualify or not are pretty darn simple, particu- will be stop-loss, kind of catastrophic care. larly for Government. I mean, they are four If you’re paying—once you pay $3,600 in pages, and therefore, it shouldn’t frighten Medicare for prescription drugs, the Govern- people to take a look at these forms. ment picks up 95 percent of all the costs over But I understand a lot of people who have the $3,600. See, that’s important, isn’t it? We retired aren’t really interested in change at don’t want a system where if you’re relying all. There’s some people who feel that way. upon prescription drugs and your drug costs And therefore, one of the reasons why I’ve get out of control, it just wipes out a senior. come to this center is to encourage caregivers So this is a plan that says for folks, ‘‘Sign and sons and daughters and community and up. You get a good benefit.’’ It will—it’s, on faith-based groups to help seniors under- average, $1,300 worth of savings, plus a stop- stand, one, what’s available in the new pro- loss plan, catastrophic care, so that if some- gram, and, two, to encourage seniors to fill thing goes wrong, the Government steps in out the simple, four-page form so that they after $3,600 and pays 95 percent of the costs. can take advantage of this good deal. It will bring people peace of mind, by the And it’s a good deal. This isn’t political way. talk; this is true. And I encourage people to You know, one of the great complaints we take a look at this program. Just ask the folks heard about not covering prescription drugs that have—we’re about to ask some folks, by is that oftentimes, people could get wiped the way, about why this makes sense for peo- out because of high drug bills. And this will ple to sign up.

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I’ve come to Minnesota to begin an edu- [Laughter] Notice who’s the adviser and cation process, starting—right now the forms who’s the President. [Laughter] are going out, by the way, to help people Anyway, McClellan is a good man. He’s qualify for this prescription drug benefit. from—raised in Texas, Austin, Texas. He is Now, all people qualify for it, but if you hap- in charge of making sure that the Medicare pen to be low-income, you get 95 percent bill we passed is fully implemented and that or more of the prescription drugs paid for people all across the country understand the by the Government. Starting October 1st, what’s available. Mark, why don’t you add information about all the variety of plans will some wisdom here. go out. People will then be allowed to start Dr. Mark McClellan. Well, you’ve al- signing up for the new Medicare plan starting ready added a lot of wisdom, Mr. President. November the 15th. January 1st, the benefit The President. He was wise to say that kicks in. And you have until May 15th to sign about the President. [Laughter] Go ahead, up so you can get the good deal on the pre- talk about the implementation plan and stuff, scription drug plans. so people—— And it takes a while to get this to sink in. Dr. McClellan. One of the things that I’m We’ve been having Medicare one way for a spending a lot of time on is going around long period of time, and change isn’t easy. the country for many of the meetings just So you’re watching—what you’re watching is like this that we’re having today to help peo- you’re watching the Government begin to try ple find out about the new coverage. And to change people’s attitudes toward Medicare there are two big phases in what we’re doing, and to get them to take a look at this new just as what the President was talking about. benefit. Right now we want to make sure people Yesterday in Washington, I kicked the deal are aware of what’s coming. There are a lot off with the Secretary of Health and Human of people who have Medicare, a lot of family Services, and one of the things that I was members of people with Medicare who don’t pleased to see there at the Johnson building realize that the Medicare coverage is starting was the number of faith-based groups that on January 1st and that it’s available for ev- were there, community-based groups. I just erybody, no matter how they pay for their happened to meet some of the members of drugs today. the Salvation Army, by the way, one of the And we especially want to start early, as great armies of compassion in the world. And the President said, to reach people with lim- so as this advances, and if you’re a part of ited means. We are providing some very a faith-based or community-based program comprehensive drug coverage for them. and you’re interested in