Presidential Documents

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, March 7, 2005 Volume 41—Number 9 Pages 327–369

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress—Continued See also Appointments and Nominations Illicit drug trafficking, message transmitting Congressional Gold Medal, posthumous report on interdiction of aircraft engaged presentation to Jackie Robinson—349 in—353 Homeland Security Department, swearing-in Zimbabwe, message on continuation of the ceremony for Secretary Chertoff—353 national emergency blocking property of Maryland, discussion on job training in persons undermining democratic processes Arnold—340 or institutions—352 National Governors Association Conference— Interviews With the News Media 328 New Jersey, discussion on strengthening Exchange with reporters in Langley, VA—355 Social Security in Westfield—359 Notices Radio address—327 Virginia, Central Intelligence Agency in Continuation of the National Emergency Langley—355 Blocking Property of Persons Undermining White House Faith-Based and Community Democratic Processes or Institutions in Initiatives Leadership Conference—332 Zimbabwe—352 World Series champion Boston Red Sox—350 Proclamations Appointments and Nominations American Red Cross Month—332 Women’s History Month—351 Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator, remarks—358 Supplementary Materials Acts approved by the President—369 Communications to Congress Checklist of White House press releases—369 Budget requests for the legislative branch and Digest of other White House the judicial branch for FY 2005, letter announcements—367 transmitting—353 Nominations submitted to the Senate—368

Editor’s Note: The President was in Notre Dame, IN, on March 4, 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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The President’s Radio Address wait to address this problem will make any February 26, 2005 eventual solution more painful and drastic, and we will saddle our children and grand- Good morning. This past week I was in children with an ever-greater burden. We Europe, where I had good discussions with need to act now to fix Social Security perma- our friends and allies about how to meet the nently. mutual challenges we face, spreading free- As we fix Social Security, we must also dom and democracy, defeating terrorism, ex- make it a better deal for younger workers. panding prosperity, and promoting peace. In I have proposed allowing you to set aside part our meetings, we reaffirmed the vital impor- of your payroll taxes in personal retirement tance of the transatlantic alliance for advanc- accounts. These accounts would be vol- ing these common interests and values. untary; the money would go into a conserv- Now that I’m back home, I’m eager to ative mix of bond and stock funds that would move ahead with one of my top domestic pri- have the opportunity to earn a higher rate orities, strengthening and saving Social Secu- of return than anything the current system rity. I have already met with tens of thou- could provide. And that money would pro- sands of you in nine States to discuss this vide a nest egg to supplement your tradi- important issue. During the recent congres- tional Social Security check or to pass on to sional recess, many Senators and Congress- your children. Best of all, it would replace men have held their own townhall meetings the empty promises of the current system to discuss Social Security reform with their with real assets of ownership. constituents. For example, Senator Rick I have said repeatedly that all options are Santorum hosted forums all across Pennsyl- on the table for strengthening Social Secu- vania this week, and Wisconsin Congressman rity, with the exception of raising the payroll Paul Ryan held nearly three dozen listening tax rate. I’m willing to listen to any good idea. sessions in his district. I am pleased with the And I will work in good faith with Members progress of the national discussion on this of Congress from both parties on this issue. issue, and I look forward to hearing every- Some in Washington want to deny that So- cial Security has a problem, but the American one’s ideas when the Congress returns. people know better, and you have the power Meanwhile, I’ll be visiting New Jersey and to determine the outcome of this debate. I Indiana next week, and I plan to keep trav- encourage all Americans, particularly our eling across the country to talk about Social younger workers, who have so much at stake, Security. I will continue to reassure those of to ask your elected leaders what they intend you born before 1950 that your Social Secu- to do to keep the promise of Social Security rity benefits will not change in any way. You alive in the 21st century. Saving Social Secu- will receive your checks, and that is a fact. rity will not be easy, but if you make clear I will also make clear to younger workers that you expect your leaders to confront that Social Security is heading toward bank- problems head on, not pass them on to future ruptcy. Massive numbers of baby boomers, generations, I am confident that we will put like me, will soon begin to retire. People are aside partisan politics in Washington and living longer, and benefits are scheduled to meet our duty to you, the American people. increase dramatically, and fewer workers will Thank you for listening. be paying into the system to support each retiree. For you younger workers, the current NOTE: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on system has made promises that it cannot February 25 in the Cabinet Room at the White keep, and that is also a fact. Every year we House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February 327

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26. The transcript was made available by the Of- during the last 4 years. I look forward to fice of the Press Secretary on February 25 but working with you for the next 4 years. was embargoed for release until the broadcast. I want to ask you to join me in a toast The Office of the Press Secretary also released to our partners, the Governors and the ad- a Spanish language transcript of this address. ministration, in building a more perfect Union. To the Governors of the United Remarks at a Dinner for the National States. Governors Association Conference February 27, 2005 NOTE: The President spoke at 8:06 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the White House. In his It’s always a pleasure to host the Nation’s remarks, he referred to Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Governors here in Washington. Laura and I Blanco of Louisiana and her husband, Raymond are proud to have you here for our first state Blanco; Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and dinner of my second term. his wife, Stephanie Johanns; and Health and It’s a joyous occasion, even made more so Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt and by the fact that I learned that the Blancos, his wife, Jacalyn S. Leavitt. The transcript of these Governor Blanco and her husband, are cele- remarks was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on February 28. brating their 40th wedding anniversary to- night. Ever since a former Governor of Virginia, Remarks to the National Governors Thomas Jefferson, lived in this house, many Association Conference of our Presidents have first served as Gov- ernors. And there’s a reason why. The experi- February 28, 2005 ence of running a State government, of pull- ing together a capable team, of setting an The President. Thank you. Please be seat- agenda and working with an elected legisla- ed. Didn’t take you long to get back. [Laugh- tive body, is critical to the success of any ad- ter] Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did ministration. last night. It was—Marvin was great. My 6 years as Governor of Texas have been I’d like to have a few—I’ll make a few invaluable to me as I carry out my duties opening comments, and then I’ll be glad to as the Presidency. And because I know first- field some questions. First, I want to thank hand how—the valuable experience Gov- Governor Warner and Governor Huckabee ernors get, I’ve asked a lot to serve in my for leading the NGA; I appreciate the job Cabinet. I had six Governors in my first Cabi- you’ve done. I thought the messaging in our net. I am pleased that Mike Johanns— local newspapers here was very positive: Johanns—[laughter]—and Mike Leavitt— ‘‘Governors coming together to try to figure [laughter]—have agreed to serve in my sec- out how to solve common problems.’’ It’s a ond term. I’m proud you guys are here. good message for all of us here in Wash- When our Founders devised our Federal ington to hear. This town can be fairly bitter system two centuries ago, they recognized, at times, and I remember fondly my days in Jefferson’s words, that ‘‘our country is too of working with people in both parties to try large to have all its affairs directed by a single to get positive things done for my State. I government.’’ The President and the Gov- hope that the spirit in which you all have ernors are partners in our great enterprise, come to Washington spreads throughout the and that means we share great responsibil- Nation’s Capital. ities. Together, we’ll work to secure our I appreciate the members of my Cabinet homeland, to protect our environment, to who are here. Your name is? strengthen our economy. Together, we will Secretary Johanns. Johanns. [Laughter] work to ensure that every child gets a good The President. It takes a while to get to education and good health care. And to- know every member of the Cabinet. [Laugh- gether, we’ll work to make sure that we care ter] And Mike Leavitt and Chertoff—oh, for those in our society who hurt and who there you are. Good, yes. I appreciate—I need help. I’m proud of our work together hope you find these folks as candid and as

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bright as I have found them. I really appre- now. So we want to work here in Washington ciate all three members of my Cabinet willing on legal reform; we hope you do. to come and serve in Washington. As you I’ll continue to work to open up markets know, your administration can be defined by and, at the same time, enforce our rules to who you surround yourself with, and I’ve sur- make sure the playing field is level. It’s good rounded myself with good, capable people— for your farmers that they’re selling products and I hope you found that to be the case— overseas. It’s good for your entrepreneurs candid, open people that are interested in that they can open up markets. What’s not working with our Governors. good is when the rules are unfair. And so And we’ve had some challenges that we we’ll continue to work to enforce laws on the have faced together. Our economy, as you books. know, got rocked by a recession and then We need an energy plan—we’ve got an en- an attack and corporate scandals. But I’m ergy plan; we need an energy bill. And I want pleased to know that your budgets are im- to thank you for your support of the Clear proving, that revenues are on the rise. That’s Skies legislation. That will help some of you because the economy is growing, and we’re who are having trouble meeting your clean adding jobs. And the fundamental question air requirements to do so without affecting is, how do we keep the economic growth your economies. And I want to—I asked you alive? I spend a lot of time thinking about to clap a couple of times during dinner last that here in Washington. I brought some night. [Laughter] I appreciate you—thank ideas forward to the Congress, such as mak- you, Joe; yes, it was a good singer. ing sure the tax relief that we passed is per- Look, what I’m telling you is, we’re going to deal directly with the twin deficits—the manent, that people are able to predict their trade deficit. And the best way to deal with tax rates in a better way so that they can plan. that is to make America the best place in Part of making sure the entrepreneurial spirit the world to do business. By working to sus- is strong is so there’s a kind of certainty. And tain economic growth, you’re also working to we’re working with Congress to make sure make sure this is a good place to do business. there’s certainty. That’s the best way to deal with one aspect The Tax Code, itself, needs to be re- of the twin deficits. formed. I think the Tax Code is one that in- And the other part of the twin deficit, of hibits the flow of capital and growth. And course, is the budget deficit. And you’ve seen so I’ve called upon former Senators Mack our view, our attitude about that. And so I and Breaux to bring forth some ideas about presented a good, lean budget to the Con- how to simplify the Tax Code to make it more gress. It sets priorities; it meets priorities. It, entrepreneurial-friendly. That report should in essence, does what you do. It says, ‘‘If a come out this summer. It will be an inter- program isn’t working, don’t fund it, or if it esting challenge, but it’s one that is a nec- duplicates efforts, streamline.’’ essary challenge for Congress to work to sim- And as you know, we have—we’re working plify the code. with our Governors to figure out ways to deal We’ve started with legal reform here. I with not only discretionary spending issues hope—I encourage you all in your own States but mandatory spending issues, such as Med- to do the same thing. It turns out America icaid. We want Medicaid to work. We want is one of the most litigious countries in the poor children covered by SCHIP. But we world, and that makes it hard to compete also recognize that the system needs to be in a global society. We are at a competitive reformed, and we want to work with you to disadvantage when we sue each other so do so. There’s no better group of people to much. And we’ve got a good class-action bill work with than the Governors. The Governor out of the House and the Senate. We’re is on the frontline of Medicaid, I know full working on asbestos reform, and I’m working well. We’re worried about intergovernmental hard to create a consensus that the scales of transfers, and so we put that on the table justice ought to be balanced. And I think a for discussion, so that the system works the lot of people will tell you they’re not balanced way it’s supposed to work.

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We want to work with you as well on edu- gether, to pool risk, and to be able to buy cation matters. And I want to thank Governor insurance—to pool risk across jurisdictional Warner for leading the charge for high stand- boundaries. Now, I understand there are ards coming out of high schools. It was an some issues. There are some people in your appropriate and important message. Some in respective States, people who might have got Congress may want to try to undermine No a pretty good lock on selling insurance, that Child Left Behind. Forget it, we’re not going don’t like this idea. But the objective is af- to let them do it, because it’s working. And fordable insurance. And so I want to work I want to thank you all for implementing No with Congress to allow association health Child Left Behind, using the powers of the— plans to expand. that the Federal—the flexibility the Federal We’ve got an issue when it comes to med- Government has given you to achieve what ical liability reform. I can remember talking we all want, which is an educated America. to ob-gyns from a lot of States. I’m trying And the hopeful thing is, is that the achieve- to look around for Governors, particularly in ment gap is closing in America. How do we some States that are in particular need of know? Because we measure. So I want to medical liability reform. I’ve come to the congratulate you for the initial stages of mak- conclusion that this is a national issue. When ing sure the education system works fully. I first got here, I said the States can handle And I look forward to working with the Gov- it—until you look at what the cost of defen- ernors on implementing ideas about how to sive medicine—what it costs to the Federal make sure the high school systems work. budget. It costs us billions of taxpayers’ We want to work with you on the Work- money. And I’ve concluded this is a national force Investment Act reform. And we train issue, and I’m working with Congress to get about—I think we spend about 4 billion a out a reasonable bill on medical liability re- year and train 200,000 people. I think we form. It’s necessary if you believe that medi- can do a little better job than 200,000 people cine ought to be affordable and available, be- being trained with 4 billion a year. And so cause we’ve got a problem. When you’ve got we want to work with our Governors to figure ob-gyns being run out of business in Amer- out ways to enhance flexibility, to get the job ica, you’ve got a problem in your States, and done, which is to train people for the jobs you know that. And so I look forward to tak- of the 21st century, and to utilize the fan- ing on this issue again at the Federal level. tastic community college systems that you all A couple of other things I want to say, and have helped build all around the country. then I’ll answer some questions. Some of you We want to work with you on health issues. are probably wondering why I took on the One of the things that we have done is ex- Social Security issue. After all, it had been pand community health centers. I hope you called the third rail of American politics. I felt the impact in, particularly, your poor am because the demographics have changed counties and poor neighborhoods by the ex- dramatically, and you’re beginning to see it pansion of community health centers. We’ve in your States. You’re seeing it through Med- expanded or modernized some 630 of them; icaid. You know about it in Medicare. And we plan to do 700 more this year. It’s a fan- of course you know about it in Social Security tastic way to help take the pressure off your because most of us are baby boomers, and emergency rooms. we’re fixing to retire, and there’s a lot of us. I’m a big believer in health savings ac- And yet, we’ve been promised bigger bene- counts, and I hope that you all look at health fits than the previous generation, and we’re savings accounts as a way for small-business living longer. owners to be able to better afford insurance So you’ve got baby boomers fixing to re- for their employees. It is a great way to en- tire, who are living longer, who’ve been made hance consumer participation in the medical a bigger promise than the previous genera- marketplace and, at the same time, help tion, and the Government can’t afford it. small businesses address costs. There’s not enough workers contributing in I believe in association health plans that the system. And we need to do something will allow small businesses to aggregate to- about it now. And I’m going to—I’m coming

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to your States—I’m coming to a lot of States petitive basis. And it’s all aimed—the pro- between now and whenever Congress de- gram is all aimed at helping change this coun- cides to take this issue on, head-on—to re- try for the better. mind people not only we have a problem, Let me talk about foreign policy right but we have an obligation to fix it. And I’m quick. I know a lot of you have got Guard looking forward to this debate. I think this troops in Iraq. I want to thank you for sup- is a healthy use of our time in Washington, porting those troops. Whether you agree with to see big problems and come together and my decision or not, you’ve done your duty fix them. as commanders in chief to support the Now, the Medicare bill hasn’t taken an ef- troops, and I appreciate it a lot. But more fect yet. But it too suffers from the same importantly, they appreciate it, and their demographic issue, because you’ve got a lot families appreciate it. of baby boomers that are going to retire, and I thought the hug at the State of the Union the fundamental question is, how do we deal helped talk about the mission better than any with it? My attitude—and I’ve told Congress, words could have. And I hope that helped ‘‘Let the reforms that we’ve just passed kick you when you explain to the families in your in.’’ They hadn’t kicked in yet—2006 is when State what’s happening. The gratitude of the you begin to have prescription drugs become Iraqi woman toward the American mom available to seniors, and 2006 is when you’re whose son had died was profound, gratitude going to see drugs begin to replace—over that the country was free. And freedom is time, drugs begin to replace hospital stays. on the march. These are exciting times in See, the old system would pay for a heart our world. surgery but not a dime for the prescription But I want to thank you for doing your drugs that might prevent the heart surgery duty and supporting those kids, men and from being needed in the first place. It was women, who are over in harm’s way. We’re very cost-ineffective. Nor did it offer our sen- making progress there. The mission is to get iors a modernized system. And so we look the Iraqis in a position where they can de- forward to working with you and Congress fend themselves. And we’ll try to do that as on Medicare reform after we solve the Social soon as possible, get it done as quickly as Security problem. we can, and then our troops are coming And finally, I urge you to continue to take home with the honor they’ve earned, as I said advantage of the Faith-Based Initiative. I be- in the State of the Union. lieve that the best way to cure many of soci- I’m looking forward to working with you ety’s ills is to surround them with love, and all. I’m excited about the next 4 years. I’ve faith-based groups exist purely because they got the energy and the drive and the desire want to love somebody or do love somebody. to do the best I possibly can to make America And we’re working really hard to make sure as hopeful and optimistic place as it possibly that Federal money is accessible on a com- can be, and I know it can’t be done without petitive basis to our faith-based programs cooperation with the Governors. around the country. Thank you all. I’ve traveled our country a lot, and I found NOTE: The President spoke at 11:13 a.m. on the these just fantastic institutions that are State Floor at the White House. In his remarks, changing America one soul at a time. And he referred to composer Marvin Hamlisch, who I urge you, if you don’t have an office, to performed at a dinner for the National Governors set up a faith-based office and take advantage Association Conference the previous night; Gov. of the fantastic opportunity available to—that Mark R. Warner of Virginia, chairman, and Gov. we’re trying to make available to the faith Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, vice chairman, Na- community. tional Governors Association Executive Com- mittee; former Senators Connie Mack, Chairman, You know, not every problem is going to and John B. Breaux, Vice Chairman, President’s be solved by a faith-based group, but at least Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform; Gov. Joe you ought to include faith-based groups in Manchin III of West Virginia; and Janet Norwood, the mix. It makes sense to me to make sure mother of Sgt. Byron Norwood, USMC, who was that taxpayers’ money is accessible on a com- killed in Iraq on November 13, 2004, and Iraqi

