Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, September 15, 2008 Volume 44—Number 36 Pages 1179–1206

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Addresses and Remarks Executive Orders See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Executive Branch Responsibilities With National Defense University—1188 Respect to Orders of Succession—1198 Oklahoma Arrival in Oklahoma City—1199 Health savings accounts, discussion in Interviews With the News Media Oklahoma City—1200 Exchange with reporters in Oklahoma City, Radio address—1179 OK—1200 Virginia, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial dedication ceremony in Arlington—1197 Meetings With Foreign Leaders Voluntarism—1181 Walter Reed Army Medical Center, visit— Iraq, President Talabani—1193 1192 White House tee-ball—1180 Proclamations Communications to Congress National Employer Support of the Guard and Hague Convention on the International Reserve Week—1201 Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, message National Hispanic Heritage Month—1201 transmitting—1187 Patriot Day—1185 India-U.S. Agreement Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, message Statements by the President transmitting—1195 Proliferation detection and interdiction Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Corporations— activities, letter transmitting report—1186 1180 Russia-U.S. cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, message on Supplementary Materials proposed agreement—1186 Acts approved by the President—1206 Communications to Federal Agencies Checklist of White House press releases— Proposed Agreement for Cooperation 1205 Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Digest of other White House India Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear announcements—1202 Energy, memorandum—1194 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1204

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

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The President’s Radio Address through the use of our domestic resources, September 6, 2008 we can begin reducing the pressure on prices. So in June, I called on Congress to Good morning. Throughout the past week, open up more of America’s domestic oil re- Americans anxiously watched weather condi- sources for exploration, including offshore tions in the gulf coast region. The people of exploration of the Outer Continental Shelf. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas The American people overwhelmingly sup- were well prepared for Hurricane Gustav, port this proposal. But throughout the sum- and the coordination between these States mer, the leaders of the Democratic Congress and the Federal Government was strong. refused to allow it to come to a vote. Now we’re focusing on the relief effort. At the very least, Congress should take ac- Gustav caused damage to infrastructure, tion on three commonsense energy solutions forced tens of thousands into shelters, and that enjoy bipartisan support. left more than a million people without First, Congress should open the way for power. The Federal Government is working environmentally responsible offshore explo- with State and local officials to repair this ration on the Outer Continental Shelf. Ex- damage, to help residents get back home, perts believe that these areas could eventu- and to return life in the region to normal ally produce nearly 10 years worth of Amer- as soon as possible. ica’s current annual oil production. This ex- While these relief efforts have been in ploration is now banned by a provision in- progress, we’ve also been preparing for the cluded in the annual interior appropriations arrival of storms like Hanna, Ike, and others bill. Congress should remove this restriction that may follow. My administration will con- immediately. tinue to provide assistance to those affected Second, Congress should expand access to by violent weather throughout this hurricane oil shale, a domestic resource that could season. And we will continue to work dili- produce the equivalent of more than a cen- gently to coordinate our emergency response tury’s worth of imports at current levels. Last efforts with State and local governments. year, however, Democratic leaders slipped a While the Federal Government continues provision blocking oil shale leasing on Fed- this vital work, there are also important re- eral lands into an omnibus spending bill. sponsibilities awaiting Members of Congress They should lift that ban immediately. as they return to Washington. In just a few Third, Congress should extend renewable weeks, Members will be back out on the power tax credits to spur the development campaign trail, emphasizing the differences of alternative sources of energy like wind and between the two parties. But before they solar. They should make these credits long- leave Washington, they should show that they term and expand them to cover all forms of can work together on bipartisan measures to low-emission power generation, including help strengthen America’s economy: meas- nuclear power. In the long run, increasing ures like approving the Colombia and Korean production of low-carbon electricity can help free trade agreements, extending relief from us reduce our addiction to oil by allowing the Alternative Minimum Tax, and address- us to power a new generation of plug-in hy- ing one of the American people’s biggest con- brid and hydrogen-powered vehicles. cerns—the high price of gasoline. This Congress has earned a reputation as The fundamental reason for high gasoline one of the least productive in history. prices is that the supply of oil is not keeping Throughout this year, Democratic leaders pace with demand. By increasing supply have ignored the public’s demand for relief 1179

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from high energy prices. This is their final The actions taken today are temporary and chance to take action before the November will support housing finance in the near term. elections. If Members of Congress do not As we determine the appropriate role for the support the American people at the gas companies in the future, it is crucial that they pump, then they should not expect the Amer- not pose similar risks to our economy or the ican people to support them at the ballot box. financial system again. Thank you for listening. NOTE: The Office of the Press Secretary also re- NOTE: The address was recorded at 5:30 p.m. on leased a Spanish language version of this state- September 4 at Camp David, MD, for broadcast ment. at 10:06 a.m. on September 6. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Sec- retary on September 5 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Press Remarks at a White House Tee-Ball Secretary also released a Spanish language tran- Game script of this address. September 7, 2008 Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tee-ball Statement on the Fannie Mae and on the South Lawn. Laura and I are honored Freddie Mac Corporations you are here, and we welcome the military September 7, 2008 families and players from all across the United States of America. Today the Federal Housing Finance Agen- We are really looking forward to seeing cy (FHFA), the regulator of Fannie Mae and you all play, and it gives us a chance to thank Freddie Mac, determined that these housing your moms and dads for their sacrifice and mortgage companies cannot continue to op- service to the United States of America. erate safely and soundly, and fulfill their pub- I’m proud to be here with the honorary lic mission, posing an unacceptable risk to commissioner, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs the broader financial system and our econ- of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen. We are joined omy. FHFA announced that it will place the today with—by the Secretary of Defense, companies in conservatorship and appoint Bob Gates; General Norton Schwartz, Chief new leadership. of Staff, U.S. Air Force; Chief Master Ser- The Treasury Department and the Federal geant of the U.S. Air Force, Rod McKinley. Reserve are taking additional steps that com- We welcome Congressman Tom Davis. plement FHFA’s actions and will support Welcome, Tom. Thanks for coming, and market stability, add to mortgage availability, thanks for bringing Jeannemarie. Glad you and protect taxpayers. These agencies are all are here. taking the necessary steps to prevent a dis- What an honor it is to have Rascal Flatts ruption of our financial system. not only play the national anthem, but enter- Putting these companies on sound finan- tain you at the picnic at the South Lawn after cial footing and reforming their business the game. Thank you guys for coming. practices is critical to the health of our finan- I do want to thank the Dunbar High cial system and to making further progress School Junior ROTC for carrying the flag. with the housing correction that today is Welcome; thank you all for coming. weighing heavily on our economy. Allowing Handling the first base coaching duties, the companies to fail or further deteriorate former New York Yankee, Bernie Williams; would damage our home mortgage market third base, General Pete Pace. and could weaken other credit markets that I’m about to—we don’t actually throw out are unrelated directly to housing. Americans the first pitch here at the South Lawn. We should be confident that the actions taken have ball presenters: Ambassador Karen today will strengthen our ability to weather Hughes, who helped originate tee-ball at the the housing correction and are critical to re- White House 20 games ago; as well as the turning the economy to stronger sustained CEO and president of Little League Inter- growth in the future. national, Steve Keener.