serving your commu- There’s no premiums, no or little nity, find out how best you can explain what’s deductibles, and people will pay only a few going on to seniors. It would be a significant dollars for their prescriptions. And we want contribution, I would think, to the welfare to make sure they all take advantage of it. of the society in which you live that this is This is a real partnership effort, and it’s a good deal, as to how to convince people because of organizations like the ones we’re to sign up for this good deal. This country working with here, like the Social Security can do a lot of amazing things when people Administration, like our staff at the Center put their mind to it, and this is a call, because for the Medicare and Medicaid Services all by responding to the call, you’re going to help around the country, and many of the non- make somebody’s life a lot better. governmental groups that we’re working Now, Mark McClellan, he’s—you’ve got to with, that we think we can reach everyone have a smart guy around you all the time, so that they can make a confident decision and he happens to be one. He’s a Ph.D. Yes, about the new coverage that’s coming. he’s got a Ph.D. and a medical degree. Now, The President. Yes, I told Mark—I said, for those of you who are interested to know ‘‘Look, your job is to make sure everybody how Government works, I want you to pay understands what’s available. And if I can attention to this. See, he’s got the Ph.D. and help, I will.’’ And so he’s responsible, and the medical degree, and I’m the C student. his agency is responsible for getting the word

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out. And we’re beginning to—this is it. This The President. ‘‘Live, work, pray, and is day two. You’re right here in the beginning. play,’’ good. Well, that’s what happens here I’m confident we’re going to get significant at Maple Grove Community Center, isn’t market penetration when it’s all said and that right, Kris? Thank you for having us. Kris done. I think people, when it’s all said and is the senior—what are you? What do you done, are going to understand, but we need do? your help. In other words, if we rely only Kristine Orluck. Mr. President, I’m the on the Federal Government to get out the senior coordinator here at the Maple Grove word, it’s not going to work. The Federal Park and Recreation Department. Government can help. We’ve sent out mail- The President. Good. It’s quite a varied ings thus far to—what have we done? facility, isn’t it? You said you go from pre- Dr. McClellan. Working with Social Se- K to a senior center. curity, we’ve sent out mailings to close to— Ms. Orluck. That’s correct, from pre- to millions of beneficiaries who are probably school to teen centers to senior centers. going to qualify for this extra help for people The President. Great. And tell me with limited incomes. And then we’re send- about—you develop—what’s your job? What ing out a lot of information to people who do you do? are helping educate seniors and helping edu- Ms. Orluck. What I do here at the com- cate the family members of seniors about the munity center is I’m in charge of developing new coverage that’s coming. the senior programs that happen around here. So it may be a fitness class. It may be So this is a very comprehensive grassroots a social recreation program, a trip. It may effort. As we like to say, we’re trying to reach be an educational class, like a computer class, seniors and the people who care about or a great decisions discussion group, or it’s them—where they live, work, pray, and play. a wellness and health program, where we And this goes for seniors all over the country. bring people in to educate them about var- It goes for the people with a disability who ious topics on wellness and health, and Medi- are on Medicare and depend on Medicare care is one of those topics that we cover. for their medical care. And we’re starting The President. Now, you see why I’ve early so that we can reach all of them. asked Kris to come up here. Anybody who’s The President. So in other words, we’ve interested in doing their duty, working at a had a mailing out—and by the way, if you’ve senior center, pay attention to what Kris is got a mom or a dad who may have misplaced going to tell you. See, she understands if part their mailing or you didn’t get your mailing, of the deal is to educate people, there’s no there’s an easy way to make sure that the better subject than a modern Medicare bill information that is coming out of Washington that’s going to help a lot of people with their to help you gets to you, and that is to call prescription drugs. 