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citizen and political activist Safia Taleb al-Suhail, Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested both of whom were guests of the First Lady at in me by the Constitution and laws of the the President’s State of the Union Address on United States, do hereby proclaim March February 2. The Office of the Press Secretary also 2005 as American Red Cross Month. I com- released a Spanish language transcript of these re- mend the efforts of American Red Cross em- marks. ployees and volunteers, and I encourage all Americans to donate their time, energy, and Proclamation 7871—American Red talents to support this organization’s humani- Cross Month, 2005 tarian mission. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set February 28, 2005 my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, By the President of the United States in the year of our Lord two thousand five, of America and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- A Proclamation ty-ninth. Americans have a long history of rising to George W. Bush meet humanitarian challenges, and the American Red Cross is a leader in these ef- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, forts. Since 1881, the American Red Cross 10:26 a.m., March 2, 2005] has met disaster with compassion and cour- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the age. During American Red Cross Month, we Federal Register on March 3. honor this dedication and reaffirm the impor- tance of volunteering time and contributing resources to make our communities and the Remarks at the White House Faith- world better. Based and Community Initiatives From offering blood drives and lifesaving Leadership Conference courses to providing disaster relief services March 1, 2005 at home and abroad, American Red Cross employees and volunteers work countless Thank you all. Thank you for coming. hours to care for those in need and serve Please be seated. Thanks for coming. Thank a cause greater than self. As a result of the you for the warm welcome. It is great to be recent tsunami in the Indian Ocean, over here with leaders from around our country 150,000 lives were lost and many more were who are leading our Nation’s faith-based and left homeless and without food and water. community groups. The American Red Cross swiftly dispatched I am here to talk about my continued com- relief workers to assist those affected, and mitment to faith-based and community to distribute supplies, counsel survivors, and groups because I’m firmly committed to help people return home. making sure every American can realize the Here at home, the American Red Cross promise of our country. It is said that faith helps support our troops by transmitting can move mountains. Here in Washington, emergency messages to members of the DC, those helping the poor and needy often Armed Forces and their families. In this past run up against a big mountain—[laughter]— year, the Red Cross has also contributed sig- called bureaucracy. And I’m here to talk nificantly to relief efforts for hurricanes in about how to move that mountain so that Florida, flooding in Western Pennsylvania, we can reach out and partner with programs wildfires in the Western United States, and which reach out to people who hurt. mudslides in California. These good works You know, one of the tests of character provide hope and healing to those dealing for America is how we treat the weakest of with profound loss and demonstrate the char- our citizens. Interesting test, isn’t it? What acter of the American Red Cross. are we doing in Government to help people Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, who need help? Part of the test of Govern- President of the United States of America ment is to understand the limitations of Gov- and Honorary Chairman of the American ernment. Government—when I think about

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Government, I think about law and justice; I appreciate three Members of the United I really don’t think about love. Government States Congress who have joined us: Con- has got to find ways to empower those whose gressman Mike Ferguson from New Jersey; mission is based upon love in order to help Congressman Mark Green from Wisconsin; those who need love find love in society. and Congressman Jim Ryun from Kansas. That’s really what we’re here to talk about. I’m not interested in jogging—[laughter]— I was talking earlier with some of our lead- if you know what I mean. ers, and I was reminding them that I think I appreciate the leaders in the armies of de Tocqueville, the Frenchman who came compassion—one of my favorite phrases, the to America in the early 1800s, really figured armies of compassion. It’s a strong word, isn’t out America in a unique way when he said it? I want to thank the generals and sergeants that ‘‘Americans like to form association in and privates—[laughter]—who are here order to help save lives. Americans formed from the armies of compassion. Thank you association in order to channel the individ- all for taking time out of your day to come ualistic inputs of our society to enable people and hopefully be reassured that this initiative to serve a cause greater than themselves.’’ is one that has got a lot of momentum and Really, what we’re doing is we’re carrying impetus and reassured that we want to help on that philosophy today, a vision and philos- change America. ophy that I think makes America a unique I appreciate the fact that many in this country and gives us, those of us responsible room have come from many different faiths for helping lives, a unique opportunity to em- and traditions. The Faith-Based Initiative is power people, encourage people, partner not about a single faith. In this country we’re with people to save lives in America. And great because we’ve got many faiths, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. we’re great because you can choose—what- I want to thank the members of my admin- ever faith you choose or if you choose no istration who’ve joined us, because the efforts faith at all, you’re still equally American. It’s to partner with faith-based and community one of the great traditions of America that programs require a commitment by all of us we will always hold sacred and always should in the administration, not just the President hold sacred. or not just the people in the White House But no matter what your faith is, we’re Office but people throughout Government. united in the conviction that to whom much Margaret Spellings—Madam Secretary, is given, much is expected, and that the lib- thank you for coming. I appreciate you. She’s erty and prosperity we enjoy, the great free- the Secretary of the Department of Edu- dom we enjoy in America, with that freedom cation. I see my friend Robert McCallum, comes an obligation to reach out to brothers who’s the Associate Attorney General for the and sisters who hurt. And so I recognize— Department of Justice. Thank you for com- and the first point I want to make is, I recog- ing, Robert. Hector Barreto is the Adminis- nize the great work faith organizations are trator for the Small Business Administration. doing in this country. In other words, I stand Yes, there is a connection between faith- and here in confidence knowing that this initia- community-based groups and business. It’s tive makes sense because I’m a results-ori- called helping make sure the entrepreneurial ented guy, and faith organizations are achiev- spirit and entrepreneurial know-how reaches ing results we want. every corner of America. I just met Curtis Jones. He was an 11-year- I want to thank David Eisner, the CEO old boy from one of our Nation’s Capital’s of the Corporation for National and Commu- rough neighborhoods. And he walked into nity Service, for joining us. And I want to the doors of UNIQUE Learning Center. A thank Stephen Goldsmith, sitting right next volunteer would tutor and mentor Curtis for to David, who’s the Chairman. I want to ap- the next 7 years. I just asked Curtis about preciate everybody else who is here from my the volunteer. He said he was the local judge. administration. Make sure you get back to Think about that. It’s interesting, isn’t it? work right after the speech is over. [Laugh- You’ve got a really busy person; he’s on the ter] bench; and so he decides to tutor Curtis for

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7 years, not 7 days, 7 hours, 7 minutes, but The shelter was receiving money from the 7 years. All those who helped Curtis, particu- Federal Government, and the shelter was larly the mentor, must have taken great joy doing good work. The shelter was helping when they realized Curtis graduated from to meet an objective, which was to provide Penn State University with a degree in tele- housing for the homeless, but they were communications. Where are you, Curtis? threatening to cut off money because the There you go. governing board was not sufficiently secular. The mentors and the folks at the Learning Think about that. It kind of defeats the pur- Center get a lot of credit. As Curtis said, ‘‘I pose of a faith-based organization, doesn’t it, wouldn’t be here—I wouldn’t be where I am when the Government says, ‘‘We will design today without the Learning Center.’’ But the board of directors for you.’’ It’s a process Curtis, never forget that ultimately it was world we live in, oftentimes, in the Nation’s your decision. You made the choice. You de- Capital. Instead of focusing on the results, cided to receive help and then aim big and instead of asking the question, ‘‘Was this get your degree. And I congratulate you. I’m homeless shelter working,’’ they asked the proud of you, as is everybody else. But it’s question, ‘‘Tell me about the board of direc- important for people to know there are sto- tors you’ve got.’’ ries like this all across America. This isn’t just And so today, after 4 years of work, we a story for Washington, DC; this is a story continue to confront this culture, a culture where lives have been transformed because of process instead of results, head on. And somebody has put their arm around some- the goal is, over the next 4 years, to change body who hurts, somebody out of a faith- the culture permanently so faith- and com- based organization or community-based or- munity-based organizations will be wel- ganization, and said, ‘‘What can I do to help comed into the grantmaking process of Gov- you, Curtis? What can I do to make sure that ernment. That’s the goal. you can, with your choice, have an oppor- tunity to realize the dreams of America?’’ I like to ask questions. The job of a Presi- And the goal is to bring the healing touch, dent is to call people and say, ‘‘How are we like Curtis found at the UNIQUE Center, doing?’’ Part of my job is to be the account- to lives all across America. That’s what we’re ability person in the White House, you know, here to talk about today. ‘‘Are we making progress?’’ So let me give Unfortunately, there are some roadblocks, you some of the progress that has been made such as the culture inside government at the in terms of achieving our goal, which is a Federal, State, and local level that is un- hopeful America for every person. Today, 10 friendly to faith-based organizations. One of Federal agencies have got faith-based offices, the keys to solving a problem and achieving 3 of them set up last year. In other words, a goal is to recognize roadblocks and then a lot of money comes out of these different have the will to remove those roadblocks. But bureaucracies, and in order to make sure there is a cultural problem. You know, it’s people feel comfortable accessing the manifested itself, for example, when the Fed- grantmaking process, and/or that the bu- eral Government denied a Jewish school in reaucracy itself is fair in enabling faith-based Seattle emergency disaster relief because the organizations to apply, there’s an office in school was religious. That’s an indication that these different bureaucracies. You know, there’s a roadblock. We have a cultural prob- Housing and Urban Development has got lem when FEMA money—we’re going out one; Margaret has got one; McCallum’s orga- to help lessen the effects of a disaster that nization, the Justice Department, has got hurt—hit, and all of a sudden, the school was one. denied Federal money because of the nature And so I’ve not only said, ‘‘You must have of the school. one,’’ I then asked, to make sure, ‘‘How are Or for example, the Federal Govern- they working? How are you changing the ment—when I came in office, I found out rules on Federal contracting?’’ And the an- the Federal Government was threatening to swer is universally, ‘‘Yes, we have, to make cut off funds for an Iowa homeless shelter. sure that faith-based bidders are not being

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unfairly shut out of the competition for Fed- That’s one of my favorite words. Think about eral money.’’ That was the first thing I looked it: social entrepreneurship. Oftentimes, you for in these offices, ‘‘Tell me whether or not think about entrepreneurship, you think people are allowed to apply for money on about starting a business or balance sheets an equal basis.’’ or income statements. There’s a different I want to call attention to my friend Jim kind of income statement in life, and that’s Towey. Towey is in charge of the Faith- the income statement of the heart, the bal- Based Office in the White House. His job ance sheet of the heart. And so I like to talk is to answer your questions, to hold meetings about social entrepreneurship, those coura- such as this. His job is to answer my ques- geous souls who are willing to take a stand tions. [Laughter] He did such a good job, in some of the toughest neighborhoods in he got a promotion in the White House, so America to save lives. that the man who works full-time to help oth- So what we want to know is, what I want ers feed the hungry can feed his own five to know is, are we helping increase the num- children. [Laughter] Towey, by the way, in- ber of new groups, small groups, first-time terestingly enough—he’s probably tired of appliers for Federal money? Are we doing hearing me say this, but I find it an inter- that? Are we getting beyond those great, cou- esting comment about our society—Jim rageous faith-based programs that have been Towey was Mother Teresa’s lawyer. Think providing help for a long period of time? Are about that. [Laughter] Maybe we’re a little we reaching beyond the Salvation Army or too litigious in America. [Laughter] the Catholic Charities, the fantastic pillars of Anyway, he did a heck of a job being a the faith-based program? And the answer is, lawyer, and he’s doing a fine job of judging we are. faith-based groups by their results. And that’s Let me give you an example. The Peace- important for our society to do. We ought maker Family Center in Miami is a small to judge faith-based groups by results, not ministry of the Trinity Church that helps low- by their religion. And that’s part of the cul- income and unemployed families. Towey vis- tural change that we’re working on here. ited there, so he’s telling me on the way over Since 2003, the administration has in- in the limousine, that this is a desperate part creased grants to faith-based organizations by of Miami—that this program is in a desperate 20 percent. That’s a positive development. part of Miami. And yet, in the midst of des- That’s the kind of news that I like to hear, peration is a little beacon, a light. And so particularly when those faith-based programs the center received a $50,000—seed money, are changing America one soul at a time. Last it’s called—from the Compassion Capital year, 10.3 percent of all Federal grants— Fund mini-grant program. It’s the first Fed- those are grants coming out of Washington; eral funding the organization had ever re- those are not formula-based grants to ceived. States—10 percent of those grants went to And so the pastor there is a woman named faith-based organizations. That’s up from 8.1 Linda Freeman, and says that the funding, percent. So I asked Towey, I said, ‘‘How are the mini-grant, was the turning point for her we doing?’’ He said, ‘‘Well, the percentage program—exactly what Jim Towey and I of grants to faith-based programs has grown, were hoping to hear. Why? Because the cen- and that’s good.’’ Ten percent isn’t perfect. ter was able to raise—was able to hire a writ- Ten percent is progress. That means about er for grants with that money. In other words, $2 billion in grants were awarded last year the center was able to take a leap forward to religious charities. That’s a start. And so, in terms of being able to convince others that 6 months from now, I’m going to say, ‘‘Jim, the program was worthwhile, leveraged the how are we doing?’’ Then he’s going to call grant, and has expanded from 3 employees the faith-based offices, and he’s going to say, to 25 employees in a quick period of time. ‘‘The President wants to know how you’re That’s exactly what we hope happens. doing.’’ [Laughter] So this little program, in a dark neighbor- I also asked the question, ‘‘Are we encour- hood, had three employees. Think about that. aging social entrepreneurship in America?’’ It was somebody with an idea, somebody who

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heard a call, not from Government but from The idea in the Access to Recovery pro- a higher authority, to try to help people in gram was to direct resources to the indi- need. And so they had a program with three vidual—there’s some 100,000 a year who people. Three people—I mean, it’s a small aren’t able to get help for their alcohol and program but working hard to save any life drug issues—to let them make the choice they could save. And so the mini-grant en- about the program that suits their needs. See, abled the person, Linda, to leverage, to hire that’s how it works. It says, ‘‘We will fund somebody to help in the grantmaking proc- you, and you choose. If you think a—kind ess, to expand their scope, to get more notice. of the classic clinical approach will work for And obviously, more help is coming in, not you, give it a shot. If you think the corner from the Federal Government, from local synagogue will work for you’’—like the syna- government—local charities, so they’re now gogue I saw in Los Angeles that’s saving life up to 25 people, and they’re expanding, help- after life after life because of a belief in the ing to achieve the goal, which is to save as Almighty—‘‘give it a shot. But you get to many lives as possible. It’s the Federal goal, make the choice.’’ State goal, local goal, universal goal for And so, giving an example, there’s the America to help people realize the great Meta House in Milwaukee, is a nonprofit that promise of the country. specializes in treating women addicts. And And so I asked the question, ‘‘How many the people of the Meta House know better programs like Linda’s did we help last—over than a lot of other type of programs that kick- the last 2 years?’’ And it’s 600—600 pro- ing addiction is never easy, and they’ve got grams. So we’re beginning to fuel social en- what they call a ‘‘tough love’’ program. This trepreneurship. Those are the kinds of ques- is their approach. It’s not a universal ap- tions I will continue to ask, you’ll be happy proach; it happens to be their approach, tai- to hear, in order to help us achieve the objec- lormade to what they think will work. tive. And one mother said, as a result of this So we’ve making progress. There’s more approach, of ‘‘tough love,’’ admitting you’ve to do. And I want to talk about four steps got an addiction—they make people stand up that we intend to take and will take—not ‘‘in- and say, ‘‘I’ve got an addiction,’’ and they talk tend’’ to take, ‘‘will’’ take over the next 4 about what amends they’re going to make— years to achieve our goal of helping the poor says—and I love this quote—she says, she and the needy. feels like she has ‘‘an angel on her shoulder.’’ The first step will be to expand individual Isn’t it an interesting description about a choice when it comes to providing help for tough love addiction program for somebody people who hurt. I believe citizens in a free who says—who’s made the choice—in other society must make responsible choices about words, she was given the coupon that’s re- their lives every day. And by giving those who deemable where she chooses. She chose the look for help the opportunity and the respon- Meta House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And sibility to choose the help that’s best for as a result of that, she said, ‘‘I feel like I’ve them, we’ll not only give them better care got an angel on my shoulder.’’ It’s an inspira- but we’ll put them on the path to productive tional program that makes people feel like citizenship. they’ve got an angel on their shoulder as Now, we are expanding individual choice they’re trying to recover from alcohol or in programs in Washington. And the first drugs. place that we really worked hard to expand And so what I want to do is apply this con- that choice is—that my administration has, cept of individual choice beyond just the al- is in the drug treatment programs. It is— cohol and drug rehabilitation programs, such there’s all kinds of ways to quit drinking, but as mentoring programs or housing counseling one of the most effective ways to quit drink- or traditional—transitional housing programs ing is for a person to make a choice to go or after-school programs or homeless serv- to a place that changes your heart. If you ices. And so I’ve asked the Cabinet officers change your heart, then you change your and their faith-based and community offices habits. to come up with ways to expand individual