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We are especially pleased to have two covery efforts, has been spending millions of broadcast giants with us today—first, Tim dollars to provide shelter and food for the McCarver, FOX; all-star catcher, 19—on the evacuees and to help with the clean-up ef- 1964 Cardinal World Series team; awesome forts. Yet, charitable contributions have not guy. And with him, from FOX and Friends, kept pace with their expenses, and I hope Brian Kilmeade. our fellow citizens will support the Red I don’t think we could have had a better Cross, particularly as Hurricanes Ike and broadcast team for this, the final game for other storms develop over the gulf coast. You tee-ball on the South Lawn. I do want to can help by going to the Red Cross’s web thank all the Little League staff members site, redcross.org, and make a vital contribu- who have been working with us since 2001— tion to help our fellow citizens. Lance Van Auken, Mac McGlothlin, and I appreciate the fact that those here rep- Katie [Kathie] * Rosenberg. Appreciate your resent the hundreds of thousands of our citi- steadfast support. zens who answered the call to love a neighbor And now, before we begin the game—I like we’d like to be loved ourselves. I appre- know anticipation is rising here—we will ciate the fact that you and others lift up souls, have the Little League Pledge. Are the play- one person at a time. You strengthen the ers ready? You are ready? You repeat after foundation of our democracy, which is the me. engagement of our people. I want to thank [At this point, the pledge was recited.] you for what you do. God bless you and wel- Play ball! come. I thank Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, De- NOTE: The President spoke at 4 p.m. on the South partment of the Interior, and Patricia, who Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he re- have joined us. Secretary of Commerce Car- ferred to Jeannemarie A. Devolites-Davis, wife of los Gutierrez; Secretary of Transportation Representative Tom Davis of Virginia; Lance Van Auken, senior communication executive, and Mac Mary Peters; Congresswoman Carolyn McGlothlin, maintenance supervisor, Little McCarthy—welcome Madame Congress- League International; and Kathie Rosenberg, who woman—thanks for coming. I appreciate Ste- performed as Dugout, mascot of Little League phen Goldsmith, the Chairman of the Cor- International. The transcript was released by the poration for National and Community Serv- Office of the Press Secretary on September 8. ice; Jack Hawkins, Director of Volunteers for Prosperity; Ron Tschetter, who is the Direc- Remarks on Voluntarism tor of the Peace Corps—[applause]—I knew that was coming—[laughter]—Jean Case, the September 8, 2008 Chairman of the President’s Council on Serv- Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome ice and Civic Participation; and members of to the south ground of the White House. It that council. is a joy to be here with members of the ar- I appreciate my buddy Michael W. Smith, mies of compassion. I’m really glad you’re who is going to play a couple of songs for here. I appreciate your inspiration to our fel- us here, and his wife, Debbie. I want to thank low citizens. I believe you are a constant re- student and school administrators and board minder of the true source of our Nation’s members from the LEAGUE that are here strength, which is the good hearts and souls today. These are students from schools all of the American people. across the country. We are glad you are here. We have seen the good hearts of our peo- With us is the 2007 Spirit of Hope Award ple over the last week as caring volunteers recipient. This is the military’s way of hon- have helped their fellow citizens through oring people who have given back to their Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm communities. Giovanni Balingit—Giovanni, Hanna. The Red Cross, which provides a welcome; thank you, sir; congratulations to vital role in helping the relief efforts and re- you. I want to thank all those who are here in the United States military. Thank you for * White House correction. wearing the uniform of the United States.

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And most of all, thanks for coming. I really One way we helped was to launch a web appreciate your taking time out to come by site called volunteer.gov, which is the largest and let me say hello to you. clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities in In my first Inaugural Address, I challenged America. In other words, we used high-tech all Americans to be citizens—not spec- innovations to be able to channel people’s tators—responsible citizens, building com- desire to serve in a constructive way. munities of service and a nation of character. And so, the Government—this Govern- Eight months later, Americans were tested ment web site directs people to private char- by the worst attack on our Nation. In the ities or local churches or Habitat for Human- midst of chaos and sorrow, Americans re- ity drives or Meals on Wheels—just opportu- sponded with the—with characteristic cour- nities to serve their neighbor. We can’t put age and grace. It was a remarkable moment love in somebody’s heart, but we certainly in our country. It really was, when you think can help somebody channel their love. And about it. Rescue workers wrote their Social that was the purpose of the web site. Security numbers on their arms and then And you can search by hometown. They rushed into buildings. Citizens became mem- tell me that if you get on Crawford, Texas, bers of ambulance teams. And people from you’ll find that the local Humane Society all across the country poured into New York leaks—seeks volunteer pet groomers, which City to help. makes Barney really nervous. [Laughter] The terrorists who attacked our country on This is just one of 4 million volunteer op- September the 11th didn’t understand our portunities on the USA Freedom Corps web country at all. Evil may crush concrete and site. Isn’t that interesting? There are 4 mil- twisted steel, but it can never break the spirit of the American people. lion opportunities for somebody who wants In the weeks and months after the attacks, to serve to say, ‘‘Here’s how I can help.’’ And inspiring acts continued to unfold all across so, I urge our fellow citizens to go to the the country. I’m sure you heard the stories, web site and find out if there’s not something just like I did. Men and women of our Armed that’ll interest you, something that’ll give you Forces accepted dangerous new duties, and a chance to serve something greater than a lot of folks stepped forward to volunteer yourself. to protect our fellow citizens. But the desire The USA Freedom Corps fosters a culture to serve reached far beyond the military. Mil- of service by encouraging the private sector lions of Americans were—really wanted to to step forward. We’ve got what we call the help our country recover. Pro Bono Challenge, which is—encourages And so, to tap into that spirit, I called on corporate professionals to donate their serv- every American to spend at least 4,000 ices to charities and nonprofits. That makes hours—or 2 years in the course of a life- a lot of sense, doesn’t it, to encourage cor- time—to serve our Nation through acts of porate America to not only serve their share- compassion. Some said that’s acting—asking holders, but serve the communities in which a lot for the country, and they were right— they exist. and they were right. Two years during a life- One really interesting, innovative idea time is a lot to give. But the truth of the came out of IBM this year. IBM employees matter is, citizens who do give realize that will donate millions of hours of service to they become enriched just like those folks charities in the U.S., as well as technology that they’re helping. projects in developing nations. They tell me To empower Americans looking to help, that this work would cost $250 million if we launched what’s called the USA Freedom IBM’s devoted employees were charging and Corps. The goal of the USA Freedom Corps not providing for free. I want to thank the was to connect Americans with opportunities CEO of IBM, Sam Palmisano, who is with to serve our country, to foster a culture of us today. Sam, thank you very much for com- citizenship and responsibility and service. ing. And I encourage corporate America to Over the last 6 years, the USA Freedom figure out ways that they can serve to make Corps has met these goals. America a better place.