1–800–MEDICARE and ask for the applica- Kris and I were talking backstage. She is tion form. If you’re a caregiver and you want all fully prepared to use the time she has to get on the Internet, medicare.gov will en- allotted with the seniors to say, ‘‘Here’s able you to get these forms, get the informa- what’s available.’’ Isn’t that right? tion to the people. In other words, just be- Ms. Orluck. That’s correct. We’re cur- cause somebody got rid of the mailing— rently working with the local Social Security didn’t open the mail right or lost the mailing, Administration to provide education and also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the mailing. opportunities to register, so they’ll be able It’s worthwhile, believe me. This information to meet one on one with individuals and just is important information to improving some- come in as a group and hear about the body’s life. changes and how it affects them and He talked about—what was that—it was their—— kind of an alliterative phrase there—‘‘play, The President. There are a lot of senior pray, and’’—— centers all across America, a whole lot. And Dr. McClellan. Live, work, pray, and part of the effort to educate our seniors is play, Mr. President. to reach out to the senior centers. One of

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the reasons we used the senior center here And if you want to help, become a Dorothy is to say to folks who have got a senior center and explain to these people. First of all, you in Texas or anywhere else, ‘‘Do your duty. know, the main line of education—or the Find out what we’re talking about, and then frontline of education is going to be sons and educate people.’’ And I’m confident that daughters. Do your duty. Help your mom when the senior centers realize what’s avail- and dad. That’s what you’re supposed to do. able and realize how easy it is to get informa- They helped you. Now you help them. And tion and how simple it is to pass on the infor- I think you’re going to find you will have mation, that people across the country will done a good service. respond to describe to seniors the new pre- Keep rolling. You’re on a roll there. scription drugs and give seniors the option, Ms. Bourgeois. Yes, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve the choice. been doing it for about 6 years, so I do enjoy Listen, all we want to do is pass informa- doing it. tion so people can make a rational choice. The President. Right. And you’re begin- If you’re a son or a daughter, help your mom ning to learn of the new Medicare plan, I and dad make rational choice. take it? I tried that on my mother, and it didn’t Ms. Bourgeois. Yes. work. [Laughter] And I bet it wouldn’t work The President. Yes. on you, right, Dorothy? Ms. Bourgeois. Yes, we’re learning a lot Dorothy Bourgeois. It may. [Laughter] about it, and we’re starting to get questions The President. Dorothy is living here. on it now. She’s retired. The President. Yes. Ms. Bourgeois. I’m retired for about 10 Ms. Bourgeois. Just recently. years now. The President. And therefore, Mark’s job is to make sure that people like Dorothy have The President. Are you? got the answers to the questions. And if not, Ms. Bourgeois. Yes. 1–800–MEDICARE or medicare.gov will The President. And so you come here to have the answers. the center? Ms. Bourgeois. Yes—— Ms. Bourgeois. Oh, I come here to the The President. Are you Internet savvy? center sometimes, and I do some volunteer Ms. Bourgeois. A little bit. work here with Medicare. The President. Yes, probably more The President. Thanks for volunteering, than—— by the way. How about that as an example. Ms. Bourgeois. Not as much as I’d like You’re never too old to volunteer. In her to be. case, you’re never too young to volunteer. The President. Well, here’s a challenge [Laughter] for you. Why don’t we set up a little com- ‘‘Welcome to Medicare’’ physical. People puter center here, you know? understand that yet? Ms. Bourgeois. She has one. Ms. Bourgeois. I think they’re talking The President. Oh, she does have one. about it somewhat. And when I—working [Laughter] So it’s not her fault. It’s yours. with the seniors in trying to help them to [Laughter] decide what insurance they need and so Ms. Bourgeois. I need a refresher course. forth, that’s one of the things that we cover. The President. Yes, that’s right. [Laugh- The President. Yes, you see, the way this ter] I think it’s—I think, Dorothy, when you is going to work is there’s going to be a lot analyze the drug benefit, it’s going to help of Dorothys around. She’s going to take the everybody. You’ve just got to understand information that we provide—she’s going to that. And it’s particularly going to be bene- be the mentor. She’s probably got a heck of ficial for low-income seniors. lot more credibility than a lot of other people You probably think I’m getting a little re- do with her buddies. And so she’s going to petitive here. I have found in my line of work, look at the information, and she’s going to you need to repeat things a lot so people lis- sit down and say, ‘‘Take a look.’’ ten. [Laughter] And you just keep saying it