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choice into how their departments can imple- vision declaring that religious ceremonies are ment this philosophy. not to be conducted on the site initiated by Now, I understand people are skeptical the Salvation Army. That doesn’t make any about this approach, because they say, you sense, to tell a faith-based provider that they know, ‘‘People in need don’t want it.’’ Or the cannot practice the religion that inspires other classic excuse is, ‘‘People in need are them in the work of compassion. not sophisticated to make the choices for And so when we learned what happened themselves.’’ I firmly reject that point of there with the city council, the Department view. This approach has worked, by the way. of Housing and Urban Development, the of- President Bush—former President Bush, fice we set up, sent a letter informing the affectionately known as Number 41—[laugh- city that as long as the religious services were ter]—introduced choice in the childcare and not funded with Federal money—in other development block grants to States. In 1990, words, the money was not—Federal money he started to implement this philosophy. And was not used to proselytize—and participa- it turns out that when you analyze the results tion was voluntary, the city had no right to of that decision, that American parents de- tell the Salvation Army that the price of run- cided they liked making the decisions as to ning a center was to give up its prayers. It’s where they send their children to child care. an important concept that you just heard. I Today, more than 80 percent of the money mean, it’s a—and fortunately, the Janesville in this program that goes out the door is in city council reversed its previous stand. the form of individual coupons. In other Now, we’ve got to continue to encourage words, consumer demand was quite large State and community and local governments when it came to saying, ‘‘I’d like to make to not discriminate against faith-based pro- the choice where my child goes, where I put grams, to welcome faith-based programs, to my child, not you, Government.’’ And these understand a faith-based program will not were people from all walks of life, by the use money to proselytize, that faith-based way. These are the people that some say programs fully understand that participation aren’t sophisticated enough to make the in any religious ceremony is voluntary, but choice. Parents are sophisticated enough to that the governments have got to understand decide what’s best for their children, and the that faith-based programs can help Gov- Government has got to realize that. ernors and mayors achieve the common goal The second step is to continue to build that we all share, which is a hopeful America our culture of compassion by making sure for every single citizen. That’s an important State and local agencies do not discriminate objective of this administration. And one of against faith-based and community-based the roadblocks, frankly, happens because programs when they hand out Federal dol- some States and some local governments re- lars. In other words, one of the roadblocks ceive formula grants—all of them receive for- to full implementation of this initiative is to mula grants from the Federal Government, not only make sure the Federal Government but they haven’t opened up those grants to responds positively but the State and local competitive bidding. governments do as well. And so, yesterday, when I spoke to the Let me give you an example of part of the Governors, I urged them to set up faith- issues that faith-based programs face at the based offices in their Governors’ offices. State and local government. Janesville, Wis- Now, half of the Governors have done so. consin, authorized the Salvation Army to use And if you’re in a State where your Governor Federal funds to help purchase a small apart- hasn’t, I would urge you to get the Governor ment building to use for transitional housing to say, ‘‘Wait a minute,’’ to the State bureauc- for the homeless. The city council wisely said, racies, ‘‘Allow faith-based and community- ‘‘Why don’t we go to an expert? The Army— based groups to bid on Federal money that the Salvation Army has done this for years. has been sent down by formula to the They know what they’re doing.’’ And that was States.’’ In other words, we’ve talked about good news. The bad news is, is that when the Federal grantmaking process, but a lot it approved the funding, the city added a pro- of money goes out of Washington, DC—

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about $40 billion of it—through formula faith-based groups are so effective is a com- grants. And to me, that’s an area where the mitment to serve that is grounded in the faith-based community ought to have the shared values and religious identity of their chance to bid as well. There’s about a hun- volunteers and employees. In other words, dred mayors have set up faith-based offices, effectiveness happens because people who so that’s progress. Half the States, 100 cit- share a faith show up to help a particular ies—we’re making progress to make sure that organization based on that faith to succeed. this initiative is accepted at the Federal, And that’s important now for people in State, and local governmental level. Washington to understand. Third step is to get Congress to pass chari- The right of religious groups to hire within table choice legislation. The legislation guar- their faith is included in Title VII of the land- antees in law that faith-based organizations mark Civil Rights Act. But Congress has sent are treated equally when they compete for conflicting signals about whether that right Federal dollars, and it also protects their reli- still applies when a group gets Federal fund- gious independence in hiring workers. Chari- ing. When it comes to drug treatment and table choice is something I’ve supported aid to needy families, Congress has included every year, and every year it’s got stuck. language in law that affirms their right to pre- There’s kind of a consistent pattern there. serve their religious identity in their hiring [Laughter] decisions—the ‘‘their’’ being the faith-based And so I acted. I signed an Executive order groups. Congress has affirmed that right. that said that all faith-based groups should When it comes to programs such as the have equal access to Federal money. In other Workforce Investment Act, Congress has re- words, instead of waiting for Congress to pass quired faith-based groups to forfeit the right. charitable choice legislation, I said that a In other words, we’re seeing mixed signals. group with a cross on the wall or a rabbi Conflicting laws and regulations discourage on the board of a faith-based program would not be excluded from the awarding of Fed- faith-based groups. The purpose is to remove eral grants. That’s what the initiative said; it roadblocks, to encourage people to partici- said, ‘‘Since Congress isn’t moving, I will.’’ pate, not discourage people. And that Executive order still stands, but I And so I want this issue resolved. Congress believe that Executive order ought to be needs to send me the same language pro- codified into Federal law, and Congress tecting religious hiring that President Clinton needs to act this year to do so. I think it’s signed on four other occasions. And they important. need to do it this year. And if we can’t get Faith-based organizations also need a it done this year, I’ll consider measures that guarantee they will not be forced to give up can be taken through executive action. their right to hire people of their own faith The fourth step in advancing a culture of as the price of competing for Federal money. compassion is in ridding the Federal Tax There are some in our society in the faith Code of provisions that can discourage chari- community that say, ‘‘Why would I want to table giving. Today, a retired American who interface with Government?’’ And we’ve got wants to donate a portion of his or her IRA to rid people of that fear. In other words, to charity first pays taxes on the money with- if we want this program to be effective and drawn. In other words, ‘‘I want to give some to save lives, people have got to say, ‘‘Inter- money. I’ve retired. I’ve got an IRA. I feel facing with Government will not cause me compassionate. I want to help an organiza- to lose my mission.’’ And part of Towey’s job tion that’s changing lives. I want to be a part and part of the faith-based offices—the job of achieving your goal for America, and so, of the faith-based offices is to go around the therefore, I’m going to give you some money, country assuring people about the new cul- but I have to pay tax on it first.’’ ture in Washington, DC. So we’ve decided to do something about One of the key reasons—and it’s important that, and my 2006 budget includes a proposal for people here in Washington to under- that will allow all retirees to make contribu- stand—one of the key reasons why many tions to charities from their IRAs tax-free.

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It’s a simple change, but it’s a substantive understand. What that means is if you’re the change to law. And I believe it will help en- Methodist church and you sponsor an alcohol courage giving. Listen, America is a generous treatment center, they can’t say only Meth- country, and a lot of people give. They don’t odists—only Methodists who drink too much need the tax law to encourage tithing, for can come to our program. [Laughter] All example. But it always helps on the margin drunks are welcome, is what the sign ought to have good tax law. [Laughter] to say—welcome to be saved, so they become We’ve also got another interesting provi- sober. sion in the 2006 budget, and I appreciate When the Government encourages the the Members of Congress being here to lis- helping hand offered by the armies of com- ten to this. It would allow greater deduct- passion, it is important to understand that ibility for food donations at a time when food Government is acting through common pantries are having trouble keeping their sense, that Government is doing what you shelves filled. And we’re doing a better job would want it to do, saying, ‘‘Can we achieve of managing surpluses in America. In other results? How best to achieve an objective?’’ words, technology is—and the agricultural sector is coming down, so the ag community The goals that we’ve set here in our Na- does a better job of managing surpluses in tion, which is a compassionate country for America. It’s harder to get those surpluses, everybody, to bring light where there’s dark- since there aren’t—the surpluses are smaller, ness, to help people who struggle, that goal— to the food pantry, so we’ve got a problem. they are large. I mean, these goals are large And plus, current law discriminates against goals; I mean, really big goals, important farmers or ranchers or small businesses or goals. And it’s important for our fellow citi- restaurants who do not get the same break, zens to understand that to achieve those tax break, that some corporations get, and goals, we need all the help we can get. And that’s not right. the best help you can find, in my judgment, And so the proposal would encourage is the help from the armies of compassion, more food donations by expanding and in- those brave soldiers who on an hourly basis creasing the deduction of all taxpayers, large answer a universal call to love a neighbor just and small, sole proprietorships, incorporated, like they would like to be loved themselves. all who are engaged in a trade or a business, I can’t think of a better motto for an army, that can claim deductions for food donations. to love a neighbor just like you’d like to be It’s a practical thing to do, isn’t it? I mean, loved yourself. And I can’t think of a better if food pantries are having trouble getting role for Government, to say we stand with food, why not have the Tax Code encourage that army. We stand ready to help energize people to give food? And so Congress needs that army. We want that army to succeed be- to work on helping us help those who want cause we want every American from every to be generous anyway with a little help in background in every neighborhood to realize the Tax Code. the full promise of this blessed country. It’s important for our fellow citizens to un- I want to thank you for being generals, derstand that the efforts that I’ve spoken about today do not involve the Government lieutenants, sergeants, and privates in the establishing religion. The State should never army of compassion. Thank you for giving be the church, and the church should never me a chance to lay out an agenda for the be the State. And everybody in America un- next 4 years that will invigorate this incred- derstands that. ibly important initiative of Government. Anybody who accepts money from the May God bless you, and may God bless Federal Government, any faith provider, your work. cannot discriminate based on religion. It’s an important concept for our fellow citizens to NOTE: The President spoke at 10:11 a.m. at the understand, that no one in need will ever Omni Shoreham Hotel. be forced to choose a faith-based provider. That’s an important concept for people to

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Remarks in a Discussion on Job on the phone yesterday. I applauded the Training in Arnold, Maryland press conference she held with the Foreign March 2, 2005 Minister from France, where both of them stood up and said loud and clear to Syria, The President. I appreciate the warm ‘‘You get your troops and your secret services welcome. Thanks for coming. Please be seat- out of Lebanon so that good democracy has ed. Thank you all. Go ahead and be seated; a chance to flourish.’’ we’ve got some work to do. We’re here to The world is working together for the sake talk about an important issue, and that is how of freedom and peace. The world is speaking to make sure people get the skills necessary with one voice when it comes to making sure to fill the jobs of the 21st century. That’s what that democracy has a chance to flourish in we’re here to talk about. Lebanon and throughout the greater Middle No better place to talk about that than at East. And when democracies take hold, the a community college which is working, and world becomes more peaceful; the world be- we’re here at a good community college. I comes a better place for our children and want to thank Marty Smith. She is one of our grandchildren. So I look forward to con- our panelists. As you can see, we’ve got a tinuing to work with friends and allies to ad- distinguished panel. You’re about to hear vance freedom, not America’s freedom but some interesting stories that I think will per- universal freedom, freedom granted by a tain to—will make why I believe the commu- Higher Being. nity college system is vital to the future of I also appreciate the good growth of our our country real evident to you. economy in places like Maryland. Governor, The Governor is here. How about that? you get—deserve a lot of credit for creating Governor Ehrlich, appreciate you coming. conditions where the entrepreneurial spirit And we’ve got Kendel, First Lady. And we’ve is strong. got Drew. Mom and Dad here? Governor Ehrlich. Thank you, Mr. Presi- Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Mom and dent. Dad are here. The President. You’ve got an unemploy- The President. Mom and Dad—still lis- ment rate of 4 percent in the State of Mary- tening to Mom, aren’t you? land. That speaks volumes about good lead- Governor Ehrlich. Absolutely. ership. We’ve got a national unemployment The President. Yes, so am I. [Laughter] rate of 5.2 percent. The fundamental ques- Laura sends her best. She’s back at the White tion is, how do we keep growing? And so House. She wants to say hello to her friends I look forward to working with Congress to in Maryland. She’s doing great. She and I continue to advance commonsensical lawsuit are going to go Pittsburgh next week to talk reform. about her initiative, which I embrace whole- We did something on class-action lawsuits. heartedly, and that is how to help young men Republicans and Democrats got together and realize the great promise of this country, how said, ‘‘Wait a minute. We’ve got a problem. to fight off the temptation to join gangs and The scales of justice are not balanced, so let’s instead join society as a productive citizen. balance them with reasonable reform.’’ We Part of that is to make sure the education got a good class-action bill to my desk, which system works well. So we’re here on an edu- I signed. Now it’s time for Congress to do cation mission, really, to make sure education something on asbestos, to get good reform is relevant. to make sure that job creators and people I want to thank Jim Fielder, who’s the sec- who are harmed—job creators are able to retary of labor for the State of Maryland. I create jobs and people who are actually appreciate you being here, Jim. harmed by asbestos get the settlements A couple of things I want to say. First of they’re due. all, freedom is on the march. It’s a profound Congress needs to continue to work on period of time. Our Secretary of State is re- legal reform, including legal reform to make turning from her trip to Europe. I will visit sure good doctors aren’t run out of practice. with her tomorrow afternoon. I talked to her We need medical liability reform.

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We need to get an energy bill to my desk. says. You’re taken care of and will be taken In order to make sure people can find work care of. But younger Americans need to here in Maryland, this country needs to have worry, because when you think about a sys- an energy bill, something that makes us— tem that goes in the red 200 billion one year, that recognizes we can do a better job of con- more the next year, more the next year, and serving energy, we can spend money on re- more the next year, you need to be asking newable sources of energy. I like the idea people like me and Members of the United of using corn and soybeans to help produce States Congress, ‘‘You better fix it before it energy. I mean, after all, it would be neat, becomes a crisis. Don’t be passing on prob- someday, Governor, if somebody walked in lems to future generations. You were elected, and said, ‘‘We’re growing more crop, and Members of Congress were elected to solve therefore, we’re less dependent on foreign problems now.’’ And so I intend to work with sources of energy.’’ We need to modernize members of both parties to get this problem the electricity grid. And I put this in front fixed. of the Congress 3 years ago or 4 years ago. And I’m going to travel this country a lot They need to get it together. They need to talking about the issue of Social Security. Fri- come together, stop debating about an en- day, I’m off to New Jersey and Indiana. ergy plan, and pass one, for the sake of jobs Every week I’m going to be out talking about and job creation. the problem, assuring seniors that nothing We’ve got to do something about the def- will change, and reminding young Americans icit. I submitted a good, lean budget to Con- that they need to write the Congress, the gress. Some of them get carried away when Senators and the House of Representatives, it comes to spending, and we have—we want and demand action, so that we don’t stick to make sure that we meet priorities and cut a young generation with serious problems this deficit of ours in half by the year 2009. that will wreck our economy and wreck their It’s important. It’s an important signal to cap- lives. ital markets; it’s an important signal to the Today I want to talk about education. Edu- world that we’re serious about deficits. cation, making sure we’ve got an educated And we’re serious about long-term deficits, workforce, is a vital part of making sure this and we have a long-term deficit when it economy of ours continues to grow. I’ve comes to Social Security. There’s a lot of talked to a lot of employers around and say, baby boomers, like me, getting ready to re- ‘‘What is the biggest concern you have?’’ And tire—[laughter]—fortunately, in my case, one of the biggest concerns they have is the later rather than sooner. And baby boomers fact that they don’t have workers with the are living longer than the generation before skill sets necessary to fill the jobs of the 21st us, and baby boomers have been promised century. So that’s the challenge we face. And more benefits than the generation before us. what we’re going to talk about today is a com- And yet, there are fewer workers paying for monsense solution of how to address that the baby boomers when they retire. challenge and solve that problem. And if you add up the math, it says ‘‘prob- First thing is, we’ve got to make sure our lem.’’ In the year 2018, the Social Security kids can read and write and add and subtract. system goes into the red. In other words, The No Child Left Behind Act is working. more money is going out than is coming in. The No Child Left Behind Act says States Just catch this statistic: In 2027, the Govern- get to control the curriculum and decide ment will be $200 billion short—200 billion what to do, but it says in return for increased short. That’s money going out more than Federal money, we want to see whether or coming in on payroll taxes. not a child can read. In other words, we be- So if you’re a young person going to school lieve in accountability and measuring. here, you ought to be asking the question There’s an achievement gap closing in to public officials, ‘‘What are you going to America, and that’s important. But how do do about the problem?’’ Now, older Ameri- we know? Because we measure. You don’t cans have nothing to worry about; nothing know if you don’t measure. You can’t solve changes. I don’t care what the propaganda a problem until you diagnose the problem.