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Another key component of USA Freedom doctors, teachers, engineers, and other Corps is our effort to keep track of Ameri- skilled volunteers. That’s a pretty good start cans’ service to others. I mean, it’s one thing for an important program, it seems like to to talk about it; it’s another thing to measure, me. These men and women save babies from to kind of see how we’re doing. In 2002, this malaria on the continent of Africa. They administration became the first to conduct bring modern information technology to Af- a regular survey of volunteerism through the ghanistan. They live out one of America’s U.S. Census Bureau. Because we’ve strongest beliefs, that to whom much is brought—begun to measure, we know that given, much is required. nearly 61 million Americans now give their One of those people who is a member of time to help their neighbors. Isn’t that inter- this important team is Zach Harvey. He esting? Sixty-one million of our fellow citi- serves on the prosthetics staff at Walter Reed zens volunteer. Army Medical Center. When he isn’t—[ap- We’ve also launched new national pro- plause]—let me finish with old Zach yet. grams and enhanced others to help our citi- [Laughter] When he isn’t busy helping our zens answer the call to service. For example, wounded warriors, he’s putting his skills to we helped Americans answer the call by cre- use in Guatemala and the Dominican Repub- ating the Citizen Corps. [Applause] Sounds lic as a Volunteer for Prosperity. He works like quite a few members have shown up. with pediatric cancer patients who’ve had a [Laughter] And we are glad you’re here. limb amputated as part of their treatment. For those of you who don’t know what the He and his team of volunteers fit the children Citizen Corps is, it’s a way for people to vol- with new limbs, and they pass on their skills unteer to help respond to disasters. This was to other caregivers. set up right after September the 11th. Ameri- He says the only payment he receives is cans have formed community emergency re- the pride that comes with children’s—seeing sponse teams—[applause]—there you go— fire corps, medical reserve corps, neighbor- children walk again. And Zach, we are proud hood watch groups. Today, there are nearly to have you here, and thank you for your 1 million Citizen Corps volunteers nation- service. Zach doesn’t want anybody to look wide. at him—[laughter]—but you can’t help it And one of those volunteers is County when you’re that kind of kind man. Appre- Judge Ed Emmett from Harris County, ciate it. Texas. So, let me tell you about what the By the way, both the Citizen Corps and Citizen Corps of Harris County did. So, Volunteers for Prosperity have been very ef- Katrina hits, there’s about 200,000 gulf coast fective programs. And I really believe Con- residents headed into the Houston area. The gress needs to make these good programs Citizen Corps showed up. Volunteers came permanent. to process evacuees, to help treat the ill and We’ve also helped answer the call to serv- injured, and to help settle storm victims in ice by strengthening AmeriCorps. This is a permanent housing. program that matches dedicated volunteers Here’s what Ed said—I’ve known him for with hundreds of private charitable institu- a long time, by the way—the Judge said: tions. AmeriCorps members sign up for 1- ‘‘That’s just what members of the Citizen year commitments with the idea of strength- Corps do; they take care of their neighbors.’’ ening their communities by teaching adults And Judge, I want to thank you, and all of how to read or improving health care or help- the members of the Citizen Corps nation- ing the homeless put a roof over their heads. wide for taking care of your neighbors. This is a good program that was started by We’ve helped Americans answer the call my predecessor, President Clinton. by creating a program called Volunteers for After 9/11, we tried to make this program Prosperity. This initiative matched skilled more effective, in other words, to help the American professionals with service opportu- dollars allocated go further. Today, more nities, a lot of them in the developing world. than 74,000 people serve their fellow citizens This year, we mobilized more than 43,000 through AmeriCorps. I have met

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AmeriCorps volunteers all over our country, There are other ways to help Americans and they’re very inspiring Americans. answer the call to service. We have got what One such volunteer was—is Emily we call the Faith-Based and Community Ini- Greene. After college, she enlisted in the tiative through which we’ve empowered program to serve with the Schools of Hope Americans to volunteer through their Literacy Project in Madison, Wisconsin. churches and congregations. Through the Schools of Hope, Emily has re- You know, I believe that if a program is cruited hundreds of volunteers to teach chil- successful, government ought to support it. dren how to read. What kind of—what a And I believe if it takes faith to help some— wonderful gift. When somebody says, ‘‘How solve some of the most intractable problems, can I help serve America?,’’ how about teach- government ought not to fear the influence ing a child to read as a lasting contribution of faith in our society, we ought to welcome to the future of our country. the influence of faith in our society. Madison’s public elementary schools are Laura—who is not here, but sends her best improving; the achievement gap is nar- wishes—has rallied thousands of volunteers rowing. And Emily, it must make you feel to help at-risk children through Helping great to leave a lasting contribution. And we America’s Youth Initiative. We’ve encour- are glad you’re here on behalf of aged volunteerism by holding up examples AmeriCorps. Thanks for coming. of our volunteers. You know, to date, 1.1 mil- We’ve also helped others serve by expand- lion Americans have received the President’s ing the Peace Corps. [Applause] So, see, you Volunteer Service Award. That may not seem don’t know what I know: That every time like a big deal to some people, but when you I go to an embassy overseas and I mention get one and you show it to people you’re anything about the Peace Corps, and there working with, they say, ‘‘How do I get one happens to be a Peace Corps contingent— of those?’’ [Laughter] ‘‘What do I need to they give that same kind of yell. [Laughter] Peace Corps volunteers are incredibly moti- do?’’ Well, what you need to do is serve your vated people, and it’s a fabulous program. community by volunteering and help make The number of Peace Corps volunteers somebody’s life better. has increased. We’ve reopened 13—re- Volunteerism is strong in the country. But opened programs in 13 countries. This is a the truth of the matter is, the farther we’ve vital program. There are about 8,000 Peace gotten away from 9/11, that memory has Corps members. They are fighting AIDS in begun to fade. And some are saying, ‘‘Well, Africa, training poor workers to start their maybe I don’t need to volunteer now. Maybe own businesses in Latin America; they’re the crisis has passed.’’ The aftermath of 9/ teaching English to children in Asia. What 11 isn’t nearly as intense as it was. And my they’re doing is they’re showing the rest of call to people is, there’s always a need. You the world the compassionate heart of the should be volunteering not because of 9/11, American citizens. I mean, we are a compas- but you should be volunteering because our sionate nation, and the Peace Corps does a country needs you on a regular basis. fabulous job of advancing that compassion. We can use your help. There are citizens Praya Baruch is with us today. After col- who say, ‘‘I need love.’’ Government can pass lege, Praya spent 2 years in Ghana working law, but it cannot put love into somebody’s with people who are HIV-positive, training heart. Oftentimes that helps when somebody religious leaders to provide community- puts their arm around you and say, ‘‘How based care, and educating young people can I help you, brother or sister? What can about HIV preparation. She is now on the I do to make your life better?’’ staff of the Peace Corps. She represents the And so, today I call upon our fellow citi- 8,000 people who are on the frontlines of zens to devote 4,000 hours over your lifetime helping people deal with some of the more— in service to your country. You’ll become a most difficult problems in the world. Praya, better person for it, and our society will be we are honored you’re here, and I want to more healthy as a result of it. You know, thank the Peace Corps. there’s an old adage that says, you can bring

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hope to the lives of others, but the life you country. And the reason I am is because I’ve enrich the most will probably be your own. seen firsthand the love and the compassion I’ve witnessed the amazing phenomena of and the decency of our fellow citizens. volunteerism throughout my travels in this May God bless you. May God bless the country. At nearly every stop, I make it a armies of compassion. point to meet a local volunteer selected by And now please welcome my buddy Mi- the USA Freedom Corps at the steps of Air chael W. Smith. Force One. After they get over the initial shock of seeing me come off the plane— NOTE: The President spoke at 1:21 p.m. on the [laughter]—I love to ask them what they’re South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Patricia Kempthorne, wife of Sec- doing; what are you doing to make your com- retary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne; and en- munity a better place? tertainer Michael W. Smith. One such volunteer is a young woman I met in Pittsburgh named Kristen Holloway. She started a program called Operation Proclamation 8286—Patriot Day, Troop Appreciation. It started off as kind of 2008 a small program, just an idea, a desire to September 8, 2008 make a statement. Her group collects every- thing from DVDs and phone calls—cards to By the President of the United States musical instruments and sports gear. So far, of America they have sent care packages to more than 40,000 men and women serving in the A Proclamation frontlines in this war against the extremists. September 11, 2001, was etched into In every package—[applause]. America’s memory when 19 terrorists at- Kristen, we’re glad you’re here. Thank you tacked us with barbarity unequaled in our for—by the way, you’re representing a lot of history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the mem- people here in this audience and around the ory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, country who have had—I have had the honor extend our thoughts and prayers to their fam- of meeting as volunteers at the foot of Air ilies, and honor the heroic men and women Force One. who risked and sacrificed their lives so others I want to thank you all for showing up might survive. when I show up. Generally, the weather is Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat nice; sometimes it’s not so nice. But never- posed by terrorists to the safety of the Amer- theless, you’re there with your smiling face, ican people and worked to protect our home- and you inspire me. You really do lift up my land by fighting terrorists abroad. We are spirits, to meet people who are so dedicated confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, that they are willing to take time out of their liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the lives to help somebody in need. And I hope ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Na- by getting you on the front page of your tion pays tribute to our courageous men and newspapers, that you inspire others to show women in uniform serving around the world up and serve America by volunteering. and the devoted members of our law en- But I want to tell you what the—what a forcement, public safety, and intelligence soldier wrote to Kristen’s group. A soldier communities at home who work night and wrote back after getting one of the packages day to protect us from harm and preserve and said, ‘‘My heart soars with pride to rep- the freedom of this great Nation. resent a country filled with such wonderful Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to people as you.’’ That was the thank you note the challenge, united in prayer, and re- that Kristen’s group got. sponded with extraordinary acts of courage, Well, my heart soars with pride as well to with some giving their lives for the country be in the presence of those who are lifting they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember up souls and helping mend hearts. I want all those who were taken from us in an instant to thank you for what you’re doing. I am in- and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and credibly optimistic about the future of our more hopeful world. We must not allow our