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and saying it and saying it so people will take The President. And I thought you said a look. This is an important benefit. This is something very compelling—this isn’t the a change—a positive change for Medicare. first time I met Steve. I saw him behind We’ve strengthened the system. We’ve mod- stage. Anyway, it’s—you said something very ernized the system by making prescription compelling to me about watching seniors drugs available for all seniors in a very cost- struggle. effective way but particularly for the lower Mr. Preston. We see them every day income seniors. struggle with the costs and making choices And one place where there are a lot of as to how they’re taking their medicines and seniors that go is to the pharmacies. We’ve skipping days and skipping—not getting their asked two folks who work for pharmacies to prescriptions at all. And it just drives us crazy come and visit with us because I want to re- that we’ve been at this point where we could mind those in the pharmaceutical business, never do anything to help them other than the disbursement business, the retail busi- just cut our—to our costs. And so it’s going ness, that it’s to your interest to educate peo- to be wonderful that there’s a program out ple on the drug plan available and that I think there to help all seniors, let alone the ones you have a duty. that need it the most. I want Steve Preston—I want to introduce The President. Yes, and this is—and so Steve Preston. therefore, one of the reasons why I’ve asked First of all, thanks, Dorothy. You did a fine Steve to come is that I encourage the folks job. Unless you got something else to day. at the pharmacies to get the information in Ms. Bourgeois. No, I’ll let you do the talk- hand to distribute to your customers. If you ing. see somebody hurting, this will help them The President. Okay, thank you. [Laugh- not hurt. This is a good deal. And again, I ter] Anyway—[laughter]. recognize that part of the problem we have Steve is—fair to say an entrepreneur? is to convince people who don’t really—some Small-business guy? people don’t want to change. I know that. Steven Preston. You could put it that way. You know, you kind of get set in your ways, The President. Yes, well, that’s good. I and it’s just kind of inconvenient to change. happen to think it’s a positive word. But in this case, take a look at the change. Take a look at this program because it’s Mr. Preston. It is. I love it. worthwhile. And as Steve said, I guess you The President. Yes. Small-business guy. see people having to make these tough Where do you live? choices. Mr. Preston. Duluth, Minnesota. We’ve Mr. Preston. Yes, and our pharmacists are got—— going to be very knowledgeable as to where The President. Right, spent some quality to contact and how to get enrolled in this time there. program. When the drug discount plan came Mr. Preston. ——seven pharmacies up, we were instrumental in getting a lot of there. the people that really needed the help in- The President. Seven pharmacies. Great. volved in that program. And you—well—speak. [Laughter] The President. Saved some money. Mr. Preston. Okay. I’m Steve Preston. Mr. Preston. Including my own father. I’ve been a pharmacist for almost 30 years The President. That’s good. now. I’ve got seven pharmacies in the Du- Q. And he—— luth/Superior area. Six of them are retail. The President. By the way, let me stop One of them takes care of nothing but nurs- you on that. ‘‘Including my own father,’’ I ing home patients. And—— mean, that should be, you know, this is what The President. Yes, and so you see people we expect sons to be doing, isn’t it, saying, come to your counters—— ‘‘Hey, Dad, it’s an interesting way to make Mr. Preston. We see them every day. your life better.’’ Sons and daughters must The President. Every day. participate in helping their moms and dads Mr. Preston. Every day, yes. or grandparents understand what’s available.