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And for too long, too many children were Last year, I called upon Congress to pass just shuffled through the system. Too many a $250 million initiative to support our com- minority children, too many inner-city chil- munity colleges and to fund partnerships be- dren were just moved through in the hopes tween community colleges and local employ- that somebody got educated. But that didn’t ers. They funded it, and now some money work. So now we’re measuring early so we is going to start heading out. And that’s an can solve problems early. And No Child Left important part of the initiative I’m talking Behind is paying off. about. We’re going to hear from an employer And we need to extend those high stand- and a community college on how they work ards to high schools. I appreciate the national together and how the system functions best Governors coming together to talk about how when it’s flexible. to build on the reform—not weaken the re- The second thing that I want to talk to forms of No Child Left Behind, how to build you about is—Congress is now going to de- on the reforms so that a high school degree bate what’s called the—reforms to the Work- means something. force Investment Act. We spend about $16 Then the next fundamental question is, billion a year on workforce training, except what do we do with people coming out of only about 200,000 people got trained. It’s high school or people who have been in high not a very good record. See, part of my job school and have gone into the workplace but as the President and part of people whose realized they want to continue to advance by job it is to watch your taxpayers’ money, is gaining a new set of skills? That’s what we’re to say, ‘‘Is the program actually working?’’ here to talk about. It sounds good, doesn’t it? ‘‘Let’s spend Let me tell you something about the com- money for workforce training.’’ It’s just when munity college system. When I was the Gov- you train 200,000 people with 16 billion, I ernor of Texas, I realized what a valuable think we can do a better job than that. asset the community college system was to [Laughter] And one way to do so is to recog- my State, just like your Governor recognizes nize the problems, the bottlenecks. what an asset it is to Maryland. Community The system is very complex and com- colleges are available. They are affordable, plicated. There’s a lot of programs in Wash- and they are flexible. And that’s important. ington with all sorts of different rules across, It’s important to have a place of higher edu- I think, 10 different jurisdictions. A bureau- cation that has got the capacity to adjust its cratic nightmare may be the appropriate way curriculum to meet the needs of an employer to describe it—kind of, mandates coming out base, for example. I mean, if all of a sudden of Washington, DC, tend to complicate the somebody pops up and says, ‘‘We need more issue of the Workforce Investment Boards nurses,’’ it makes sense to have a community and make the Governor’s job more com- college system that says, ‘‘We’ll help you put plicated. And people at the very end of the the curriculum in place to train people for system kind of wonder what the heck is going nursing.’’ And we’re going to talk a little bit on between the intent of Washington and about that here in a minute. money actually making it down into the When you’ve got a growing economy in trenches. the 21st century, there’s a certain skill set And so I’ve called upon Congress to add— that’s needed to fill the jobs. And what we’re to put these monies together, reduce the bu- talking about today is how to fill those jobs. reaucracies, the strings, and to let States— One of the things we’ve done in the last cou- gives States the flexibility to focus on work- ple of years through the Department of force training that meets the best needs of Labor was to encourage public-private part- each State. The best reform possible, it nerships. And we’ll continue—going to do seems like to me, is to kind of bundle up that over the next 4 years. That’s—those are the programs in a flexible way that says Gov- fancy words for saying, ‘‘Look, we’re going ernor Ehrlich, elected by the people, ought to help employers and community colleges to work with the local jurisdictions to figure match up needs, demands, with supply.’’ out how best to spend the money to meet That’s what that means. the needs of the Maryland citizens. In other

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words, more flexibility, in my judgment, will is. And it makes sense, particularly, in a mean more people will be trained for the changing world, where the job base is chang- jobs at hand. ing and the skill sets for those jobs are chang- A little problem for some in Washington— ing dramatically. why trust the Governor? [Laughter] I en- You know, technology changes, but labor countered that when I was a Governor. Good lags behind when it comes to change. And news is, I was a Governor. I trust local peo- therefore, we have a duty and a responsibility ple. It’s a fundamental part of my political to use our assets, like the community college philosophy, the closer decisionmaking is to system, to enable people to get the skills to the people, the better the decisionmaking work. And as that happens, this economy is will be. And so Washington ought to be flexi- going to continue to grow. One of the bottle- ble. We at least ought to shoot for 400,000 necks for economic expansion and vitality is people trained a year. [Laughter] And it’s im- to make sure we match jobs that exist with portant. skill sets of willing workers. The other thing is, is when I’ve mentioned Somebody who understands that is the higher ed—community colleges being af- Governor. Governor, thanks for joining us. fordable, they are affordable, but we’ve got I’m honored you’re here. to recognize people still need help coming Governor Ehrlich. Mr. President. to a community college. We spend $80 bil- The President. Why don’t you share with lion a year at the Federal level in student the good folks, the C–SPAN watchers what— loans and Pell grants. I’ve submitted a budget [laughter]—— to the Congress that increases Pell grants Governor Ehrlich. Hi, everybody. from 12.4 billion to 18 billion. And the reason The President. ——like my mother. Hi, why is—that’s a year, by the way—because Mom. How are you doing? [Laughter] Pell grants are important. I love Pell grants Governor Ehrlich. And my mom is here because they help folks that need help. They too. really reinforce dreams, don’t they? You got The President. Yes, well, why don’t you a society that says, ‘‘Aim big; dream big.’’ And tell us what you’re doing in Maryland. People what a Pell grant does, it says, for those who are interested to know. Just give us where can’t afford higher education, ‘‘The rightful you are. role of Government is to help you realize Governor Ehrlich. First of all, I want your dreams.’’ some extra credit for wearing my ‘‘W’’ tie And so Congress, I’m confident, will act today. on the Pell grant increase. The Pell grant in- The President. Very good, yes. Hot item. crease really talks about increasing the max- imum grant award. It increases the amount Governor Ehrlich. He didn’t even charge each recipient of a Pell grant can get, and me. that’s good. It needs to be adjusted up, which The President. I don’t know about the we want. We also believe students attending pink. [Laughter] college year-round ought to receive Pell Governor Ehrlich. Mr. President, we’ve grants year-round. This will help create flexi- been joined today by my Cabinet. And if I bility for the students. can just take one second—and former Gov- And we’ve got the loans out there. People ernor Marvin Mandel. Would my Cabinet say to me, ‘‘Do I have to repay my loan?’’ please stand up? These are the folks that im- [Laughter] Yes. [Laughter] It’s part of a re- plement your policies, your programs. sponsible society, isn’t it? We said, ‘‘We want The President. Thank you. the loans to be more reasonable in repay- [At this point, Governor Ehrlich made fur- ment schedule and the interest rates to be ther remarks.] more reasonable.’’ In other words, I look forward to working The President. Let me—it’s important for with Congress to help higher ed become people to understand what he’s saying there, more affordable for people from all walks of if you don’t mind. See, in order for—the way life. It’s a good use of your money. It really the rules are written, in order for the State

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of Maryland to implement a workforce train- for a goal? I told you we set high benchmarks ing program that meets your needs, often- around here. times the Governor has to come and ask for The President. That’s right. I like the fact a waiver. Think about that kind of system, that the State has got a system, a kind of right? We want to do something. We want a virtual workforce agency where people can to help the country meet an objective, but get on the Internet and find out what’s avail- we need a waiver. We need permission. able, I presume, where the closest one-stop And so, I think there’s like—I forgot how shop is, if they want to go in in person. At many waivers have been granted over the last a one-stop shop, people can find all kinds year, but it’s a system that says—it begs for of advice on how to get a scholarship, what’s reform. You know, the more time you ask available, the closest community college, for waivers, the less time you’re focused on what the curriculum looks like in your com- what you’re doing. munity college. It is a place all designed to Governor Ehrlich. The more time you help somebody who wants to advance receive take up with asking for waivers, the less time the help necessary to advance. you have to put money into the workplace Governor Ehrlich. And our ability, by the to train and retrain. At 3.8, 3.9 percent un- way, to do what we’ve been able to do and employment, retraining is really part of our get some waivers, although it is time-con- focus here. Secretary Fielder, Secretary suming, has allowed us to put additional dol- Melissaratos, they’re living this. So we thank lars where it belongs, into what you’re talking you very much. about. More bang for the buck for the tax- The President. What are you doing dif- payer—in this case, the Federal taxpayer and ferent? the Maryland taxpayer—dollars into the field Governor Ehrlich. Well, as I said, we’re so that employers can truly find the employ- ahead of the curve. We have begun one-stop ees they need and, particularly given this shops. We’ve consolidated programs, basi- economy and how quickly we turn over, post- cally along the line of what you’re advocating. industrial Maryland, post-industrial America, The President. Nobody knows what a retrain our workers. one-stop shop is. The President. Good job, Bobby. Governor Ehrlich. You’re a worker; you Governor Ehrlich. Thank you. go online. You’re an employer; you go online. The President. They call you Bobby? You match it up—a one-stop shop. That’s Governor Ehrlich. Absolutely, Mr. Presi- taking advantage of technology. Obviously, dent. You can call me anything you want, Mr. by the way, you are one of the best here. President. Marty is one of the best. You’re one of the The President. Dr. Marty Smith. She is best community colleges in the State of the—[applause]—she’s not going to give you Maryland. We’ll work with our community an A just because you’re cheering loud. colleges. [Laughter] You have been here how long? The President. Let me ask you some- Dr. Martha A. Smith. I’m in year 11. thing. Somebody out there listening who’s The President. As the president. looking for a job in the State of Maryland— Dr. Smith. Yes, sir, I am. one-stop shop online. In other words, they— The President. And so, is this your only you’ve got this all—— community college experience? Governor Ehrlich. Call Secretary Field- Dr. Smith. Actually, I was president of er’s department, his agency, and we’ll put Dundalk Community College, just up the you in touch with—if you have a resume, you road, for about 7 years. have a job waiting for you in the State of The President. Good, good. Give us a Maryland today. That’s the message that sense of how the community college sys- needs to go out, not just in Maryland but tem—what’s changed and what hasn’t around the country. We’re at 3.8, 3.9 per- changed, just over the last 18 years. cent. We want to go to 0.0, Mr. President. Dr. Smith. Sure. First of all, I have to I want to report to you 0.0. How about that say, on behalf of all of us, we are so honored

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to have you at Anne Arundel Community them get into that workforce quickly and be College. successful and advance in that profession. So The President. Thank you. it’s changed incredibly. Every year, we are Dr. Smith. Thank you so much for select- developing 20 new short-term programs to ing Anne Arundel Community College. really try to meet the specific needs of the The President. Thanks. industry, and as you know, things are chang- Dr. Smith. You’re welcome. ing so quickly in every industry that it’s im- The President. Appreciate you putting up perative that we change. with the entourage. The President. So how do you know? Dr. Smith. Oh, they were wonderful. How do you—what do you—how are you They were wonderful. structured so that information is able to get The President. That’s good. That’s the to you and your curriculum designers? way they should be. Dr. Smith. Well, we have a number of Dr. Smith. And I also want to thank you program advisory committees where we have for our outstanding support and under- business leaders and employers who give standing for our country’s community col- their time and energy to meet with us on leges. You really get it, as we just heard—— a regular basis to say, ‘‘This is what we see The President. Thank you. is coming down the pike for our industry.’’ Dr. Smith. ——related to job training, so We have a wonderful Governor’s Workforce thank you so much. Investment Board that is investing incredible amounts of time and energy, analyzing each [Dr. Smith made further remarks.] and every one of the high-growth industries The President. For those of you who are, so that they can say, ‘‘These are the levels like, market advocates, who believe the mar- of employees that we are going to need in ket is a powerful way to have an efficient the next 5 years. Community colleges, we delivery of service, listen to what she just look to you to make it happen.’’ said: ‘‘We respond. We respond to demand. The President. Yes, interesting, isn’t it? We adjust. We don’t adjust because Govern- Fascinating, I think. It’s such a hopeful sys- ment said, ‘Adjust.’ We adjust because our tem, and it’s working. customers, the students and the employers, So, Joyce Phillip is with us. You work with have said, ‘Adjust; stay relevant.’ Otherwise, Joyce, right? if you don’t adjust, you’ll become irrelevant.’’ Dr. Smith. I do. Great statement. I think it’s very important The President. Yes, okay. Joyce, tell us, for people to understand the great assets. everybody, what you do. This is a tremendous asset you have in your Joyce Phillip. I’m vice president of State. human resources at Anne Arundel Medical So, anyway, the reason I asked what has Center—— changed over 18 years is because it was a The President. Good. way for me to lead the witness to say— Ms. Phillip. ——which is a 260-bed not- [laughter]—a lot has changed. [Laughter] for-profit regional medical center, a wonder- Because community colleges have got the ca- ful place to work. pacity to change. Seriously, I mean, I pre- The President. Well, thank you, yes. So sume the emphasis has shifted quite dramati- why are you—besides being invited—[laugh- cally. ter]—why is this conversation relevant to you Dr. Smith. Well, it has. Traditionally, we and your hospital? have talked about associate degrees and cer- Ms. Phillip. This conversation is so rel- tificates and the credit program, but what we evant to me and to our hospital and to all understand now is that students don’t nec- the industries in Anne Arundel County. We essarily, when they’re looking for a job that’s work very closely with the community col- going to pay them an appropriate salary, they lege. For instance, you know that there are don’t care whether it’s credit or noncredit. great shortages in allied health fields. Last They want it now. They want the skill set year, we were able to hire 97 applicants and the knowledge set that’s going to help from—who had attended Anne Arundel

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Community College. Thirteen of them were people who have served America and take nursing students. care of those people who are there. The President. Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t The President. Do you have programs it? So the health care field, it’s changing. within your hospitals where you take people Ms. Phillip. Oh, it is changing tremen- who already have a job and enhance their dously. skill set at the community college? The President. Skill sets—new skill sets Ms. Phillip. I wanted to say something. are required. That makes me more excited, because we Ms. Phillip. Yes. And when there are new have a program that the community college skill sets that are required, we’re able to go and the Department of Labor worked on, to our community college, which is right and it’s called School at Work. there, tell them what we need, ask them, ‘‘How can we do it?’’ And they come up with [Ms. Phillip made further remarks.] the creative ways to do it, and they make The President. There’s something we’re it happen. about to talk about here. There’s a—the term The President. Isn’t that interesting? So of art these days is productivity and how does the hospital system says, ‘‘We need’’—how the worker become more productive. Well, many people did you hire last year? there’s one way a worker becomes more pro- Ms. Phillip. Ninety-seven. ductive, and that is to enhance skills through The President. Ninety-seven. education, additional education. And when Ms. Phillip. Thirteen nurses. you hear the word ‘‘productivity,’’ you think The President. Thirteen nurses. So some- about—you need to think about higher body says—well, you say to the community wages. A more productive society is one in college, ‘‘In order for us to hire these people, which a worker makes more money. That’s they’ve got to be able to do X, Y, and Z.’’ just a fact of life. So you can either look at Ms. Phillip. That is correct. the community college system as a way to The President. The community college enhance an individual’s productivity, or an- then says, ‘‘Okay, fine. We will provide pro- other way to look at it is, one way to increase fessors, teachers, to teach people’’—— your wage is to come back to school and gain Ms. Phillip. Develop the curriculum. a new skill set. This is a wage-increasing insti- The President. ——‘‘develop the cur- tution. riculum for X, Y and Z,’’ and then the people And it’s a—somebody who knows that and are able to get work. That’s—it’s as simple understands that is Jeannetta Smith. She’s as that. with us today. Thanks for coming. Ms. Phillip. They are. It sounds sim- Jeannetta Smith. ple—— Thank you for having The President. It’s not. [Laughter] me. Ms. Phillip. It’s not. The President. It’s an interesting story. The President. I read your mind. So where were you raised? Ms. Phillip. When you are able to partner Ms. Smith. I’m from North Carolina— with the community college, and when you’re Rocky Mount, North Carolina. able to partner with an employer and put The President. There you go. If you’ve some of our money together, some of your never been there, it’s a beautiful part of the Pell grant and Federal money together, we world. And so what were you doing there? can do it. Ms. Smith. Shortly after high school, I The President. Right. Yes, it’s good, inter- started working in a textile plant—— esting. And so, is this a field that has got The President. Right. a—constantly in need for new workers? Ms. Smith. ——textile factory. North Ms. Phillip. It’s definitely going to be a Carolina had lots of textile plants, and the need for new workers. All you need to do textile industry was leaving. is look at the population as we age. We’re The President. The textile industry was going to need people who are going to be leaving is right. A lot of people were getting able to meet the needs and take care of those laid off. So what did you do?

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Ms. Smith. I thought about it, and I Ms. Smith. I decided to go to the commu- thought I should leave before I got cut. nity college here in Anne Arundel County [Laughter] because it offered a flexible program, LPN to RN transition, which would take one year, [Ms. Smith, Anne Arundel Community Col- and it would increase my salary 50 percent. lege student and licensed practical nurse, The President. Yes, listen to that for a Northwest Hospital Center, Randallstown, minute. [Applause] Hold on for a second. If MD, made further remarks.] you’re out there listening as to whether or The President. Good. By the way, this not somebody who had a high school degree is—Maryland has got a fantastic community and has spent a few years working after the college system; so does North Carolina. And high school, whether or not going back to it’s been a vital part of helping people transi- a community college makes sense, just listen tion from what was once a viable industry to what Jeannetta said. By going back to to the new viable industries within the State, school for a year, she increases her pay by including health care. 50 percent. That’s an important benefit for Anyway, so you did the 7-year deal. Then people. what happened? Was it hard to go back to school? Ms. Smith. I relocated. I did some travel Ms. Smith. It was very difficult. As most nursing, and I ended up here in Maryland. adults start working, they get bills, mort- The President. I found that interesting, gages, car payments. So to go back to school travel nursing. It’s kind of like an itinerant requires a commitment of time, which usu- preacher in the old days, you know. [Laugh- ally means they can’t work full-time. ter] What is travel nursing? Explain that. The President. Right. And did you get Ms. Smith. A travel nurse is a nurse that help? contracts with a hospital in different States Ms. Smith. Yes, I did. I was able to benefit or different cities or even in your hometown. not from Pell grants but from Federal stu- You contract for either 3 months or 6 dent loans, which have been wonderful. I months. Your company finds you an apart- have a 3 percent interest rate, which is a ment. They furnish it. They provide every- great investment. [Laughter] thing, and you work. So you get to be a tourist The President. It’s not exactly a grant, but for free. 3 percent is pretty low. The President. Yes, that’s interesting, isn’t Ms. Smith. Three percent is great. it? [Laughter] Kind of an interesting concept. The President. Was it easy to get the It does say there’s certainly an opportunity loan? for people. If you’re having to—if a hospital Ms. Smith. Yes, yes. No credit check. has to staff a hospital staff with a travel nurse, [Laughter] I presume that they’re looking for full-time The President. We don’t need to go that nurses. Not to say the travel nurse isn’t im- far. Wait a minute. Of course, you would portant, but it just goes to show there’s a have passed anyway. [Laughter] Whew. demand for nursing. [Laughter] And then, anyway, so you’re a travel nurse, Ms. Smith. But in addition to the Federal and you settle here? student loan, Northwest Hospital also offers Ms. Smith. Yes. tuition reimbursement, which has been fabu- The President. I don’t blame you. lous in helping me make my ends meet as [Laughter] It’s a beautiful part of the world. I work a part-time schedule there. Ms. Smith. It’s a wonderful State, also. The President. Yes, smart employers all The President. Yes, it is. And so what are across the country are interested in you doing? partnering with a potential employee or a Ms. Smith. I work at Northwest Hospital current employee by saying, ‘‘We’ll help as an LPN on the subacute unit, but I de- you.’’ People should recognize there’s a lot cided because LPN positions are limited, I of help available if you have the desire to wanted to explore other options. go back to school. Government can’t make The President. Good. you have desire. The Government can’t say,