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resolve to be weakened by the passage of tection and interdiction activities. This re- time. We will meet the test that history has port, prepared by the Department of State, given us and continue to fight to rid the world includes information on efforts to provide of terrorism and promote liberty around the proliferation detection and interdiction as- globe. sistance to friendly foreign countries. By a joint resolution approved December Sincerely, 18, 2001 (Public Law 107–89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year George W. Bush as ‘‘Patriot Day.’’ Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Joseph R. do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Biden, Jr., chairman, and Richard G. Lugar, rank- Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the ing member, Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- United States and the Commonwealth of tions; and Howard L. Berman, chairman, and Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, ranking member, House of all units of government, to direct that the Committee on Foreign Affairs. flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States Message to the Congress on the to observe Patriot Day with appropriate cere- monies, activities, and remembrance serv- Proposed Russia-United States ices, to display the flag at half-staff from their Agreement on Cooperation in the homes on that day, and to observe a moment Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern day- Energy light time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost September 8, 2008 their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. To the Congress of the United States: In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set On May 13, 2008, I transmitted a message my hand this eighth day of September, in to the Congress transmitting the text of a pro- the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and posed Agreement for Cooperation Between of the Independence of the United States of the Government of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. America and the Government of the Russian George W. Bush Federation for Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (the ‘‘pro- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, posed Agreement’’), pursuant to sections 123 11:15 a.m., September 9, 2008] b. and 123 d. of the Atomic Energy Act of NOTE: This proclamation was published in the 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b), (d)) Federal Register on September 10. The Office of (the ‘‘Act’’). the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- In view of recent actions by the Govern- guage version of this proclamation. ment of the Russian Federation incompatible with peaceful relations with its sovereign and Letter to Congressional Leaders democratic neighbor Georgia, I have deter- Transmitting a Report on mined that the determination regarding the Proliferation Detection and proposed Agreement in Presidential Deter- Interdiction Activities mination 2008–19 is no longer effective. Ac- September 8, 2008 cordingly, a statutory prerequisite for the proposed Agreement to become effective, as Dear lllll: required by section 123 b. of the Act, is no Consistent with section 10(b)(1) of the De- longer satisfied. If circumstances should per- partment of State Authorities Act of 2006 mit future reconsideration of the proposed (Public Law 109–472), I am pleased to trans- Agreement, a new determination will be mit the enclosed report on proliferation de- made and the proposed Agreement will be

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submitted for congressional review pursuant The Department of State and the Depart- to section 123 of the Act. ment of Health and Human Services, which George W. Bush leads the Federal child support program, support the early ratification of this Conven- The White House, tion. The American Bar Association and the September 8, 2008. National Child Support Enforcement Asso- ciation have also expressed support for the Message to the Senate Transmitting Convention. Although some new imple- the Hague Convention on the menting legislation will be required, the pro- International Recovery of Child posed Convention is largely consistent with current U.S. Federal and State law. Cases Support and Other Forms of Family under the Convention will be handled Maintenance through our existing comprehensive child September 8, 2008 support system, which involves both Federal and State law. The Departments of State and To the Senate of the United States: Health and Human Services have been work- I transmit herewith the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Sup- ing on preparation of the necessary amend- port and Other Forms of Family Mainte- ments to Federal law to ensure compliance nance, adopted at The Hague on November with the Convention, and that legislation will 23, 2007, and signed by the United States soon be ready for submission to the Congress on that same date, with a view to receiving for its consideration. The National Con- the advice and consent of the Senate to ratifi- ference of Commissioners on Uniform State cation, subject to the reservations and dec- Laws has worked closely with the Depart- laration set forth in the report of the Sec- ments of State and Health and Human Serv- retary of State. The report of the Secretary ices to develop the necessary amendments of State, which includes an overview of the to uniform State child support legislation. Convention, is enclosed for the information The Convention requires only two con- of the Senate. tracting states for entry into force. No state The United States supported the develop- has yet ratified the Convention. Early U.S. ment of the Convention as a means of pro- ratification would therefore likely hasten the moting the establishment and enforcement Convention’s entry into force. This would be of child support obligations in cases where in the interests of U.S. families, as it would the custodial parent and child are in one country and the non-custodial parent is in enable them to receive child support owed another. The Convention provides for a com- by debtors abroad more quickly and reliably. prehensive system of cooperation between I therefore recommend that the Senate give the child support authorities of contracting prompt and favorable consideration to the states, establishes procedures for the rec- Convention and give its advice and consent ognition and enforcement of foreign child to ratification, subject to the reservations and support decisions, and requires effective declaration described in the accompanying measures for the enforcement of mainte- report of the Secretary of State, at the earliest nance decisions. It is estimated that there are possible date. over 15 million child support cases in the United States and that an increasing number George W. Bush of these cases will involve parties who live in different nations. United States courts al- ready enforce foreign child support orders, The White House, while many countries do not do so in the September 8, 2008. absence of a treaty obligation. Ratification of the Convention will thus mean that more U.S. children will receive the financial sup- NOTE: This message was released by the Office port they need from both their parents. of the Press Secretary on September 9.