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I mean, this is a chance to do our duty. I’m a mother that’s going to be 54 in a couple going to try to handle my mother. He han- weeks. And she suffers from a mental illness, dled his father. And so—[laughter]—keep and so medications are a big part of her daily rolling. life. And I have been able, because there are Mr. Preston. And that wasn’t always real so many available programs out there, I’ve easy with him, because I was sending him been able to get her on disability, which is his prescriptions anyway, but he didn’t want a great program. And with disability, she can me absorbing the cost of them. It bothered be eligible for Medicare. And because she him a whole lot. doesn’t have the assets to pay for them, when The President. Yes. this new program comes out in January, she Mr. Preston. And so when I enrolled him will be getting her prescriptions free of in the program, he thinks it’s great now. Now charge, which is a nice burden taken off my- he takes everything on time. In fact, he calls self and my brothers and the rest of the fam- me now and asks me to make sure I send ily. them because he’s getting down to a week The President. Yes, see, it’s interesting. or two. This program is obviously for older folks but The President. The drug discount card also for the disabled as well. That’s why has worked for 6 million seniors. Now there’s Tamera is here, and her mom qualifies. Now, about 42 million on Medicare. And so you her job as the caregiver is to find all this in- can see the scale of work we’ve got to do. formation out, take the form—right? I’m We’ve got to go from the 6 million to make kind of leading you along here. sure this message gets to 42 million. That’s Ms. Shumaker. Absolutely. Well, it—— why I’m asking for your help. That’s why I’m asking for Steve’s help. I see other phar- The President. Not even a lawyer, and macists here. I want to thank you all for com- I’m leading the witness. [Laughter] ing. This is a great chance for you, a really Ms. Shumaker. Part of it is that when my good opportunity to take the information and mom gets forms that come in the mail and lay it out to your customers. I mean, not only they’re five, six, seven pages long, she be- will you make sure you’ve got a customer; comes very overwhelmed very easily. And so you’ll make sure you’ve done somebody a immediately it usually goes into the trash, good service as well. and she doesn’t even remember that she’s Thanks, fine job. Anything else you want gotten the information. So I feel it’s very im- to offer? portant if someone can step up and help Mr. Preston. Not at all. them through that process, because it’s so The President. You’ve been a pharmacist overwhelming for them that it’s a lot easier for 30 years? for me to come in, for me to go onto the Mr. Preston. Almost 30. Internet, which she wouldn’t even know how The President. Yes, started when you to turn the computer on, but people to do were 12? [Laughter] that and get that information out there and Anyway, Tamera Shumaker. get it set up. And it makes her feel really Tamera Shumaker. Yes. well, also, because she doesn’t have to rely The President. Tamera, what do you do? on us. Ms. Shumaker. I work at Walgreen’s as The President. Yes, see, this is what it’s a pharmacist also. going to take to get people to understand The President. Pharmacist, right? what’s available, the spirit you’ve just heard Ms. Shumaker. That’s correct. here. You’ve got the community center; peo- The President. Little competition here. ple come—people come to get exercise. They Nothing like a little competition to keep the come to do all projects. One project that economy going, by the way. [Laughter] But we’re going to make sure that the community you’re also a caregiver for your mom, you centers do is ‘‘look at what’s available’’ told me? project, the new Medicare project. I don’t Ms. Shumaker. I am, and that’s why I’m know what you call it, but just make sure sitting here. I am 30 years old, and I have it happens.

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Then we’ve got the volunteer. We got the Mayor Mark Steffenson of Maple Grove, MN; and volunteers, people who take time out of their Lisa Jost, community center manager, Maple lives to help somebody. No better way to Grove Community Center. help somebody, no better way to make some- body’s life better than to find a senior and Executive Order 13380— say, this is a—that doesn’t understand the program, and say, ‘‘This is available for you.’’ Implementing Amendments to It’s a fantastic opportunity. Agreement on Border Environment Then we’ve got the small-business guy who Cooperation Commission and North sees a lot of people that are going to benefit American Development Bank from this program. So he’s now—he’s not June 17, 2005 going to say, ‘‘What can I sell you?’’ He’s now going to say, ‘‘Here’s how I’m going to By the authority vested in me as President help you. Here’s what I’m going to do as a by the Constitution and the laws of the citizen who cares deeply about my commu- United States of America, including section nity, how I’m going to help you.’’ 533 of the North American Free Trade And then we got the daughter, and sons Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. and daughters—I keep saying this, I know, 3473), it is hereby ordered as follows: but we’ve got responsibilities in our society. Section 1. Executive Order 12916 of May Those of us who have been—who are coming 13, 1994, is amended as follows: up have got responsibilities to those who (a) in section 1, by inserting ‘‘, as amend- raised us, I think. A healthy society is one ed by the Protocol of Amendment in which people assume responsibility, and done at Washington and Mexico City, there’s no greater responsibility than loving November 25 and 26, 2002’’ after your mom or dad. And the best way to love ‘‘North American Development a mom or a dad is to learn about this drug Bank’’; benefit in Medicare and help them—help (b) by striking section 2 and inserting in them apply for it, and you will have done lieu thereof the following: your duty as well. ‘‘Sec. 2. (a) The Secretary of State, the I want to thank you all for coming. I hope Secretary of the Treasury, and the you got the message. The message is, there’s Administrator of the Environmental good help coming. The law has been passed. Protection Agency shall be members I proudly signed it. Starting October the 1st, of the Board of Directors of the the different programs available for seniors Border Environment Cooperation will become available. In the meantime, fill Commission and the North American out a form to qualify for the low-income ben- Development Bank (’’Board’’) as efit which will then be available, starting Jan- provided in clauses (1), (3), and (5) uary the 1st. These are a lot of dates, I know, of article II in chapter III of the but it’s not all that many. November the 15th, Agreement. the program opens for enrollment. You have (b) Appointments to the Board under until May 15th so you can get the discount clauses (7) and (9) of article II in on the drugs. And I urge you to pass the chapter III of the Agreement shall be word, and I urge you to participate. And I made by the President. Individuals so urge our seniors in Minnesota and all across appointed shall serve at the pleasure the country to make sure you take a look of the President. at this new Medicare bill. It’s going to help (c) The Secretary of the Treasury is your life a lot. selected to be the Chairperson of the Thank you all for coming today. I thank Board during any period in which the our panelists. God bless. United States is to select the NOTE: The President spoke at 11:07 a.m. at the Chairperson under article III in Maple Grove Community Center. In his remarks, chapter III of the Agreement. he referred to Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota; (d) Except with respect to functions Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer; assigned by section 4, 5, 6, or 7 of

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this order, the Secretary of the Statement on the Birthday of Daw Treasury shall coordinate with the Aung San Suu Kyi Secretary of State, the Administrator June 17, 2005 of the Environmental Protection Agency, such other agencies and I send my best wishes to Daw Aung San officers as may be appropriate, and Suu Kyi for her 60th birthday, June 19. Her the individuals appointed under strength, courage, and personal sacrifice in subsection 2(b) as may be standing up for the oppressed people of appropriate, the development of the Burma have inspired those who stand for policies and positions of the United freedom. Only a return to democracy and re- States with respect to matters coming integration with the international community before the Board.’’; can bring the freedom and prosperity that (c) in section 3, by striking subsections the people of Burma deserve. The United (a), (b), and (c), striking ‘‘(d)’’, and States looks forward to the time when Burma striking ‘‘representatives’’ and insert- is democratic and free. ing in lieu thereof ‘‘members of the Board listed in subsections 2(a) and (b)’’; (d) in section 6, by striking ‘‘Advisory Digest of Other Committee’’ and inserting in lieu White House Announcements thereof ‘‘Community Adjustment and Investment Program Advisory Com- mittee (’’Advisory Committee’’) es- The following list includes the President’s public tablished pursuant to section 543(b) schedule and other items of general interest an- of the NAFTA Implementation Act’’; nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. and (e) in section 7(c), by striking ‘‘Members’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘mem- June 11 bers’’. In the morning, the President had an intel- Sec. 2. This order is intended only to im- ligence briefing. prove the internal management of the execu- June 13 tive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive In the morning, the President had an intel- or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, by any party against the United States, its he greeted President Festus Gontebanye departments, agencies, entities, officers, em- Mogae of Botswana, President John ployees, or agents, or any other person. Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana, President Armando Guebuza of Mozambique, Presi- George W. Bush dent Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, and President Mamadou Tandja of Niger. They The White House, then met in the Cabinet Room. In the afternoon, the President had a tele- June 17, 2005. phone conversation with President Jalal Talabani of the Iraqi Transitional Govern- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ment to discuss progress on drafting the Iraq 8:45 a.m., June 20, 2005] constitution, the security situation in Iraq, and other issues. NOTE: This Executive order will be published in Later in the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the Federal Register on June 21. the President met with Kang Chol-Hwan of