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‘‘Be desirous.’’ [Laughter] But Government The President. That’s good. That’s the can say, ‘‘If you are desirous, we want to help right answer if you’re from Baltimore. Went you.’’ And that’s what Jeannetta found out. to high school, went to the Army—— So where are you in your course thing Mr. Ward. Once I got out of the military, now? You—— I entered into a series of security positions. Ms. Smith. Well, I graduate in May, May And a while after that, I was blessed with 25th. a son, who is here this morning. The President. There you go, good. The President. Where is the man? Ms. Smith. And you’re invited. Mr. Ward. Malcolm is right over there. The President. I’m invited? Thanks for The President. Hi, Malcolm. I’ll see you the invitation. [Laughter] And so then what afterwards. happens? As I understand, you’re a single dad. Ms. Smith. Well, I’ll start working at least Mr. Ward. Yes, I am. one year here in Maryland as a med/surg The President. Thanks for doing your nurse at an area hospital to get my skills up duty. and experience as a registered nurse. And the sky is the limit after that. [Mr. Ward, College of Notre Dame of Mary- The President. You’re going to be the land student and certified pharmacy techni- travel thing, travel nurse? cian, Johns Hopkins Health System, Balti- Ms. Smith. Yes. more, MD, made further remarks.] The President. Fantastic. I love the story. The President. Think about this. Textile worker, hears the That’s good. Good job. By textile industry is laying off, which they were the way, the Labor Department entered into in North Carolina, decides to do something a contract with Johns Hopkins and the Balti- about it. Community college provides an op- more Community College in order to have portunity to enhance the skill—her skill set; one of these collaborative efforts, a little extra the Government provides ways to help; and funding to help employers and employees this person is living the American Dream. match up. Keep going. I mean, this is—I thank you for sharing that Mr. Ward. Well, upon completion, I was with us. offered employment as a pharmacy techni- Ms. Smith. You’re welcome. Thank you. cian at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which I glad- The President. All right, Elliott Ward. ly accepted. I continued to go to school, as Glad you’re here, Elliott. a part of the also-added benefit is the tuition- Elliott Ward. Glad to be here, sir. assistance program that Johns Hopkins of- The President. Thanks for coming, broth- fers. And after this semester, I’ll be 15 cred- er. its—about 15 credits away from having Mr. Ward. Thanks for having me. enough credits, 65 credits, to enter pharmacy The President. What are you doing? school. Mr. Ward. Working hard. The President. Yes, see, that’s interesting, The President. Me, too. [Laughter] It’s isn’t it? So then you get to pharmacy school. what you expect of me, though. [Laughter] How long does that take? Give me a little bit on your background. Mr. Ward. That will be 4 intense years Went to high school—— instead of 4 intense months. Mr. Ward. Went to high school, and im- The President. Yes, that’s okay. [Laugh- mediately out of high school I went into the ter] military. I served 4 years in the U.S. Army. [Mr. Ward made further remarks.] The President. That’s good. Thanks. What high school? The President. Are you getting any help Mr. Ward. Carver Vocational-Technical in to afford all this? Baltimore City. Born and raised in Baltimore Mr. Ward. Well, the tuition assistance City, Baltimore through and through. through Johns Hopkins helps a great deal. The President. Are you a Ravens fan? The President. Yes. Part of the grant, by Mr. Ward. I am a Ravens fan. the way, is to help pay for tuition assistance.

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Mr. Ward. It’s a wonderful thing. [Laugh- Business and Economic Development. The Office ter] of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- The President. It sure is. What’s even guage transcript of these remarks. more wonderful is both of your desires to use what’s available to improve your skill set Remarks on Presenting the so you can realize dreams—in your case, be as good a dad as you can be. That’s wonder- Congressional Gold Medal ful. That is what is possible and is happening Posthumously to Jackie Robinson all across the country. March 2, 2005 So the reason we have people come and talk, other than me, is so, one, you’ll listen— Members of Congress, Mrs. Robinson, and [laughter]—and two, so the stories make Sharon and Dave, Laura and I are honored sense. These stories make sense to me. It to be with you all as we honor your husband makes sense to support the community col- and your dad. Reverend Jackson. You know, lege system, a system that is able to adjust I figure I’m the ninth speaker. [Laughter] to meet the needs of the people that we tax- I spent a little time in baseball. Commis- payers expect the community college to sioner, it’s good to see you, and appreciate serve, people wanting to work, employers try- the McCourts being here, of the great Los ing to find a skill set so the communities can Angeles Dodgers family. But a lot of times, stay vibrant and whole and jobs are available. the ninth hitter was told by the manager, I told you, one of the objectives of Govern- ‘‘Keep your swing short.’’ [Laughter] I kind ment is to set the conditions right for job of guess that’s what Nancy Pelosi meant growth. And a lot of that always times—a lot when I got up here. She said, ‘‘You are the of times focuses on tax policy. And obviously, ninth speaker.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘How about good tax policy matters, and—but also what keeping it short?’’ matters is to make sure that people under- I’m honored to be here for the—to present stand the relevance and importance of edu- the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Rob- cation. We must never lose sight of the need inson. It’s a great tradition of our Congress to have an education system which not only to honor fantastic and noble Americans, and provides—gives people the basic skills work- we’re doing just the thing today with Jack ing their way through elementary and sec- Roosevelt Robinson. ondary and high school but, equally impor- tantly, an education system that’s capable of You know, he was a great ballplayer. Any- keeping this country competitive by adjusting body who follows baseball knows how great to the workplace as it really is. he was—fantastic statistics, MVP, all the big I’ve come to herald success and a Gov- honors you could get. But his electricity was ernor who’s successful in implementing a vi- unbelievable. Think about this. This is a guy sion because he’s got community colleges who inspired little 7-year-olds to dream of and community college presidents who are wearing ‘‘42’’ and dashing for home in Brook- responsive to the needs of people. Again, I lyn, and a 7-year-old like me hoping to get want to thank you all for letting me come. his Topps baseball card, even though I was I hope you have found this as interesting as an avid Giants fan. He was an amazing guy. I have. And his story was powerful then, and it is May God bless you all, and may God con- powerful today. tinue to bless our country. Thank you. His story is one that shows what one per- son can do to hold America account—to ac- NOTE: The President spoke at 10 a.m. at Anne count to its founding promise of freedom and Arundel Community College. In his remarks, he equality. It’s a lesson for people coming up referred to Kendel S. Ehrlich, wife of Gov. Robert to see. One person can make a big difference L. Ehrlich, Jr., of Maryland, and their son Drew; Nancy and Robert Ehrlich, Sr., the Governor’s in setting the tone of this country. parents; and Foreign Minister Michel Barnier of He always fought for what he called ‘‘first- France. Governor Ehrlich referred to Secretary class citizenship.’’ That’s an interesting Aris Melissaratos of the Maryland Department of phrase, isn’t it, ‘‘first-class citizenship,’’ not

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second-class, not third-class—first-class citi- to be joined by the Vice President. He’s a zenship for all. As John Kerry mentioned, it Chicago Cubs fan. So, like, he knows what started in the Army. Obviously, it really you’ve been through. [Laughter] We’re really manifested itself on the baseball field. After glad you’re here. all, it was Branch Rickey who said he was There’s been a lot of people in this town looking for a man to cross the color line who waiting for this day to come. Some have said could play baseball and had the character it would be a cold day when the Red Sox necessary to do so. Jackie Robinson had both. made it here. [Laughter] I am honored to And that’s why we’re honoring him today. welcome the world champs, the mighty Bos- I found Martin Luther King’s quote about ton Red Sox, to the White House. him interesting. I’m sure you will too. He I want to welcome the members of the said, ‘‘He was a freedom rider before free- Massachusetts delegation who are here. I dom rides.’’ That’s a pretty high compliment, know that Senator Kennedy is here. Senator when you think about it. He was—to me, Kerry is on his way. We have just finished it just says courage and decency and honor. a ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson. I This son of Georgia sharecroppers was know members of the congressional delega- taught by his mother that the best weapon tion are here from like Massachusetts, and against racism was the use of his talent, his everybody else that claims to be a Red Sox God-given talent, not to waste a minute, and State. [Laughter] You all are welcome here. he didn’t. And that spirit, passed on from I appreciate the commissioner coming. mother to son and now son to family, still And Bob, it’s good to see you. I thank the lives through the Jackie Robinson Founda- members of my Cabinet who are here. I ap- tion. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a preciate the mayor being here, the mayor of noble cause to help academically gifted stu- Boston. You’ve had a heck of a year, Mayor. dents of color go to college. I know the [Laughter] I want to thank and welcome my Dodgers will continue to support that foun- friend Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino. I’m dation. I hope baseball continues to do so sorry John Henry is sick. You know, as well. Lucchino, I knew you’d amount to something It is my honor now to join Speaker Hastert eventually. [Laughter] and Senator Stevens in presenting the Con- I appreciate the way this team played base- gressional Gold Medal to Rachel Robinson, ball. You know, it took a lot of guts, and it in the name of her husband, the great base- took a lot of hair. [Laughter] It took a great ball star and great American, Jackie Robin- manager and coaching staff, and I’ll never son. forget calling Terry Francona after the team won the championship, and he—the only NOTE: The President spoke at 3:18 p.m. at the thing I remember him saying was, ‘‘It’s all— U.S. Capitol. In his remarks, he referred to Rachel it all depended upon the players,’’ which is Robinson, widow of Jackie Robinson, and their why he’s a good manager, isn’t it? daughter, Sharon Robinson, and son David Robin- I appreciate the fact that Dom DiMaggio son; Allan H. ‘‘Bud’’ Selig, commissioner, Major and Jimmy Piersall are with us. You guys rep- League Baseball; Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., founder and president, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, resent a lot of great Boston Red Sox players Inc.; and Frank McCourt, chairman, and Jamie that a lot of us grew up watching play, and McCourt, vice chairman, Los Angeles Dodgers. you’re welcome here in the White House, and you’re representing a great tradition of wonderful folks. Remarks Honoring the 2004 World You know, the last time the Red Sox were Series Champion Boston Red Sox here, Woodrow Wilson lived here. [Laugh- March 2, 2005 ter] There were only 16 teams in baseball then. After the World Series victory in 1918, Please be seated, unless you don’t have a a reporter from Boston said, ‘‘The luckiest chair. [Laughter] So, like, what took you so baseball spot on Earth is Boston, for it has long? [Laughter] Welcome. And welcome to never lost a World Series.’’ [Laughter] That’s the citizens of the Red Sox Nation. I’m proud one optimistic writer. [Laughter]

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Senator, welcome. Good to see you. Only sioner, and Robert A. DuPuy, president and chief time I—I like to see Senator Kerry, except executive officer, Major League Baseball; Thomas when we’re fixing to debate—[laughter]—if C. Werner, chairman, Larry Lucchino, president you know what I mean. [Laughter] and chief executive officer, John W. Henry, prin- No one really expected the answer to the cipal owner, and Terry Francona, manager, Bos- ton Red Sox; Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and ‘‘Curse of the Bambino’’ would come from his wife, Shonda Schilling; former Red Sox players a group of players that call themselves ‘‘id- Dom DiMaggio and Jimmy Piersall; and Red Sox iots,’’ except for maybe idiots who don’t un- designated hitter David ‘‘Senor Octubre’’ Ortiz. derstand baseball. This is a heck of a team. This is a team that came together from South Korea and Dominican Republic, from An- Proclamation 7872—Women’s chorage, Alaska, Fort Riley, Kansas, and in- History Month, 2005 credibly enough, Midland, Texas. [Applause] March 2, 2005 Oh, yes. Finally, somebody from Midland amounted to something. [Laughter] By the President of the United States I love the way this team played, and so of America do baseball fans. I mean, this is a team that won eight games in a row when it wasn’t sup- A Proclamation posed to. It’s kind of courage and a couple During Women’s History Month, we cele- of stitches. You answered 86 years of prayer. brate the achievements of our Nation’s That’s an amazing feat, isn’t it? I mean, when women. For generations, American women the Red Sox won, people all over the world have helped build our great Nation through cheered. They cheered in New England, and their leadership as writers, teachers, artists, they cheered in Baghdad, Iraq. One guy politicians, doctors, and scientists, and in said—from Boston—he said, ‘‘Now we just other professions. As mothers, daughters, have to wait for the other six signs of the and sisters, women have supported and apocalypse.’’ [Laughter] strengthened American families and commu- I really appreciate what Boston does off nities. Women are at the forefront of entre- the field too. The Jimmy Fund is a classic preneurship in America, creating millions of example of a sports franchise giving some- new jobs and helping to build our Nation’s thing back to the community in which they economic prosperity. play. You created the Red Sox Scholars, We celebrate those who have broken down which awards scholarships to disadvantaged barriers for women, such as Jacqueline Coch- fifth graders. I appreciate what individual ran, who was the founder and director of the players do. I know firsthand what the Schil- Women’s Air Force Service Pilots during lings do, the SHADE Foundation to work World War II and the first woman to break to prevent skin cancer and the—and Shonda the sound barrier. Gerty Theresa Radnitz and Curt’s leadership in the battle against Cori was the first American woman to receive Lou Gehrig’s disease. I appreciate what the a Nobel Prize in the sciences, and her re- Red Sox are doing in the Dominican Repub- search significantly advanced the treatment lic with ‘‘Senor Octubre.’’ of diabetes. In 1926, Olympic Gold Medalist But most of all, our purpose here is to wel- Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to come champs. We wish you all the best in swim the English Channel. Marian Ander- the upcoming season. We know that you’ve son, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipi- been able to do what has been viewed to ent, opened doors in music as the first Afri- be the impossible. And just like that sports- can American to perform with the New York writer said in 1918, you know, Boston is the Metropolitan Opera. Juliette Gordon Low place to cover champs. encouraged community service and the phys- Welcome to the White House. May God ical, mental, and spiritual development of continue to bless you all. America’s young women as founder of the NOTE: The President spoke at 3:54 p.m. on the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, As we work to advance freedom and peace he referred to Allan H. ‘‘Bud’’ Selig, commis- and fight the war on terror, American women

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in uniform are serving at posts at home and contributing to the deliberate breakdown in across the world, taking great risks as they the rule of law in Zimbabwe, to politically make our Nation more secure. motivated violence and intimidation in that As we commemorate Women’s History country, and to political and economic insta- Month, I encourage all Americans to cele- bility in the southern African region. brate the extraordinary contributions and ac- Because the actions and policies of these complishments of American women and to persons continue to pose an unusual and ex- continue our progress in making our society traordinary threat to the foreign policy of the more prosperous, just, and equal. United States, the national emergency de- Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, clared on March 6, 2003, and the measures President of the United States of America, adopted on that date to deal with that emer- by virtue of the authority vested in me by gency, must continue in effect beyond March the Constitution and laws of the United 6, 2005. Therefore, in accordance with sec- States, do hereby proclaim March 2005 as tion 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act Women’s History Month. I call upon the (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 people of the United States to observe this year the national emergency blocking the month with appropriate programs, cere- property of persons undermining democratic monies, and activities that honor the history, processes or institutions in Zimbabwe. accomplishments, and contributions of This notice shall be published in the Fed- American women. eral Register and transmitted to the Con- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set gress. my hand this second day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of George W. Bush the Independence of the United States of The White House, America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. March 2, 2005.

George W. Bush [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:22 a.m., March 3, 2005] 9:22 a.m., March 3, 2005] NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Register on March 4. Federal Register on March 4. Message to the Congress on Notice—Continuation of the Continuation of the National National Emergency Blocking Emergency Blocking Property of Property of Persons Undermining Persons Undermining Democratic Democratic Processes or Institutions Processes or Institutions in in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe March 2, 2005 March 2, 2005 On March 6, 2003, by Executive Order To the Congress of the United States: 13288, I declared a national emergency Section 202(d) of the National Emer- blocking the property of persons under- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for mining democratic processes or institutions the automatic termination of a national emer- in Zimbabwe, pursuant to the International gency unless, prior to the anniversary date Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. of its declaration, the President publishes in 1701–1706). I took this action to deal with the Federal Register and transmits to the the unusual and extraordinary threat to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency foreign policy of the United States con- is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- stituted by the actions and policies of certain sary date. In accordance with this provision, members of the Government of Zimbabwe I have sent to the Federal Register for publi- and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s cation the enclosed notice stating that the democratic processes or institutions, thus national emergency blocking the property of

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persons undermining democratic processes Message to the Congress or institutions in Zimbabwe is to continue Transmitting a Report on in effect beyond March 6, 2005. The most Interdiction of Aircraft Engaged in recent notice continuing this emergency was Illicit Drug Trafficking published in the Federal Register on March March 2, 2005 5, 2004 (69 FR 10313). The crisis constituted by the actions and To the Congress of the United States: policies of certain members of the Govern- Consistent with the authorities relating to ment of Zimbabwe and other persons to un- official immunity in the interdiction of air- dermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes craft engaged in illicit drug trafficking (Pub- or institutions has not been resolved. These lic Law 107–108, 22 U.S.C. 2291–4), and in actions and policies pose a continuing un- order to keep the Congress fully informed, usual and extraordinary threat to the foreign I am providing a report prepared by my Ad- policy of the United States. For these rea- ministration. This report includes matters re- sons, I have determined that it is necessary lating to the interdiction of aircraft engaged to continue the national emergency blocking in illicit drug trafficking. the property of persons undermining demo- George W. Bush cratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe The White House, and to maintain in force the sanctions to re- March 2, 2005. spond to this threat.

Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony George W. Bush for Michael Chertoff as Secretary of Homeland Security The White House, March 3, 2005 March 2, 2005. I’m pleased to be here at the Department of Homeland Security with our new Sec- Letter to the Speaker of the House of retary, Michael Chertoff. And I’m honored Representatives Transmitting to share this moment with Meryl and their Supplemental Budget Requests for children. the Legislative Branch and the This is the third time, not the first or sec- ond but the third time that I’ve asked Mike Judicial Branch for Fiscal Year 2005 to serve our Nation. I keep asking him back March 2, 2005 for a reason: He is a talented public servant, with an outstanding record of achievement and a deep commitment to the cause of jus- Dear Mr. Speaker: tice. As a Federal court of appeals judge, As- As a matter of comity, I am transmitting sistant Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, and to the Congress, without modification, the Federal prosecutor, Mike has worked tire- enclosed requested amounts from the Legis- lessly to make our people safer and our Na- lative Branch and the Judicial Branch for FY tion more secure. And now he will carry on 2005. that vital work as the Secretary of Homeland The details of these requests are set forth Security. in the enclosed letter from the Director of I appreciate Michael’s in-laws for being the Office of Management and Budget. here. Always a good thing, Mike—[laugh- ter]—to listen to your mother-in-law. Sincerely, [Laughter] I thank Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, not only for being here to administer the oath George W. Bush of office but for serving our Nation with such class and such dignity. I want to thank the

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Members of the United States Senate, Sen- In the last 2 years, this Department has ator Lautenberg and Senator Corzine from implemented a vigorous new strategy to New Jersey, for being here, and thank you guard our borders, posting Homeland Secu- for helping shepherd this good man’s nomi- rity personnel at foreign ports, strengthening nation through the Senate. I want to thank airport and seaport security, and instituting all the Members of the House of Representa- better visa screening for those entering the tives who are here, and there is a lot from United States. We’ve taken important steps New Jersey that have joined us. I want to to protect our Nation’s critical infrastructure, thank the members of my Cabinet who are our bridges and tunnels and nuclear power- here, and former members of my Cabinet. plants and water treatment facilities and the And I want to thank the employees of the cyber networks that keep our Government Department of Homeland Security. You have and our economy running. got a great boss. This Department has also taken action to Since September the 11th, 2001, we have strengthen the hand of our partners in State taken unprecedented steps to protect the and local law enforcement. Local police and American people. We have assembled a other authorities are those most likely to en- strong coalition of nations to secure our re- counter terrorists, and we’re giving them the spective countries. We have closed down ter- tools and information they need to do their rorists’ networks and chased down their lead- jobs. We’ve established secure connections ers in mountains and deserts around the to emergency operations centers in every world. We’ve removed two dangerous re- State and every Governor’s office to ensure gimes that harbored terrorists and threat- that they get threat information on a real- ened the peace. We convinced a third to vol- time basis. We’ve helped States establish mu- untarily abandon its nuclear and chemical tual aid agreements and reasonable response weapons programs. We have broken up the plans, so that when first-responders need world’s most dangerous nuclear trading net- help from their neighbors, they can be sure work and busted up terrorist cells around the the right assistance will get to the right peo- globe. ple at the right time. We have been relentless and we will con- We’ve provided more than $14 billion over tinue to be relentless in our mission to secure the last 4 years to train and equip State and the people of this country. From Florida to local first-responders across America, funds California to Massachusetts, we have ar- for mobile command centers, communica- rested and prosecuted terrorist operatives tions equipment, mobile decontamination and their supporters. By our actions, we are equipment, HAZMAT trucks, mobile WMD sending the world a clear message that ter- detection equipment, and other capabilities rorists will not be permitted sanctuary or safe they need to protect our citizens and our haven or the tools of mass murder. communities. Since 2001, we’ve trained As we have taken the battle to the enemy, more than 600,000 first-responders and more we have also taken extraordinary measures than tripled spending on homeland security. to better protect the homeland. We’ve car- And all of you in this Department and the ried out the largest reorganization of Govern- Members of the Congress can be proud of ment in a half century, merging 180,000 peo- the accomplishments and the progress we ple from 22 Government organizations into have made. a single Department with a single mission, You have done all this and more under protecting America from attack. The success the skilled leadership of Tom Ridge. Tom of the men and women of the Department is a longtime friend, and I thank him for his of Homeland Security do not always make leadership and his dedicated service to our the headlines. But I understand what you’ve country. done, and I appreciate your hard work. By And I have found an able successor in your tireless efforts behind the scenes, you Mike Chertoff. As the 9/11 Commission said have helped protect our citizens and secure in its report, America is safer because of your our Nation, and this country is grateful for efforts, but we are not yet safe. Mike all you do. Chertoff knows we cannot afford to become

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complacent. He understands that as we adapt he has shared their vantage point. Like men our defenses, the terrorists will adapt their and women who wear our Nation’s uniform tactics in response. He understands they con- on distant battlefields, those who wear the tinue to pose a great threat to the American uniform here at home risk their lives every people. day to protect our people. By their service Recently, we learned that Usama bin and sacrifice, our police, our firefighters, and Laden has urged the terrorist Zarqawi to emergency rescue personnel are making the form a group to conduct attacks outside Iraq, homeland safer. And our Nation must con- including here in the United States. We’re stantly thank them for their work. on a constant hunt for bin Laden. We’re Mike is the right person to lead this De- keeping the pressure on him, keeping him partment in this vital work. He knows that in hiding. And today, Zarqawi understands to win the war on terror abroad, we always that coalition and Iraqi troops are on a con- must remember where it began, here in the stant hunt for him as well. Coalition and Iraqi homeland. He will be an outstanding Sec- forces have caught and killed several of his retary of Homeland Security. Mike, thank key lieutenants. We’re working every day and you for willing—for your willingness to serve night to dismantle his network and to bring our Nation once again. God bless. him to justice. Bin Laden’s message is a telling reminder NOTE: The President spoke at 9:25 a.m. at the that Al Qaida still hopes to attack us on our Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade own soil. Stopping them is the greatest chal- Center. In his remarks, he referred to Meryl lenge of our day. And under Mike’s leader- Chertoff, wife of Secretary Chertoff; Usama bin ship, we will do everything in our power to Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist organiza- meet that challenge. Mike is wise, and he tion; and senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab is tough—in a good way. [Laughter] And he Al Zarqawi. He also referred to the National Com- knows the nature of the enemy. As head of mission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United the Criminal Division at the Department of States (9/11 Commission). The transcript released Justice, Mike helped trace the September by the Office of the Press Secretary also included 11th attacks to the Al Qaida network. And the remarks of Secretary Chertoff. it didn’t take him very long to do so. He un- derstands that the terrorists are brutal and Remarks at the Central Intelligence determined and that to stop them, all our Agency and an Exchange With agencies must work more closely together Reporters in Langley, Virginia using every resource and technological ad- vantage we have. March 3, 2005 I have given Mike an ambitious agenda to carry out. We will continue to work to fully The President. I want to thank Director integrate the agencies within the Homeland Goss for his hospitality. It was such a pleas- Security Department. We will build on the ure to come out and see hundreds of folks progress that has been made. We will con- who work here at the Central Intelligence tinue working to reduce our Nation’s Agency. vulnerabilities and prepare effective re- I came for a couple of reasons. One, I sponses for any future attack. We will speed wanted to assure the people here that their the development of new 21st century vac- contribution was incredibly vital to the secu- cines and treatments to protect Americans rity of the United States and that, together, against biological, chemical, nuclear, and ra- we’ve achieved a lot in securing this country. diological attacks. We will continue our his- There’s a lot of really incredibly bright, capa- toric investments in homeland security to ble, hard-working, dedicated Americans who match the threats facing our country. We will work in this building. So my first mission was protect the American people from new dan- to thank them. gers while protecting their civil liberties. And the second thing was to explain that Mike understands that we need to work the reforms that we’ll be implementing closely with State and local officials because through the good graces of Ambassador

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Negroponte, if confirmed by the Senate, will to key players in my administration. And so actually help the CIA do its job better. I’m confident that the process will work. And I got a great reception. I want to thank Obviously, one of the reasons I came here you, again, Director, for your hospitality. is because I know there’s some uncertainty We’re making progress in the war on terror. about what this reform means to the people The world is changing. And this country of of the CIA, and I wanted to assure them that ours will continue to do our duty, which is the reforms will strengthen their efforts and to find terrorists, bring them to justice make it easier for them to do their job, not through good intelligence and hard work and harder. I’m glad I came out. some brave souls, and at the same time, work Terry [Terry Moran, ABC News]. to spread freedom and liberty around the world. Social Security Reform I’ll answer a couple of questions. Tom [Tom Raum, Associated Press]. Q. Mr. President, on Social Security re- form, what’s your judgment about where this Implementing Intelligence Reform process stands right now, with polls showing Q. Mr. President, your CIA Director, Mr. the public skeptical; some Republicans, like Goss, said yesterday that he has to wear five Senator Grassley, are seeming to back away hats now and that he was concerned there from your proposal; and Democrats wanting were some ambiguities in the new arrange- to declare it dead. ment about his relationship with Mr. The President. I would say this: I am— Negroponte and Secretary Rumsfeld. Do you know we’re at the early stages of the process. feel there are such ambiguities, and will you I’ve only had nine trips around the country move to—if there are, will you move to clear so far—or nine States on my trips. I’ve got them up? And will this prevent—will this a lot more work to do. Now, I do believe present a problem for the flow of intelligence we’re making progress on the first stage of in this time, this transition period? getting anything complicated and difficult The President. That’s an excellent ques- done in Washington, and that is to explain tion. Porter and I have discussed this, of the problem. And the surveys I have seen, course, because I don’t want there to be any at least, say that the American people under- interruption of intelligence coming to the stand we have a problem. And I’m going to White House, and there won’t be. As a mat- continue going out to explain that to people, ter of fact, Porter Goss comes every morning the nature of the problem. And the problem with the CIA briefer to deliver the briefing. is, in 2018, the system starts losing money. And that, of course, will go on. And it’s— In 2027, it’s 200 billion in the hole, and it secondly, we don’t even have Ambassador gets bigger every year thereafter. In other Negroponte confirmed yet. In other words, words, we can’t pay for the promises we’ve it’s hard to implement reforms without some- made. That’s the problem. body to be the reformer. And so the process And my second phase of this explanation is ongoing. Obviously, when his name gets to the American people is to say to seniors up to the Senate, we hope there’s a speedy who have retired or people near retirement, confirmation. you don’t have anything to worry about; But one of the purposes of the whole proc- you’re going to get your check. I’ve got a ess, Tom, is to make sure that information lot of work to do on that, and I understand flows are smooth and that efforts are coordi- that. But we’re making progress. People are nated. The CIA is the Central Intelligence beginning to say, ‘‘We have a problem.’’ The Agency; it’s the center of the intelligence next phase, when people say we have a prob- community. But there’s a lot of other intel- lem, is going to be, ‘‘What are you going to ligence-gathering operations around Govern- do about it?’’ And I’m willing to put out some ment. And the job of Ambassador ideas about what to do about it. In my judg- Negroponte is to be—to take the information ment, ultimately, I think politicians need to and make sure it is coordinated in its dis- be worried about not being a part of the solu- tribution to not only the White House but tion.

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And so I’m looking forward to continue zation have been brought to justice—a lot to make the case. As you know, Terry—you of them have been. And we are—spend every have followed me a lot—I like to get out day gathering information to locate Usama amongst the people. I get energized—I get bin Laden and Zawahiri, obviously people energized by being with people, and I get like Zarqawi. We’re not resting on our lau- energized when I think about taking on big rels. We’ve had great successes, and—but problems, because that’s why we got elected. that doesn’t mean that we should stop. The American people expect people to come And one of the reasons I came out here together to solve problems. And I’m looking was to remind people that we’ve had great forward to listening to Republicans and successes. I appreciate their successes— Democrats. I said, ‘‘Put your ideas out there. Khalid Sheik Mohammed, Ramzi bin al- There will be no political third rail when it Shibh. I can go down the list. But there’s comes to Social Security.’’ Now is the time more work to be done. And it’s a matter of for good people of good will to come together time. As far as I’m concerned and as far as and get the problem fixed. the CIA is concerned, it’s a matter of time before we bring these people to justice. And Tax Reform I can’t thank the intelligence gatherers, the Q. Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said analysts, and the operators—I can’t thank today that a consumption tax, maybe even them enough for the sacrifices they’re mak- a national sales tax, might spur greater eco- ing. nomic growth. What do you think about that? Last question. The President. I think that I’m going to wait until the tax commission I put together, Iran/Syria the reform commission headed by former Senator John Breaux, Democrat of Lou- Q. Mr. President, on Iran, you spoke to isiana, former Senator Connie Mack, Repub- Condoleezza Rice yesterday, we were told. lican of Florida, comes forward with some What can you tell us about the pros and cons ideas. I told the American people I want to that you’re weighing now as you reach a deci- work to simplify the Tax Code and make it sion on going forward with the EU? easier to understand, so people are spending The President. Yes, let me just tell you less time filing paper, and I believe a sim- how I see the state of action here. First, I plified Tax Code will spur entrepreneurial am most appreciative that our friends in Eu- activity. And so I’m looking forward to what rope agree with the United States that Iran the commission has to say. should not have a nuclear weapon, period— no ands, ifs, or buts. And I thought that was War on Terror a very important statement from the leaders Q. You mentioned Usama bin Laden ear- I met with. And by the way, Mr. Putin feels lier this morning, and you’ve said several the same way. And to me that is a very— times that there’s progress being made on a positive start for achieving our common ob- the war on terrorism. But more than 3 years jective. First, you got to agree to the goal, after September 11th, you still don’t know and the goal is no weapon. where he is. How would you assess the ade- Secondly, I have told our European friends quacy of the intelligence you’re getting on who are handling the negotiations on behalf bin Laden, and do you expect that he’s going of the rest of the world that we want to help to be found anytime soon, even within your make sure the process goes forward. And second term? we’re looking at ways to help move the proc- The President. If Al Qaida was structured ess forward. like corporate America, you’d have a chair- The guilty party is Iran. They’re the ones man of the board still in office, but many who are not living up to international ac- of the key operators would no longer be cords. They’re the people that the whole around. In other words, the executive vice world is saying, ‘‘Don’t develop a weapon.’’ presidents, the operating officers, the people And so we are working with our friends to responsible for certain aspects of the organi- make sure not only the world hears that but

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that the negotiating strategy achieves the ob- Remarks on the Nomination of jective of pointing out where guilt needs to Stephen L. Johnson To Be be as well as achieving the objective of no Administrator of the Environmental nuclear weapon. And I felt good about our Protection Agency visits. I did visit with Condi yesterday, and I’m March 4, 2005 about to go visit with her again in the Oval The President. Good morning. I am Office to discuss not only this issue but other pleased to announce my nomination of Ste- key issues, including Lebanon, where the phen Johnson to be the Administrator of the message is loud and clear from the United Environmental Protection Agency. States and France and many other nations Steve Johnson is a talented scientist and that Syria must withdraw not only her troops skilled manager with a lifelong commitment but her secret service forces out of Lebanon to environmental stewardship. He has 24 now. And I look forward to talking to Condi years of experience at the EPA, spanning all about getting an amplification on her visit four decades of the Agency’s history. Since with our allies overseas. I look forward to late January, he has served as Acting Admin- not only hear their words; I want to hear istrator. He knows the EPA from the ground about their body language. I want to hear up and has a passion for its mission, to pro- about their enthusiasm for the project. I tect the health of our citizens and to guar- think I’m going to find it was quite high be- antee the quality of our air, water, and land cause the people now understand that if you for generations to come. I’ve come to know believe in democracy, why not let the democ- Steve as an innovative problemsolver with racy in Lebanon flourish and grow? And the good judgment and complete integrity. I’m United States of America strongly supports proud to ask him to become the first career democracy all around the world, including EPA employee to hold the office of Adminis- Lebanon. And it cannot flourish so long as trator, and I’m glad he’s agreed to do so. Syrian troops are there. It’s time for Syria When confirmed by the Senate, Steve will to get out. also become the first professional scientist to lead the EPA. He will use that background Listen, thank you all. I appreciate seeing to set clear, rational standards for environ- you. mental quality and to place sound scientific analysis at the heart of all major decisions. NOTE: The President spoke at 3:11 p.m. In his Steve shares my conviction that we can im- remarks, he referred to John D. Negroponte, prove the Earth while maintaining a vibrant nominee to be Director of National Intelligence; and competitive economy. He will work co- former Senators Connie Mack, Chairman, and operatively with leaders in government, in- John B. Breaux, Vice Chairman, President’s Advi- dustry, and environmental advocacy to con- sory Panel on Federal Tax Reform; Usama bin tinue using our resources wisely. He will lis- Laden, leader of the Al Qaida terrorist organiza- ten to those living closest to the land, because tion; Ayman Al-Zawahiri, founder of the Egyptian they know our environmental needs best. Islamic Jihad and senior Al Qaida associate; senior For the last 4 years, Steve has served at Al Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; Khalid Sheik Mohammed, senior Al Qaida leader respon- the side of EPA Administrators Mike Leavitt sible for planning the September 11, 2001, ter- and Christie Todd Whitman, and he shares rorist attack, who was captured in Pakistan on in their record of achievement. Today, Amer- March 1, 2003; Ramzi bin al-Shibh, an Al Qaida ica’s air and water are cleaner than in 2001. operative suspected of helping to plan the Sep- The clean diesel rule we finalized will cut tember 11, 2001, terrorist attack, who was cap- emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by more tured in Karachi, Pakistan, on September 11, than 90 percent over the next 10 years. Our 2002; and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. brownfields initiative has helped restore