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Remarks at the National Defense ican troops in an overwatch role. With this University transfer of responsibility, the people of Anbar September 9, 2008 took charge of their own security and their own destiny. It’s a moment of pride for all Thank you, General, for your kind and Iraqis, and it was a moment of success in short introduction. [Laughter] I am pleased the war on terror. to be back at the National Defense Univer- Two years ago, such a moment was un- sity again. It turns out this is my fifth visit imaginable to most. Anbar was one of the as President. Every time I come here, I’m most dangerous Provinces in Iraq; Al Qaida inspired and encouraged because of the was in control of almost every major popu- brave men and women who work here. And lation center. They had largely succeeded in I really do want to thank you for your warm turning the region into a safe haven, which hospitality. brought them closer to one of their goals: Across the world, NDU students and fac- a place from which to launch new attacks ulty have served with valor in the war against against America, our allies, and our interests these extremists and killers. On this campus, in the region. In 2006, a military intelligence you’re helping train the next generation of report concluded the Province was lost, and military and civilian leaders who will defend Anbar was held up as proof of America’s fail- our Nation against the real and true threats ure in Iraq. of the 21st century. You’ve developed new Yet, something remarkable was happening. ways for our military and civilian personnel The tribes in Anbar were growing tired of to work together to meet the new challenges Al Qaida’s brutality. They wanted to live a we face. I thank you for your patriotism; I normal life, and this presented us with an thank you for your hard work; and I thank opportunity to defeat Al Qaida in Anbar. Last you for your devotion to protecting the year, we sent 4,000 additional marines to American people. Anbar as part of the surge. The surge showed I thank the Members of the Congress who America’s commitment to security. It showed have joined us, Congressman Randy Forbes we were committed to helping the average of Virginia and Congressman Trent Franks citizen in Anbar live a normal life. And it of Arizona. Thanks for coming. helped renew the confidence of local leaders, I’m going to be talking in a little while the tribal sheikhs, who then led an uprising about a recommendation I have received to take Anbar back from the terrorists. To- from the Joint Chiefs. And I’m so pleased gether, local tribes, Iraqi troops, and Amer- that the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ican forces systematically dismantled Al General Cartwright is with us today. Thanks Qaida control across the Province. for coming, Hoss. Today, Anbar is a Province transformed. I thank the leadership of the NDU. Thanks Attacks in the Province have dropped by for having me again. I appreciate the civilian more than 90 percent. Casualties are down personnel, U.S. Government civilians study- dramatically. Virtually every city and town in ing here. And I thank those who wear the Anbar now has a mayor and a functioning uniform. You know, one of the great things municipal council. Provincial Reconstruction about being the Commander in Chief is to Teams are helping local leaders create jobs be the Commander in Chief of people who and economic opportunity. As security has have volunteered to serve our country in a improved, reconciliation is taking place time of danger. I’m incredibly impressed by across the Province. Today, Anbar is no our military, and I am thankful to our military longer lost to Al Qaida; it has been reclaimed families. by the Iraqi people. You know, last week, a remarkable event We’re seeing similar gains in other parts took place in Iraq. At a ceremony in the city of Iraq. Earlier this year, the Iraqi Govern- of Ramadi, responsibility for security in ment launched a successful military oper- Anbar Province was transferred to Iraqi civil- ation against Shi’a extremist groups in places ian authorities. Iraqi forces are now leading like Basra and Baghdad and al-Amarah. Iraqi security operations across Anbar, with Amer- forces are staying on the offense. They are

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pressing the advantage against those who month, troops began deploying for 12-month would bring harm and danger to their citi- tours instead of 15-month tours. This change zens. They’re conducting operations in and will ease the burden on our forces, and I around the northern city of Mosul, where Al think, more importantly, this change will Qaida terrorists seek refuge. The Iraqi Army make life for our military families easier. recently launched a new offensive against Al I’m pleased to announce the next step for- Qaida in Diyala Province. All these oper- ward in our policy of return on success. Gen- ations are Iraqi-led, with American forces eral Petraeus has just completed a review of playing a supporting role. the situation in Iraq, and he and the Joint As a result of these and other operations Chiefs of Staff have recommended that we in Iraq, violence is down to its lowest point move forward with additional force reduc- since the spring of 2004. Civilian deaths are tions, and I agree. Over the next several down, sectarian killings are down, suicide months, we’ll bring home about 3,400 com- bombings are down, and normal life is re- bat support forces, including aviation per- turning to communities across the country. sonnel, explosive ordnance teams, combat Provincial reconciliation is moving forward. and construction engineers, military police, The Iraqi Government has passed budgets and logistical support forces. and major pieces of legislation. Our diplo- By November, we’ll bring home a Marine matic—diplomats report that markets once battalion that is now serving in Anbar Prov- shuttered by terrorist violence are now open ince. And in February of 2009, another Army for business. Yesterday Ambassador Crocker combat brigade will come home. This and General Petraeus reported to me via amounts to about 8,000 additional American SVTS that they had just gone into a market troops returning home without replacement. area and seen the commerce and the activi- And if progress in Iraq continues to hold, ties. The Iraqi Health Ministry issued an in- General Petraeus and our military leaders teresting report that said that hundreds of believe additional reductions will be possible doctors who had fled the fighting have now in the first half of 2009. returned to serve the people of their country. The progress in Iraq is a credit to the valor The reduced levels of violence in Iraq have of American troops and civilians, the valor been sustained for several months. While the of Iraqi troops, and the valor of our coalition progress in Iraq is still fragile and reversible, partners. And I thank those who are here General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker from other nations for joining us, and I thank report that there now appears to be a degree you for working with our troops. We wel- of durability to the gains we have made. come you to the United States. And we ap- Here’s the bottom line: While the enemy preciate your working closely with those who in Iraq dangerous, we have seized the offen- wear the uniform. sive. Iraqi forces are becoming increasingly Since Operation Iraqi Freedom began— capable of leading and winning the fight. As I want our fellow citizens to hear this fact— a result, we’ve been able to carry out a policy more than 140,000 troops from 41 countries of return on success, reducing American have served as part of our coalition in Iraq. combat forces in Iraq as conditions on the Sons and daughters of Australia, Azerbaijan, ground continue to improve. the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, the Czech We’ve now brought home all five of the Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Army combat brigades, the Marine expedi- Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, tionary unit, two Marine battalions, that were the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, sent to Iraq as part of the surge. I was proud South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Ukraine to visit with some of those troops at Fort have given their lives in the fight against the Bragg earlier this year. They are among our extremists. The citizens of these countries Nation’s finest citizens, and they have earned have sacrificed for the cause of freedom in the gratitude and respect of the American Iraq. America has been proud to serve along- people. side such courageous allies. Another aspect of our return on success I congratulate our coalition partners on policy in Iraq is reduced combat tours. Last their historic accomplishments in Iraq and

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for maintaining their resolve during the dark These were important successes. Yet, the days. Thanks to their determined work and enemies of a free Afghanistan refused to give the growing capability of Iraqi forces, many up the fight. They sought to undermine the of our partners in Iraq are now in a position democratic government so they could regain to return on success as well. Australia has the place of dominance they enjoyed in Af- withdrawn its battle group, the Polish contin- ghanistan before September the 11th. With gent is set to redeploy shortly, and many the help of their sanctuary in Pakistan, they more coalition nations will be able to con- ruthlessly attack innocent Afghans across the clude their deployments to Iraq this year, country. thanks to the skill of their troops and the As the security situation changed, America success of their missions. and our coalition partners responded with The important task in the period ahead troop increases. At the NATO summit in Bu- will be to work toward the conclusion of a charest in April, I told our allies the United strategic framework agreement and a status States was deploying 3,500 more marines to of forces agreement between the United Afghanistan, and that we would make addi- States and Iraq. These agreements will serve tional forces available in 2009. I also called as the foundation for America’s continued se- on allies to increase their force levels. And curity support to Iraq once the United Na- during the past year, the United Kingdom, tions resolution authorizing the multinational France, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Aus- forces there expires on December 31st of this tralia, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Re- year. They will allow us to establish a bilateral public, and others have sent additional forces relationship between the United States and to support the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Iraq like those we have with dozens of other These troop increases represent a quiet countries around the world. surge in Afghanistan. In all, the number of Early on in this struggle, I made clear that American troops in the country increased America’s goal in Iraq was to help the Iraqi from less than 21,000 2 years ago to nearly people build a democratic nation that can 31,000 today. The number of coalition govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself. troops, including NATO troops, increased And thanks to the success of the surge, Iraq from about 20,000 to about 31,000. And the is making steady progress toward that goal. number of trained Afghan Army and police The steps I’ve described here at NDU will forces increased from less than 67,000 to help us build on this success. It will set Amer- nearly 144,000. ica’s engagement in Iraq on a strong and These troop increases have made a dif- steady course, and it will allow our troops ference, yet huge challenges in Afghanistan to come home in victory. remain. This is a vast country. And unlike Al Qaida’s leaders have repeatedly de- Iraq, it has few natural resources and has an clared that Iraq is the central front of their underdeveloped infrastructure. Its demo- war with America, but it is not the only front. cratic institutions are fragile. Its enemies are As Al Qaida faces increased pressure in Iraq, some of the most hardened terrorists and ex- the terrorists are stepping up their efforts on tremists in the world. With their brutal at- the front where this struggle first began, the tacks, the Taliban and terrorists have made nation of Afghanistan. some progress in shaking the confidence of After September the 11th, 2001, coalition the Afghan people. And in the face of all forces destroyed the Taliban regime. We these challenges, the Afghan people are natu- drove Al Qaida from the Afghan sanctuary rally questioning what their future looks like. where they had plotted and planned unprec- Afghanistan’s success is critical to the secu- edented attacks on our country. We helped rity of America and our partners in the free Afghans begin to build a new democracy. To- world. For all the good work we’ve done in gether with our military, American civilian that country, it is clear we must do even experts helped the Afghan people build their more. As we learned in Iraq, the best way economy and provide basic services and ex- to restore the confidence of the people is to pand health care, as well as opened up restore basic security, and that requires more schools for Afghan girls and boys. troops. I’m announcing today additional