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North Korea, author of ‘‘The Aquariums of The President announced his intention to Pyongyang: Ten Years in the North Korean nominate John G. Grimes to be an Assistant Gulag’’. He then participated in a photo op- Secretary of Defense (Networks and Infor- portunity with recipients of the 2004 Presi- mation Integration). dential Early Career Awards for Scientists The President announced his intention to and Engineers. nominate Wan J. Kim to be an Assistant At- The President announced his designation torney General, Civil Rights, at the Depart- of the following individuals as members of ment of Justice. the Presidential delegation to attend the U.S. The President announced his intention to National Day at the World Exposition 2005 designate William Baxter as Chairman of the in Aichi, Japan, on June 20: Margaret Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Spellings (head of delegation); Thomas Authority. Schieffer; Lisa Guillermin Gable; Tommy The President announced his intention to Lasorda; and Gary Nakamoto. designate David A. Sampson as a Director (Government Representative) of the Board June 14 of Directors of the Overseas Private Invest- In the morning, the President had an intel- ment Corporation. ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Bryn The President announced his intention to Mawr, PA, where he attended a reception appoint James L. Brulte as a member of the at a private residence. Board of Visitors to the U.S. Naval Academy. In the afternoon, the President traveled to University Park, PA, where, upon arrival, he June 17 met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer In the morning, the President had an intel- Mickey Peters. Later, he returned to Wash- ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Maple ington, DC. Grove, MN, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteers John and June 15 Agnes Jurek. In the morning, the President had a tele- Later in the morning, at the Maple Grove phone conversation with President Vladimir Community Center, the President met with Putin of Russia to discuss United Nations re- volunteers participating in a training session form. He then had an intelligence briefing. on Medicare enrollment. In the afternoon, in the Residence, the In the afternoon, the President traveled to President met with Members of the Senate Camp David, MD. to discuss the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

June 16 Nominations In the morning, the President had an intel- Submitted to the Senate ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, he met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He then met with Secretary of Defense The following list does not include promotions of Donald H. Rumsfeld. members of the Uniformed Services, nominations In the afternoon, the President had lunch to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- with Vice President Dick Cheney. Later, in eign Service officers. the Residence, he met with Republican Members of the House of Representatives to discuss the Central American Free Trade Submitted June 14 Agreement. The White House announced that the Margaret Mary Sweeney, President will welcome Prime Minister of Virginia, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court Ibrahim al-Jafari of the Iraqi Transitional of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years, Government to the White House on June 24. vice Robert H. Hodges, Jr., retired.

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Thomas Craig Wheeler, Transcript of a teleconference briefing by of Maryland, to be a Judge of the U.S. Court HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid of Federal Claims for a term of 15 years, Services Administrator Mark McClellan on vice Diane Gilbert Sypolt, retired. the Medicare outreach campaign Submitted June 16 Fact sheet: The President Calls on Congress To Pass a National Energy Policy John G. Grimes, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Released June 16 Defense, vice John P. Stenbit. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Wan J. Kim, retary Scott McClellan of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney Statement by the Press Secretary: President General, vice Rene Acosta, resigned. To Welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Withdrawn June 16 al-Jafari Fact sheet: The President Promotes New Thomas V. Skinner, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit of Illinois, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Released June 17 vice John Peter Suarez, resigned, which was sent to the Senate on January 24, 2005. Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- retary Scott McClellan and HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Adminis- trator Mark McClellan Statement by the Press Secretary: Progress Checklist in Achieving the President’s Nonproliferation of White House Press Releases Proposals Statement by the Press Secretary announcing The following list contains releases of the Office that the President signed H.R. 1760 of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements.

Released June 13 Acts Approved Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- by the President retary Scott McClellan Released June 14 Approved June 17 Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press H.R. 1760 / Public Law 109–15 Secretary Trent Duffy To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 215 Martin Luther Released June 15 King, Jr. Boulevard in Madison, Wisconsin, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- as the ‘‘Robert M. La Follette, Sr. Post Office retary Scott McClellan Building’’

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