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more than a thousand abandoned industrial Administrator-Designate Johnson. sites to productive use in their community. Thank you. We’ve taken landmark steps toward improv- The President. You bet. ing water quality in one of our Nation’s most Administrator-Designate Johnson. treasured natural resources, the Great Lakes. Thank you very much, sir. All Americans are benefiting from the The President. Smile—smile for the cam- EPA’s practical approach and emphasis on era. [Laughter] results, and Steve will build on that progress. His immediate task is to work with Congress NOTE: The President spoke at 8:45 a.m. in the to pass my Clear Skies Initiative. This innova- Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his re- tive legislation will reduce powerplant pollu- marks, he referred to Debbie Johnson, wife of tion by 70 percent without disrupting the Administrator-Designate Johnson. The transcript economy or raising electricity prices. The bill released by the Office of the Press Secretary also will give Governors the flexibility they need included the remarks of Administrator-Designate to meet strict new air quality standards, im- Johnson. prove public health, and protect vulnerable ecosystems from acid rain. Clear Skies is a commonsense, pro-environment, pro-jobs Remarks in a Discussion on piece of legislation, and Congress needs to Strengthening Social Security in get it to my desk this year. Westfield, New Jersey Steve will also bring valuable experience March 4, 2005 that will help us improve our homeland secu- rity. As an expert on pesticides, he helped The President. Thanks for coming. Okay, design new regulations to improve food safe- let’s get to work. Thanks for coming. A hun- ty. In his new role, Steve will lead Federal dred years since a President has been here. efforts to ensure the security of our drinking I don’t know what took the other ones so water supply. My budget includes a new pro- long to get here. [Laughter] Mr. Mayor, gram to better monitor urban water systems, thanks. Mayor Greg McDermott, I appre- so we can detect contamination as quickly ciate your inviting me here, appreciate you as possible. EPA personnel are playing an im- being at the airport. I appreciate you and the portant role in the war on terror, so my budg- local officials putting up with the entourage. et increases support for EPA homeland secu- Thank you all for coming. rity programs by more than 70 percent this My regret is Laura is not with me. She year. is doing great, though. She is a fabulous As he embarks on all these duties, Steve woman, and I’m a lucky guy that she has has the trust and admiration of his longtime agreed to marry me. colleagues, the thousands of hard-working I’ve got some things I want to talk about. EPA employees across the country. He is also I want to talk about freedom and peace. I fortunate to count on the love and support want to talk about growing this economy. I of his wife, Debbie, and their children and want to talk about Social Security. grandchildren, who are with us here today— Before I do so, I do want to say thanks and his mother- and father-in-law. [Laugh- to Congressman Mike Ferguson for his great ter] leadership in the House of Representatives. I ask the Senate to confirm this nomination And Maureen—good to see you, Maureen. promptly. I look forward to welcoming Steve I see her. She’s doing great. Thanks for com- Johnson to my Cabinet as America’s 11th Ad- ing. ministrator of the Environmental Protection Rodney Frelinghuysen is with us. Rodney, Agency. thank you, sir. Rodney and I were talking Congratulations, Steve. Appreciate you. about, on Air Force One, how hard it is to be a baby boomer and trying to jog. [Laugh- At this point, Administrator-Designate John- [ ter] Part of the problem we’re going to face son made brief remarks. ] in Social Security is there’s a lot of baby The President. Good job, sir. boomers like me and Rodney who are getting

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ready to retire. But I’m going to wait a little of compassion. He’s a person who has taken bit and talk about that. his life—time out of his life to lend his talent I want to thank Scott Garrett for joining to help a neighbor in need. us—Congressman Scott Garrett. I’m very And the reason I bring that up is there’s honored that Congressman Steve Rothman all kinds of ways to serve our country. We’ve is with us. I’m honored you’re here, Con- got those wearing the uniform serving our gressman. Thanks for coming. I appreciate country, whether it be abroad or here at you coming. Thanks for being here. home. But you can serve your country as well I want to thank—there’s a Congressman by feeding the hungry or finding shelter for you probably have never heard of, or maybe the homeless or helping a low-income person you have. I shouldn’t do that. I mean, that’s fill out a tax reform [form] *. You can serve unfair. I’m going from New Jersey to South your country just like John Herrmann is by Bend, Indiana, and a good fellow from South volunteering and loving a neighbor just like Bend, who happens to be the Congressman, you’d like to be loved yourselves. If you want said, ‘‘Can I have a ride?’’ And I said, ‘‘You to serve America, do so by helping save a bet.’’ And his name is Chris Chocola, from soul and save a life. This country’s real South Bend, Indiana. Congressman, thanks strength is the hearts and souls of our Amer- for coming. ican citizens. Mike Chertoff—anybody ever heard of We’re living in amazing times. You know, him? He’s now at the Department of Home- we’re—I want the youngsters here to just re- land Security—raised right here. So we’re member the times in which you are growing standing on the stage during the swearing- up. In Afghanistan, millions voted for a Presi- in—or maybe right before or right after— dent. The Palestinians elected a new leader. and he said, ‘‘Tell the home folks thanks.’’ In Iraq, over 8 million people, in spite of So, okay, Chertoff said, ‘‘Thanks.’’ And I say the violence, in spite of the threats, said, ‘‘We thanks to Mike Chertoff for agreeing to serve refuse to be intimidated. We’re going to vote. in the Department of Homeland Security. We want to be free.’’ He has got a big job. But he’s capable of Freedom is a powerful force for good. handling that job, and that job is to do all That’s what the youngsters have got to recog- we can to make sure all Federal agencies nize—and that freedom is just not a Western work together to protect the American peo- idea; freedom is not an American idea; free- ple. dom is a—in my judgment—a gift from a And speaking about protecting the Amer- higher being, a higher power. Everybody de- ican people, I want to thank the family mem- sires to be free. And the job of the United bers and the supporters of the Guard unit States is to work with others to help people right here from this armory that is in Iraq realize what’s deep in their soul, and that is right now. When you e-mail your loved one, the desire to live in a free society. And it’s tell them the Commander in Chief is incred- in our interest we do so. ibly proud, and so is the rest of the country. Many of you were affected by the attacks And we are thankful for the sacrifice and of September the 11th. We’ll stay on the service not only of the men and women who hunt. We’ll disrupt Al Qaida. We’ll find them wear the uniform but of their families as well. wherever they hide. But I will tell you the I want to thank—welcome Jason Reed, long-term solution to defeating hatred and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist in rowing. I ap- hopelessness and the dark vision of Al Qaida preciate you coming, Jason. Good job. and the likes of them is to spread freedom Today when I landed, I met John and hope around the world. And that’s what Herrmann. John is a volunteer with the re- you’re seeing today. tired and senior volunteer program of Union It’s an amazing time. I just came back from County, New Jersey. What he does—he Europe. I had a great trip. I want to thank knows something about accounting, and so our friends overseas for being such wonder- at tax time he helps the disabled or low-in- ful hosts to Laura and me. I sat down with come or elderly individuals fill out their tax forms. What he is—he’s a soldier in the army * White House correction.

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the French President, and we came—we un- so we reformed the class-action lawsuit sys- derstand some things. And one of the things tem in America for the better. And they need we really understand is that Syria—Syrian to do the same thing on asbestos reform and troops, Syrian intelligence services, must get medical liability reform. out of Lebanon now. I can spend a lot of time on a lot of sub- Lebanon is a democracy. Lebanon is a de- jects, but Laura told me, ‘‘You’re going to mocracy, and we strongly support that de- have some panelists up there. Give them a mocracy. I was pleased that Crown Prince chance to speak.’’ [Laughter] I will in a Abdullah of Saudi Arabia sent the very same minute. [Laughter] I know, I’m going on too message. The world is beginning to speak long. I’m just getting warmed up, then. Here with one voice. We want that democracy in we go. Let me talk about—let me get right Lebanon to succeed, and we know it cannot to the subject at hand. I’ve asked some of succeed so long as she is occupied by a for- our fellow citizens to join us on an incredibly eign power, and that power is Syria. There’s important subject, and that’s Social Security. no half measures involved. When the United First, let me say to you that the Social Se- States and France and others say, ‘‘With- curity system has been a very important sys- draw,’’ we mean complete withdrawal, no tem, and I understand that. Social Security half-hearted measures. And those of you who has provided a safety net for many retirees, are trying to analyze our foreign policy, just and that’s an important safety net. But the remember, democracy leads to peace, the safety net has got a hole in it, and we need peace we all want for our children and our to make sure we save that safety net for fu- grandchildren. ture generations of Americans to come. The economy is getting better. Today we The first thing I want to tell you about got some good news. We added 262,000 new Social Security is that if you’re getting your jobs last month. The national unemployment check, nothing will change. No matter what rate is 5.4 percent. It’s 4.2 percent right here the talk is about reform, nothing will change. in the great State of New Jersey, and that’s I don’t care what the ads say. I don’t care good news. But we’re living in a dynamic what the scare tactics say. You’re going to world. Things change, and the fundamental get your check, just like the Government question is, what do we do to keep our econ- said. The problem isn’t for the seniors. The omy growing? I’ve told the Congress one way problem is for the youngsters coming up; the to do so is to make sure we’ve got certainty question is, will you get your check? Will we in the Tax Code. They need to make the tax be able to keep the promise? cuts permanent. A lot of people say, ‘‘Well, Mr. President, I sent up a budget that says I understand you’re talking about Social Security. It’s we need to do something about the deficits, called the third rail of American politics. That and I’m looking forward to working with the means, if you touch it, you get a huge electric Budget Committees in both the House and shock. Now, why are you talking about it?’’ the Senate. I thought it was pretty smart of Well, you’re going to hear me describe the me to say to the American people at the State problem. But I think we have a duty in elect- of the Union, we’re going to be wise about ed office to confront problems and not pass how we spend your money, and if a program them on to future Presidents, future Con- is not working, we’re not going to spend the gresses, and future generations. money on it. Seems realistic and logical. I didn’t run for office to dodge problems. I want to thank the House and the Senate And I don’t think the American people—I for getting a good piece of legal reform to don’t care what your political party is, they my desk. One way to make sure the economy don’t—I think the American people expect continues to grow is to make sure the scales us all to confront problems and deal with of justice are balanced. They were not bal- them in a fair, open way. That’s what I think. anced when it came to class-action lawsuits. Now, let me tell you why I think we got Too many class-action lawsuits were driving a problem. And me and Rodney are part of too many good people out of business, which the problem; we’re baby boomers, and we’re meant people weren’t able to find a job. And fixing to retire. Matter of fact, a lot of us

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turn 62 in 2008. That’s the time you start In 2028, the number of—the amount of to retire, and there’s a whole lot of us. Yet the money that needs to be paid in order we’re living longer. We’re living longer than to make the promises is 200 billion a year the previous generations of Americans. So above and beyond payroll taxes. And it gets you got more people retiring who are living bigger every year. It gets into 300 billion a longer, plus we have been promised greater year. So when you got more money going benefits than the previous generation. So we out, in terms of the promises made to baby got more people living longer getting bigger boomers retiring and fewer people paying in, benefits. And the problem is, is that the num- this thing gets into the red in a real hurry. ber of people paying into the system is That’s why I say we got a problem. shrinking. Now, 2018, some would say, ‘‘That’s not— If you look over here, in the fifties, 16 peo- that’s pretty far down the road, isn’t it?’’ ple were paying into the system to pay for Think about that—2018, if you’re a mom one retiree. So if that person was to get with a 5-year-old child, that person’s going $14,200, say, it would be $900 a payer. The to be driving, and you’re going to get gray system now is 3.3 people paying into the sys- hair before you know it. [Laughter] I mean, tem. In a decade, it’s going to be two people we’re talking about right around the corner, paying in the system. when you think about it. Those of us in public Now, this is a pay-as-you-go system. In office must look down the road. We can’t other words, it says when you retire, some- say, ‘‘Well, don’t worry. I’m on a 2-year body is going to have to pay for your benefits. term,’’ or ‘‘I’m on a 6-year term,’’ or ‘‘I’m This is not a savings account. One of the on a 4-year term. We’ll just let somebody myths of Social Security is that your money else deal with it,’’ because the longer you is going into it and the Government is hold- wait, the harder the problem is. ing it and saving it for you. That’s not the Imagine waiting until 2018, and you’re a way it works. Your money is going into the young worker, and the Government says, system, and it’s getting spent, some of it on ‘‘Oh, by the way, I’m going to have to raise retirement benefits, other parts on just gen- your payroll taxes again in order to pay for eral Government. And there’s an IOU, a the benefits we promised,’’ or, ‘‘We’re going paper IOU accumulating. But it’s not just sit- to have to slash this program, that program.’’ ting there. There’s not an account with your I mean, eventually, when you’re spending at name that’s saying, on behalf of you, the Gov- least 200 billion above and beyond that which ernment has now got your money. That’s not you’ve got in payroll taxes and increases every the way it works. So it’s a pay-as-you-go. It year, something drastic has to happen. If we goes in and goes out. act now, we can do so in a way that saves Now, let me give you some numbers about the system for younger workers. the consequences of what we’re talking I’m going to tell you again; I’m going to about, and this chart says it pretty good. keep saying it all around the country—and Right now, there are more people paying I like doing this, by the way. I like going in—the money coming in on payroll taxes is around the country saying, ‘‘Folks, we have greater than the money going out, and that’s got a problem.’’ And I like saying to people, the black part of the chart. But very soon, don’t worry about it if you’ve been born prior in a very quick period of time—as a matter to 1950. Nothing changes. You’re going to of fact, in 2018—the money going out ex- get what you’re promised. But I’m also saying ceeds the money coming in, in Social Secu- to younger workers, you better listen care- rity. In other words, baby boomers like me, fully to this debate because you’re the ones who will be living longer and have been who are going to have to pay for it. And if promised greater benefits, are going to start I were you, I’d be saying, ‘‘Well, if we have saying, ‘‘Send me my check.’’ And those of a problem, Mr. President, what do you and you paying in are going to start to have to the Congress intend to do about it?’’ pay into a system that is going into the red Right now we’re wondering whether we’ve every year. As you can see, that number gets got a problem. I’ve been reading the news- worse and worse as time goes on. papers and been seeing some folks saying,

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‘‘There’s not a problem. He’s just exag- I’m talking conservative; I’m not talking gerating.’’ Well, I’m going to keep telling about lottery, taking it to the track—[laugh- people we’ve got a problem until it sinks in, ter]—a conservative mix of stocks and bonds because we’ve got one. The facts are irref- just like Federal employees get in the em- utable. You can’t dodge whether we have a ployee Thrift Savings Plan. And just like we problem or not. Because, see, the next fol- give people who work for the Government, low-on question to that is, ‘‘If you’ve got a you can take some of your own money, set problem, what do you Republicans and it aside, and watch it grow. Democrats and a few independents intend Do you realize that if you’re a person who to do about it up there? Are you going to earns an average of $35,000 a year over your sit around and play politics? Or are you going working career, $35,000, and you’re allowed to get it to table and do your duty as public to take—put 4 percent of the money—the servants?’’ payroll tax aside in a personal account, and And so I started that process. When I gave you hold it over time, that when you retire, my State of the Union, I said, ‘‘Put your ideas you’ll save a quarter-of-a-million dollars. on the table.’’ I said, ‘‘Come on, bring some That’s your money. That money, by the way, ideas forward. We have an obligation.’’ And the quarter-of-a-million dollars, is the capital I reminded people that Senator Daniel Pat- account. Now, you can’t spend all that the rick Moynihan had some good ideas. Presi- minute you retire. This is a retirement ac- dent Clinton, my predecessor, had some count we’re talking about. But it’s your good ideas. Former Democrat Congressman money, and the interest off that money goes Tim Penny had some good ideas—all of them to supplement the Social Security check that interesting ideas that need to be in the mix you’re going to get from the Federal Govern- in order to permanently solve this problem. ment. See, personal accounts is an add-on And so I want to say again to folks who are to that which the Government is going to listening here today, I’m really interested in pay you. It doesn’t replace the Social Security working with members of both parties to be system. It is a part of making—getting a bet- able to say we’ve done our duty. ter rate of return, though, so—to come closer Now, I’ve got some ideas, and I wanted to the promises made. That’s important to to share one of the ideas with you right now. know. I believe in order to make the system work Secondly, you just can’t take it all out. I better for younger workers, they ought to be mean, it’s a retirement system. There will be able—be allowed to, at their choice, to take rules about withdrawal. You can’t put it in some of their own money and set it aside certain things if you—start-ups. There are in a personal savings account. That’s what I guidelines to encourage you to make the think we ought to consider. right kind of investments. Now, you can alter Let me tell you why it makes sense to me stocks and bonds and different things—your that—first of all, the Government can’t meet choice. But it’s been proven that when you its promises. But one way for a younger hold money over a period of time in safe, worker to come close to what the Govern- conservative investments, it gets a better rate ment has promised is to be able to take a of return than the money you get in the So- portion of the money and get a better rate cial Security system. So there will be guide- of return on your own money than that which lines about what you can invest in. the Social Security system gets. See, there’s We’ve got to make sure the system is fair something called the compounding rate of to poor Americans. And so there’s ways to interest. That’s when you set aside a dollar make sure the benefit structure is fair. But or a series of dollars, and it grows over time. let me talk to you about investing. There’s And obviously, if the rate on your money is a certain notion in America that the investor 2 percent, it will grow at a certain pace. If class is only a certain type of person. I just it’s 4 percent, it grows double that. And right don’t believe that. I don’t subscribe to that. now the money—your money is earning very I don’t think that’s what America is about. little compared to what you can get in con- I think we ought to encourage people from servative stocks and bonds and investments. all walks of life to own something. I think