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American troop deployments to Afghanistan. now suffering in Iraq, and they will be de- In November, a Marine battalion that was feated. scheduled to deploy to Iraq will instead de- In addition to these new military meas- ploy to Afghanistan. It will be followed in ures, we’re stepping up efforts on the civilian January by an Army combat brigade. side. We’re increasing our civilian presence The mission of these forces will be to work with new personnel from USAID and the with the Afghan forces to provide security Drug Enforcement Agency, as well as the for the Afghan people, protect Afghanistan’s Foreign Service. We’re using Provincial Re- infrastructure and democratic institutions, construction Teams of military and civilian and help ensure access to services like edu- experts to help local communities fight cor- cation and health care. They will show the ruption, improve governance, and jump-start citizens of Afghanistan that the Government their economies. We’re using agricultural de- and its partners will stand with them in the velopment teams to help Afghan farmers battle against the Taliban and the extremists. feed their people and become more self-suf- They will help clarify a stark contrast in Af- ficient. We’re supporting Afghanistan’s Na- ghanistan: While the terrorists and extremists tional Development Strategy, which helps deliberately target and murder the innocent, the democratic Government in Kabul offer coalition and Afghan forces risk their lives greater support for the Provinces in areas like to protect the innocent. health and infrastructure. Regrettably, there will be times when our We’re working with the Afghan authorities pursuit of the enemy result—will result in to prepare for elections of 2009 and 2010. accidental civilian deaths. This has been the Recently at an international conference in case throughout the history of warfare. Our Paris, America pledged $10 billion over the Nation mourns the loss of every innocent life. next 2 years to support Afghanistan’s devel- Every grieving family has the sympathy of opment. In all these ways, we’re working to the American people. And I’ve given Presi- ensure that our military progress is accom- dent Karzai my word that America will work panied by the political and economic gains closely with the Afghan Government to en- that are critical to the success of a free Af- sure the security of the Afghan people while ghanistan. protecting innocent life. As we take these new steps in Afghanistan, As we deploy these reinforcements, Amer- we must also help the Government of Paki- ica will take new steps to help the Afghan stan defeat Taliban and Al Qaida fighters hid- Government mobilize more forces of its own. ing in remote border regions of their country. Afghan fighters are good fighters. If you talk These extremists are increasingly using Paki- to people who have been in Afghanistan, stan as a base from which to destabilize Af- they’ll tell you the Afghan troops are coura- ghanistan’s young democracy. In the past geous; they just need some help. Along with year, the Taliban, Al Qaida, and other ex- the Afghan Government, the United States tremist groups operating in these remote re- and our allies are now launching a new initia- gions have stepped up their attacks against tive to double the size of the Afghan National the Pakistani Government, hoping to stop Army over the next 5 years. We’ll also work that country’s democratic progress as well. to increase the involvement of Afghan tribes. This morning I called Pakistan’s newly Local Afghan forces were key to our suc- elected leader, President Zardari. I pledged cesses in 2001 and 2002, when we combined the full support of America’s Government as the 21st century capabilities of the American Pakistan takes the fight to the terrorists and military with the courage of Afghan fighters extremists in the border regions. on horseback. In the period ahead, we will Defeating these terrorist and extremists is once again encourage Afghan security forces in Pakistan’s interest, they pose a mortal and Afghan tribes to take a leading role in threat to Pakistan’s future as a free and the building of a democratic Afghanistan. democratic nation. Defeating these terrorist The Taliban and Al Qaida will not be allowed and extremists is also Pakistan’s responsi- to return to power. The terrorists will suffer bility, because every nation has an obligation the same fate in Afghanistan that they are to govern its own territory and make certain