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ownership is a vital part of being a productive power of your voice to say to people, ‘‘We’ve citizen in our country. I think we ought to seen enough of this, ‘We’re not going to encourage ownership, not discourage owner- move because somebody might look good,’ ship. And I think we ought to recognize peo- or, ‘We don’t want to do it because my polit- ple from all walks of life are plenty capable ical party told me not to do something.’ ’’ about managing their own affairs. Now is the time to get rid of all that—all I’m getting ready, hold on. I’m winding that deadlock in Washington, and focus on down here. [Laughter] Think about a system the problem for the good of the generation where you’ve accumulated a nest egg of your to come. own—the 35,000-a-year person, a quarter-of- All right. Olivia Mitchell is with us. Olivia, a-million-dollar nest egg—and that when you tell us what you do. pass on, you can leave it to whom you want. In other words, that person can then take [At this point, Dr. Olivia Mitchell, executive it and spend it tomorrow if they feel like it. director, Pension Research Council, Wharton But it’s your asset. See, it’s your money to School, University of Pennsylvania, and begin with. former Member, President’s Commission to The Social Security system today—if Strengthen Social Security, made brief re- you’re a young widow and the money your marks.] husband put in, there’s nothing there. The President. Well, I appreciate that, There’s no asset. There’s a Government Olivia. It is very important—[applause]. promise that at a certain age you’ll get a sti- Thank you all. It is very important for those pend. But there’s no assets there, see? And folks—and listen, I understand there’s a lot so what we’re talking about is really changing of people who rely exclusively on their Social how the system works so that your money Security checks, and I know that. And it is can earn a better rate of return, and that after very important for people to not be fright- your—when you pass on, you can pass that ened by the discussion about making sure money on to whomever you want. So we’re your grandchildren have got a system around. talking about helping people build up an I mean, one of the great things about the asset base, which I think is a vital part of generation who now relies upon Social Secu- a stable future. It also has the added benefit rity is there’s a deep concern about genera- of providing more savings. And when there’s tions coming up. And this really is a more savings, there’s more investment. And generational issue, and I want to thank you when there’s more investment, there’s more for bringing that up. jobs. It will be good for the economy as well. Speaking about that, we’ve got John Bligh So I’m interested in this idea. I’m excited with us. Welcome. about it. I’ve spent a lot of time talking about John Bligh. Hi, Mr. President. it to people. I understand we’re going to have to explain to people, over time, when we talk The President. How are you? with Congress, how this works. I’ve said it Mr. Bligh. Fine, thank you. makes sense to phase it in very slowly so that [Mr. Bligh, retired senior, East Northport, we can better afford the transition cost to NY, made brief remarks.] go from one system to another. But I’ll tell you this: If we don’t act, we’re looking at The President. Well, I appreciate you, about an $11 trillion hole for the American John. Thanks, good job. Thank you, very taxpayers that are coming up. This is a big good. liability—not for me and baby boomers. See, I think the operative word is that he’s We’re fine. Rodney and I are just fine. We not worried about getting his check—counts lucked out when it came time to—the year on his check, not worried about it. That’s we were born. what I—one of the things I’m going to con- But if you’re born—if you’re a young work- tinue saying around this country, and by the er, you’ve got a problem. And I repeat, I way, this is State number 10, and tomorrow hope—I hope that as time goes on and this is 11, and I’m keeping moving. I just say I’m debate goes forward, that you understand the going to a lot of places. I’m not going to go

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away on this issue because it’s vital, and we’ve you actually own a stake, and the future mat- got to do something for the younger folks. ters a lot. And the fact that John said he’s not wor- You know, I love the fact that more people ried about the check, the check that he’s are owning their home in America than ever been promised, is an important statement. before. I love the fact that people are owning He said, ‘‘I need it, and I’m not worried their own business in America, people from about it.’’ And I want others to hear that as all walks of life. And I think it makes sense well. to encourage ownership when it comes to re- Then he invited—Lisa—who invited who? tirement systems. Did you invite Dad, or did he invite himself? Carlos Pagan. Lisa Engler. Well—I’m sorry—the truth Carlos Pagan. Thank you, Mr. President. of the matter is, I need my parents on a reg- The President. First of all, he’s a fire- ular basis to help me, because I have five fighter, and I’m proud of you. children—— Mr. Pagan. Thank you, Mr. President. The President. Five kids, that’s good, yes. The President. Good job. All right, where Mrs. Engler. ——and I really can’t do it are you a firefighter? all on my own. So anyway, yes, I’m Lisa Mr. Pagan. I’m a fireman in the city of Engler. I’m here with my husband, Will. We Paterson. have five children. The President. Good, yes. Thank you. The President. Right. John is your dad. Staying in good shape? Mrs. Engler. And my dad. And Social Se- Mr. Pagan. Yes, sir. curity, of course, for me is an issue, because The President. One thing about those not only did I work in the workforce for 10 firefighters, they stay in good shape. You years and saw a big chunk of my money go also—— into Social Security, and all the senior man- Mr. Pagan. I own a real estate company agers telling me, you know, ‘‘It may not be in the city of Paterson. Again, my name is here for you. Invest in 401(k),’’ but now, Carlos Pagan. I’m 33 years old. I’m raising looking at the numbers and everything, it’s two kids. I have a daughter named Vanessa; very frightening as a parent. I have a 3- she’s 15. month-old daughter who, at the age of 65, The President. No, you’re not 15. [Laugh- this system will be bankrupt for almost 30 ter] years. It’s frightening. Mr. Pagan. And my son, Steven; he’s 13. The President. In 2042, it goes broke, for The President. So like, teenagers? good. It not only goes in the red, but what- Mr. Pagan. Yes, sir. ever paper is available in the form of IOUs The President. Yes—I’ve been there. is gone. I mean, it’s just—it’s a fact. [Laughter] Mrs. Engler. And there’s no getting around it. I mean, we all know it. We all [Mr. Pagan, owner, Century 21 Northern Re- heard—— alty, and firefighter, Paterson, NJ, made fur- The President. No, not everybody knows ther remarks.] it yet. They’re going to know it. The President. Let me tell you an inter- Mrs. Engler. Oops. esting statistic. You know, Carlos—I was get- The President. You know it. It’s all right. ting ready to tell you, the other day I was at one of these forums, and the person said, [Mrs. Engler, stay-at-home mom, Westfield, ‘‘People like me’’—see, she had read a survey NJ, made further remarks.] that said people her age thought they were The President. There you go. [Laughter] likely to see a UFO before they’d get a Social Yes, and not only that—that’s a good—very Security check when they retire. [Laughter] good. And not only do you watch your money Kind of an interesting observation, isn’t it? grow, but you watch people making decisions [Laughter] So here’s Carlos, a firefighter, about the economy. In other words, there’s saying, ‘‘Just give me a chance to manage a certain sense of when you own something, some of my own money.’’

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Things have changed in America since I manager at the Hilton Short Hills around the was Carlos’ age. I don’t remember 401(k)s corner. when I was 30 years old. Maybe they were The President. Business all right? there; I just wasn’t observant of it. I don’t Mr. Dougherty. Business is good. think 401(k)s came into being. I don’t think The President. You deserve a promotion, there was this notion of defined contribution then, what the heck. [Laughter] plans. So here we are, talking to a brave fire- Mr. Dougherty. Well, thank you. Maybe fighter, talking about, ‘‘Give me a chance to if we can get you to stay in the Presidential contribute to my own plan.’’ It’s kind of inter- suite, which is calling your name. esting, isn’t it? It’s an interesting shift of atti- The President. Very good. tude. There’s a lot of folks that may not real- Mr. Dougherty. Your next overnight trip, ize this; there’s a whole kind of investor cul- sir. ture that is growing up throughout the whole The President. That’s called turning the younger generation. People are used to it, tide on the old boy, you know. That’s good. used to the concept of opening up a quarterly [Laughter] statement and saying, ‘‘Look at my asset base. [Mr. Dougherty made further remarks.] Look how it is growing.’’ That’s an important thing that people need The President. It’s interesting, isn’t it? to hear, particularly people in the United Listen to this 23-year-old guy. He’s saying, States Congress, that we’re not talking about ‘‘I’ve analyzed it. I started to pay attention a foreign idea of allowing people to take some to it. And when I looked at the math, I real- of their own money, in order so that that ized I’m going to be on the short end of the money can grow at a better rate than that stick.’’ In other words, you can put all the which is in the Government, so that when money in you want, but because of the demo- they come to retire, it can be closer to the graphics and the math, there’s not going to benefits promised by the Federal Govern- be anything left. You’re just paying for me, ment. That’s what we’re talking about. and I—and I appreciate it. [Laughter] We’re I think it’s interesting, don’t you, that Car- happy you are. The question is, will you be los is—he’s got an entrepreneurial spirit to paying for anything for yourself? And the an- begin with, right? When did you start your swer is, not unless we reform this system. own business? That’s what the message is here today. Mr. Pagan. Seven years ago, sir. Keep going, you’re on a roll. Keep going. The President. Making a living? Mr. Dougherty. The other thing, Mr. Mr. Pagan. Yes, doing all right. President—we had an opportunity to speak The President. That’s good, yes. It’s what backstage, and I appreciate your listening. we like to hear. [Laughter] Employing peo- I’m here to ask that Congress listens. You ple? don’t see many 23-year-olds on the MSNBC circuit or anything like that at nighttime, but Mr. Pagan. Yes, and this summer, I’m we have something to say, and we’re con- going to employ my daughter for the first cerned about the issue. time, and she’ll be able to contribute to So- The President. Yes. You sure do have cial Security. something to say. See, here’s the thing about The President. That’s good. Good job. this issue. I actually ran on it. I said, ‘‘Vote Okay. Brian Dougherty. Welcome. for me, and I’m going to do something about Brian Dougherty. Thank you, sir. It’s a Social Security, and I’m going to try to put pleasure to be here, Mr. President. out some innovative ideas to fix it.’’ And in The President. Glad you’re here. Age? the past, people would say, ‘‘Don’t campaign Mr. Dougherty. Twenty-three. on Social Security; you’ll get beat.’’ It used The President. See, he’s nervous, and to be politically that if you just said some- should be. Not about sitting up here— thing about it, they would run ads saying, [laughter]. ‘‘Well, Bush is going to take away your Mr. Dougherty. I’m 23 years old. I live check.’’ And they actually did that in 2000, in Hoboken, New Jersey, now. I’m a sales I was told. And fortunately, when I ran the

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next time, I was able to say, ‘‘Well, we didn’t Security Council. Later, he met with Sec- take away your check.’’ retary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld. But I’m still talking about it because I The White House announced that the think it’s an issue we need to talk about. I President will welcome Cardinal Nasrallah think it’s an important issue. And the dynam- Boutros Sfeir, the Maronite Patriarch of An- ics have changed. Young people are begin- tioch and all the East, to the White House ning to say, ‘‘What about my check? What’s on March 16. going to be around for me?’’ This is a generational issue. People born March 1 from 1950 and before have nothing to worry about; the promise is going to be made. The In the morning, the President had an intel- fundamental question is, will the Congress ligence briefing. have the will and the desire to work with In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the administration so that we can say to peo- the President met with congressional leaders ple like Brian and Carlos and everybody else to discuss his recent visit to Europe and for- up here that are born after 1950, ‘‘We hear eign policy initiatives. your voice, too. We know you’ve got a con- cern, and we want to make sure this very March 2 important system, the retirement system, is In the morning, the President had an intel- modernized and reformed so you’ll have the ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Arnold, safety net when you retire as well.’’ MD. Listen, I want to thank you all for giving Later in the morning, the President re- us a chance to discuss this. I want to thank turned to Washington, DC. our panelists. God bless. Thanks for coming. In the afternoon, in the Residence, the President met with Republican Members of NOTE: The President spoke at 10:56 a.m. at the Westfield Armory. In his remarks, he referred to the House of Representatives to discuss So- Mayor Gregory S. McDermott of Westfield, NJ; cial Security reform. Maureen Ferguson, wife of Representative Mike The President made additional disaster as- Ferguson; President Hamid Karzai of Afghani- sistance available to Alabama by authorizing stan; President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of an increase in the level of Federal funding the Palestinian Authority; President Jacques for Public Assistance projects undertaken as Chirac of France; and Crown Prince Abdullah of a result of Hurricane Ivan. Saudi Arabia. March 3 In the morning, the President had a tele- phone conversation with Prime Minister Digest of Other Ayad Allawi of the Iraqi Interim Government White House Announcements to discuss the political and security situation in Iraq. He then had an intelligence briefing. In the afternoon, the President had lunch The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- with Vice President Dick Cheney. Later, he nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and traveled to Langley, VA, where he had a not included elsewhere in this issue. briefing at the Central Intelligence Agency. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. Later in the afternoon, the President par- February 26 ticipated in an interview with the Editorial In the morning, the President had an intel- Board of the New York Post. Later, he met ligence briefing. with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He then participated in a photo opportunity February 28 with U.S. Senate Youth Program students. In the morning, the President had an intel- The White House announced that the ligence briefing and met with the National President will host President Vicente Fox of

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Mexico and Prime Minister Paul Martin of Nominations Canada in Texas on March 23. Submitted to the Senate

March 4 The following list does not include promotions of In the morning, the President had a tele- members of the Uniformed Services, nominations phone conversation with Prime Minister-des- to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- ignate Jose Socrates of Portugal to congratu- eign Service officers. late him on his party’s February 20 election victory. He then had an intelligence briefing. Submitted February 28 Later in the morning, the President trav- eled to Newark, NJ, where, upon arrival at William Cobey, Newark Liberty International Airport, he of North Carolina, to be a member of the met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Board of Directors of the Metropolitan John Herrmann. He then traveled to West- Washington Airports Authority for a term ex- field, NJ. piring May 30, 2010, vice John Paul Ham- In the afternoon, the President traveled to merschmidt, term expired. South Bend, IN, where, upon arrival at South Bend Regional Airport, he met with USA Linda Morrison Combs, Freedom Corps volunteer Lucy Kuminecz. of North Carolina, to be Controller, Office He then traveled to Notre Dame, IN. of Federal Financial Management, Office of Later in the afternoon, the President re- Management and Budget, vice Linda M. turned to Washington, DC. Springer. The White House announced that the President will welcome Prime Minister John C. Dugan, of Maryland, to be Comptroller of the Cur- Bertie Ahern of Ireland to the White House rency for a term of 5 years, vice John D. on March 17. Hawke, Jr., resigned. The President announced his intention to nominate David Garman to be Under Sec- Christopher J. Hanley, retary of Energy. of Maryland, to be a member of the Board The President announced his intention to of Directors of the Overseas Private Invest- nominate Christopher R. Hill to be Assistant ment Corporation for a term expiring De- Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific cember 17, 2006, vice George J. Kourpias, Affairs. term expired. The President announced his intention to nominate Anthony J. Principi to be a member Nancy Ann Nord, of the Defense Base Closure and Realign- of the District of Columbia, to be a Commis- ment Commission and, upon confirmation, sioner of the Consumer Product Safety Com- to designate him as Chairman. mission for the remainder of the term expir- The President announced his intention to ing October 26, 2005, vice Mary Sheila Gall, nominate Rudolph E. Boschwitz for the rank resigned. of Ambassador during his tenure of service Nancy Ann Nord, as U.S. Representative on the Human Rights of the District of Columbia, to be a Commis- Commission of the Economic and Social sioner of the Consumer Product Safety Com- Council of the United Nations. mission for a term of 7 years from October The President announced his intention to 27, 2005 (reappointment). designate E. Timothy Oppelt as Acting As- sistant Administrator for Research and De- Jeffrey Clay Sell, velopment at the Environmental Protection of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of Energy, Agency. vice Kyle E. McSlarrow, resigned.

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Submitted March 1 Released March 1 Brian Edward Sandoval, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of Nevada, to be U.S. District Judge for the retary Scott McClellan District of Nevada, vice Howard D. Transcript of a press briefing by Office of McKibben, retired. Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Di- Submitted March 4 rector Jim Towey on the President’s an- nouncements regarding the Faith-Based and Rudolph E. Boschwitz, Community Initiatives of Minnesota, for the rank of Ambassador Fact sheet: Compassion in Action: Producing during his tenure of service as Representa- Real Results for Americans Most in Need tive of the United States of America on the Human Rights Commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Released March 2 David Garman, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Energy, retary Scott McClellan vice Robert Gordon Card, resigned. Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Alabama Christopher R. Hill, of Rhode Island, to be an Assistant Secretary Fact sheet: Better Training for Better Jobs of State (East Asian and Pacific Affairs), vice James Andrew Kelly, resigned. Released March 3 Anthony Joseph Principi, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of California, to be a member of the Defense retary Scott McClellan Base Closure and Realignment Commission Statement by the Press Secretary on the up- (new position). coming visit of Mexican President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Mar- tin

Checklist Released March 4 of White House Press Releases Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- retary Scott McClellan The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern Other White House Announcements. Announcement of nomination for Adminis- trator of the Environmental Protection Agen- Released February 26 cy Statement by the Press Secretary on the ter- rorist attack in Tel Aviv, Israel Released February 28 Acts Approved Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- by the President retary Scott McClellan Statement by the Press Secretary on the up- coming visit of Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Sfeir, the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and received by the Office of the Federal Register all the East during the period covered by this issue.

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