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that it does not become a safe haven for ter- tional Defense University, who introduced the ror. America and our NATO allies will con- president; Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA, com- tinue helping Pakistan in its efforts to defeat manding general, Multi-National Force—Iraq; the extremists. The same terrorists who mur- President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan; and Presi- dered innocent civilians in Karachi and dent Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- Islamabad are plotting new attacks against guage transcript of these remarks. the United States and Europe. Each of these three places I’ve discussed today—Iraq, Afghanistan, and parts of Paki- Remarks During a Visit to Walter stan—pose unique challenges for our coun- Reed Army Medical Center try. Yet, they’re all theaters in the same over- September 9, 2008 all struggle. In all three places, extremists are using violence and terror in an attempt to The President. General, thank you for impose their ideology on whole populations. your hospitality, and thank you for your lead- They murder to impose their dark vision of ership. the world. In all three places, America is I come to Walter Reed to do a couple of standing strongly with brave elected leaders things; first, I pay my respects to those who and determined reformers and millions of or- have been wounded. I’ve come to pay my dinary citizens who seek a future of liberty respects to the healers and doctors and and justice and tolerance. nurses, and thank them for their service. I Defeating our enemies requires success on can truthfully say that the health care our the military front. Together with our allies, troops receive here is first-class. we’ve made substantial progress toward I’ve also come to pay my respects to family breaking up terrorist networks, and we will members that are praying that their loved not rest until they are destroyed. Defeating one can get back on their feet and serve our enemies also requires success in the ideo- again, or get back on their feet and live a logical battle. We must show the people of normal life. the broader Middle East a better alternative It’s—this is a interesting experience be- to a life of violence and despair, and that cause, on the one hand, you see the horrors alternative is based on liberty. History shows of war; on the other hand, you see the cour- that people who are given the choice be- age of the people that have volunteered to tween freedom and tyranny will choose free- serve. I marvel when I come to Walter Reed, dom. And history shows that freedom will I marvel at the fact that people say to me, yield the peace we all want. ‘‘Mr. President, I’d do it again.’’ And you see There will be difficult moments in the somebody in bed who’s been severely work ahead, and yet we can be confident in wounded, and they look and they say, ‘‘I’m the outcome. With faith in the power of free- honored and proud to have served.’’ They dom, we will transform nations that once har- had one kid in there who got hurt pretty bad, bored our enemies into strong and capable and he says, ‘‘I’m looking forward to getting allies in the war on terror. With faith in the back in uniform, getting back on the power of freedom, we will prove that the fu- frontlines.’’ ture of the Middle East belongs not to terror, America is lucky to have men and women but to liberty. And with faith in the power who volunteer to wear the uniform and to of freedom, we will leave behind a safer and serve to protect us. And, General, we’re more peaceful world for our children and our lucky—and they’re lucky—to have health grandchildren. care that can provide for the wounded and I thank you for all you do to keep America provide comfort to those who need the care. safe. I thank you for your service in freedom’s So, I’m honored to be with you. cause. May God bless you, your families, and Maj. Gen. Hawley-Bowland. Well, thank our country. you. You energize our staff, as well as the NOTE: The President spoke at 9:57 a.m. in Eisen- patients and their families, to get even better. hower Hall. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. So, thank you very much. Gen. Frances C. Wilson, USMC, president, Na- The President. Thank you all. Thank you.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 3:18 p.m. Partici- And also, we are always getting benefit pating in the visit was Maj. Gen. Carla G. Hawley- from your views about how to secure Iraq. Bowland, USA, commanding general, North At- I think you know very well that we—you and lantic Regional Medical Command and Walter we in Iraq achieved very good successes on Reed Army Medical Center. terrorism. Now I can say all parts of Iraq liberated from terrorist control and activities. Remarks Following a Meeting With It’s true that some groups remind—remain, President Jalal Talabani of Iraq hiding themselves from here or there, but there’s no place, no inch of Iraqi land under September 10, 2008 the control of terrorist activities. There are some terrorist—still groups working, hiding President Bush. Mr. President, welcome. themself. And thanks to you and sacrifice of First of all, I am so pleased to see that you’re your brave army and to Iraqi people, now looking good. The President’s health is we can live in peace and security. strong, and that’s going to be very important And Iraq Government started to spend the for the people of Iraq. After all, there’s been money which we have for serving the Iraqi no stronger defender of a free Iraq than people and rebuilding the country, recon- President Talabani. I’ve known him for a long structing the country. Not only we liberated time. He cares deeply about the Iraqi people, our country from terrorist activities but also and he has been a strong defender of human from militias, outlawed militias who are also liberty. making troubles and danger for Iraqi people. Mr. President, thanks for the good con- And as you have heard, the Basra city, Sadr versation we had about the election laws, City, Shulla, Ninawa, Baqubah—all these cit- about the need to get a strategic framework ies are now liberated. So we are thankful to agreement signed. And thank you very much you and to your people, your army. We hope for bringing me up to date on your perspec- that the agreement about this strategy situa- tive about life inside of Iraq. It’s—things tion will be signed soon. have changed a lot since we’ve known each And as usual, we are working in—our Par- other. liament is working now for finalizing the draft President Talabani. Of course. of a new law for election of Provinces. And President Bush. And attitudes are com- I hope that—as I heard the news yesterday— pletely different now that people realize the I hope that today it will be finalized, because security situation has changed and mothers the groups—head of groups of Parliament can raise their children in a more normal life. are now gathering in Parliament to reach— It’s still difficult, but there’s no doubt that to finalize it. the surge has been effective, which has en- In our country, we are now busy to recon- abled us to take out troops. Iraqis want there struct our country and to rebuild our country. to be fewer U.S. troops, the United States And I am glad to tell you, Mr. President, wants there to be fewer U.S. troops, but both that our relation with our neighbors is im- of us want to realize that vision based upon proved very well—with Turkey, with Syria, success. with Iran, with the Arab countries. The rela- And so, Mr. President, welcome back. I’m tion is normal now, and we have no problem glad you’re feeling good. And thank you for with any of these countries. In contrary, the visit. many, many new ambassadors are com- President Talabani. Well, Mr. President, ing—— thank you very much for giving me the honor President Bush. That’s right. of meeting you again. I think it’s clear that President Talabani. ——to our country we are in Iraq looking to you as a hero of from Arab countries. And our—the visit of liberation of Iraq from worst kind of dictator- Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Tayyip Recep ship. And now we are working with your— Erdogan, and of the—His Majesty the King with you, Mr. President, for finalizing the of Jordan to Baghdad was very successful and strategic framework of—agreement between was encouraging Iraqi people to understand United States and Iraq. that they have friends outside Iraq.

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So I hope that friendship and relation be- the Henry J. Hyde United States-India tween your great people and the Iraqi people Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of will continue and will be strengthened. And 2006 (Public Law 109–401), I hereby deter- we will never forget what you have done for mine that: our people. 1. India has provided the United States President Bush. Thank you, President. and the IAEA with a credible plan to sepa- Thank you. rate civil and military nuclear facilities, mate- rials, and programs, and has filed a declara- NOTE: The President spoke at 3:53 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. President tion regarding its civil facilities and materials Talabani referred to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip with the IAEA; Erdogan of Turkey; and King Abdullah II of Jor- 2. India and the IAEA have concluded all dan. The Office of the Press Secretary also re- legal steps required prior to signature by the leased a Spanish language transcript of these re- parties of an agreement requiring the appli- marks. cation of IAEA safeguards in perpetuity in accordance with IAEA standards, principles, Memorandum on the Proposed and practices (including IAEA Board of Gov- ernors Document GOV/1621 (1973)) to In- Agreement for Cooperation Between dia’s civil nuclear facilities, materials, and the Government of the United States programs as declared in the plan described of America and the Government of in paragraph (1), including materials used in India Concerning Peaceful Uses of or produced through the use of India’s civil Nuclear Energy nuclear facilities; September 10, 2008 3. India and the IAEA are making substan- tial progress toward concluding an Additional Presidential Determination No. 2008–26 Protocol consistent with IAEA principles, practices, and policies that would apply to Memorandum for the Secretary of State and India’s civil nuclear program; the Secretary of Energy 4. India is working actively with the United Subject: Proposed Agreement for States for the early conclusion of a multilat- Cooperation Between the Government of eral treaty on the cessation of the production the United States of America and the of fissile materials for use in nuclear weapons Government of India Concerning Peaceful or other nuclear explosive devices; Uses of Nuclear Energy 5. India is working with and supporting I have considered the proposed Agree- United States and international efforts to ment for Cooperation Between the Govern- prevent the spread of enrichment and re- ment of the United States of America and processing technology to any state that does the Government of India Concerning Peace- not already possess full-scale, functioning en- ful Uses of Nuclear Energy, along with the richment or reprocessing plants; views, recommendations, and statements of 6. India is taking the necessary steps to interested agencies. secure nuclear and other sensitive materials I have determined that the performance and technology, including through (A) the of the Agreement will promote, and will not enactment and effective enforcement of constitute an unreasonable risk to, the com- comprehensive export control legislation and mon defense and security. Pursuant to sec- regulations; (B) harmonization of its export tion 123 b. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, control laws, regulations, policies, and prac- as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153(b)), I hereby tices with the guidelines and practices of the approve the proposed Agreement and au- Missile Technology Control Regime thorize the Secretary of State to arrange for (MTCR) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group its execution. (NSG); and (C) adherence to the MTCR and In addition, pursuant to the authority vest- the NSG in accordance with the procedures ed in me by the Constitution and the laws of those regimes for unilateral adherence; of the United States of America, including and

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7. The NSG has decided by consensus to ment. (In accordance with section 123 of the permit supply to India of nuclear items cov- AEA, as amended by title XII of the Foreign ered by the guidelines of the NSG. Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of I therefore hereby (1) exempt the pro- 1998 (Public Law 105–277), a classified posed Agreement for Cooperation Between annex to the NPAS, prepared by the Sec- the Government of the United States of retary of State in consultation with the Direc- America and the Government of India Con- tor of National Intelligence, summarizing rel- cerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy ar- evant classified information, will be sub- ranged pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic mitted to the Congress separately.) The joint Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2153) from memorandum submitted to me by the Sec- the requirement of subsection 123 a.(2) of retary of State and the Secretary of Energy such section; (2) waive the application of sec- and a letter from the Chairman of the Nu- tion 128 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 clear Regulatory Commission stating the (42 U.S.C. 2157) with respect to exports to views of the Commission are also enclosed. India; and (3) waive with respect to India The proposed Agreement has been nego- the application of: tiated in accordance with the AEA and other (A) subsection 129 a.(1)(D) of the Atomic applicable law. In my judgment, it meets all Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. applicable statutory requirements except for 2158(a)(1)(D)); and section 123 a.(2) of the AEA, from which I (B) section 129 of the Atomic Energy Act have exempted it as described below. of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2158) regarding any ac- The proposed Agreement provides a com- tions that occurred before July 18, 2005. prehensive framework for U.S. peaceful nu- The Secretary of State is authorized and clear cooperation with India. It permits the directed to publish this determination in the transfer of information, non-nuclear mate- Federal Register. rial, nuclear material, equipment (including George W. Bush reactors) and components for nuclear re- search and nuclear power production. It does not permit transfers of any restricted data. Message to the Congress Sensitive nuclear technology, heavy-water Transmitting the Proposed production technology and production facili- Agreement for Cooperation Between ties, sensitive nuclear facilities, and major the Government of the United States critical components of such facilities may not of America and the Government of be transferred under the Agreement unless India Concerning Peaceful Uses of the Agreement is amended. The Agreement Nuclear Energy permits the enrichment of uranium subject to it up to 20 percent in the isotope 235. September 10, 2008 It permits reprocessing and other alterations To the Congress of the United States: in form or content of nuclear material subject I am pleased to transmit to the Congress, to it; however, in the case of such activities pursuant to section 123 of the Atomic Energy in India, these rights will not come into effect Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2153) until India establishes a new national reproc- (AEA), the text of a proposed Agreement for essing facility dedicated to reprocessing Cooperation Between the Government of under IAEA safeguards and both parties the United States of America and the Gov- agree on arrangements and procedures ernment of India Concerning Peaceful Uses under which the reprocessing or other alter- of Nuclear Energy. I am also pleased to ation in form or content will take place. transmit my written determination con- In Article 5(6) the Agreement records cer- cerning the Agreement, including my ap- tain political commitments concerning reli- proval of the Agreement and my authoriza- able supply of nuclear fuel given to India by tion to execute the Agreement, and an un- the United States in March 2006. The text classified Nuclear Proliferation Assessment of the Agreement does not, however, trans- Statement (NPAS) concerning the Agree- form these political commitments into legally

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binding commitments because the Agree- (i.e., ‘‘full-scope’’ or ‘‘comprehensive’’ safe- ment, like other U.S. agreements of its type, guards). is intended as a framework agreement. The Henry J. Hyde United States-India The Agreement will remain in force for Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of a period of 40 years and will continue in force 2006 (the ‘‘Hyde Act’’) established authority thereafter for additional periods of 10 years to exempt the Agreement from the full-scope each unless either party gives notice to termi- safeguards requirement of section 123 a.(2) nate it 6 months before the end of a period. of the AEA, as well as certain other provi- Moreover, either party has the right to termi- sions of the AEA relating to supply under nate the Agreement prior to its expiration on such an agreement, provided that the Presi- 1 year’s written notice to the other party. A dent makes certain determinations and trans- party seeking early termination of the Agree- mits them to the Congress together with a ment has the right immediately to cease co- report detailing the basis for the determina- operation under the Agreement, prior to ter- tions. I have made those determinations, and mination, if it determines that a mutually ac- I am submitting them together with the re- ceptable resolution of outstanding issues can- quired report as an enclosure to this trans- not be achieved through consultations. In any mittal. case the Agreement, as noted, is a framework Approval of the Agreement, followed by or enabling agreement that does not compel its signature and entry into force, will permit any specific nuclear cooperative activity. In the United States and India to move forward the event of termination of the Agreement, on the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation key nonproliferation conditions and controls Initiative, which Indian Prime Minister would continue with respect to material and Manmohan Singh and I announced on July equipment subject to the Agreement. 18, 2005, and reaffirmed on March 2, 2006. An extensive discussion of India’s civil nu- Civil nuclear cooperation between the clear program, military nuclear program, and nuclear nonproliferation policies and prac- United States and India pursuant to the tices is provided in the Nuclear Proliferation Agreement will offer major strategic and eco- Assessment Statement (NPAS) and in a clas- nomic benefits to both countries, including sified annex to the NPAS submitted to the enhanced energy security, an ability to rely Congress separately. more extensively on an environmentally The AEA establishes the requirements for friendly energy source, greater economic op- agreements for nuclear cooperation, some of portunities, and more robust nonprolifera- which apply only to non-nuclear-weapon tion efforts. states (see AEA, section 123 a.). The AEA The Agreement will reinforce the growing incorporates the definition of ‘‘nuclear-weap- bilateral relationship between two vibrant on state’’ from the Treaty on the Non-Pro- democracies. The United States is committed liferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which to a strategic partnership with India, the defines it to mean a state that has manufac- Agreement promises to be a major milestone tured and exploded a nuclear weapon or in achieving and sustaining that goal. other nuclear explosive device prior to Janu- In reviewing the proposed Agreement I ary 1, 1967. Therefore India is a non-nuclear- have considered the views and recommenda- weapon state for NPT and AEA purposes, tions of interested agencies. I have deter- even though it possesses nuclear weapons. mined that its performance will promote, and The Agreement satisfies all requirements set will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, forth in section 123 a. of the AEA except the common defense and security. Accord- the requirement of section 123 a.(2) that, as ingly, I have approved it and I urge that the a condition of continued U.S. nuclear supply Congress also approve it this year. under the Agreement, IAEA safeguards be maintained in India with respect to all nu- George W. Bush clear materials in all peaceful nuclear activi- ties within its territory, under its jurisdiction, The White House, or carried out under its control anywhere September 10, 2008.

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Remarks at the Dedication ber friends and loved ones who never had Ceremony for the 9/11 Pentagon the chance to say goodbye. Memorial in Arlington, Virginia A memorial can never replace what those September 11, 2008 of you mourning a loved one have lost. We pray that you will find some comfort amid Thank you all. Mr. Vice President; Sec- the peace of these grounds. We pray that you retary Gates; Madam Speaker; Justices of the will find strength in knowing that our Nation Supreme Court; members of my Cabinet, ad- will always grieve with you. ministration; Members of Congress; Admiral For all our citizens, this memorial will be Mullen and the Joint Chiefs; Secretary Don- a reminder of the resilience of the American ald Rumsfeld, a first-responder on Sep- spirit. As we walk among the benches, we tember the 11th, 2001; directors of the Pen- will remember there could have been many tagon Memorial Fund—Mr. Chairman, con- more lives lost. On a day when buildings fell, gratulations; families and friends of the fall- heroes rose. Pentagon employees ran into en; distinguished guests; fellow citizens: smoke-filled corridors to guide their friends Laura and I are honored to be with you. to safety. Firefighters rushed up the stairs Seven years ago at this hour, a doomed of the World Trade Center as the towers airliner plunged from the sky, split the rock neared collapse. Passengers aboard Flight 93 and steel of this building, and changed our charged the cockpit and laid down their lives world forever. The years that followed have to spare countless others. One of the worst seen justice delivered to evil men and battles days in America’s history saw some of the fought in distant lands. But each day on this bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll al- year—each year on this day, our thoughts re- ways honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at turn to this place. Here, we remember those this hallowed place, we pledge that we will who died. And here, on this solemn anniver- never forget their sacrifice. sary, we dedicate a memorial that will en- We also honor those who raised their shrine their memory for all time. hands and made the noble decision to defend Building this memorial took vision and de- our Nation in a time of war. When our en- termination, and Americans from every cor- emies attacked the Pentagon, they pierced ner of our country answered the call. Two the rings of this building, but they could not young architects in New York City came up break the resolve of the United States Armed with the design. A foundry near St. Louis Forces. Since 9/11, our troops have taken the cast the steel. An Iraqi immigrant in Illinois fight to the terrorists abroad so we do not gave the metal its luster. And citizens from have to face them here at home. Thanks to across our Nation made contributions large the brave men and women and all those who and small to build this graceful monument. work to keep us safe, there has not been an- The Pentagon Memorial will stand as an other attack on our soil in 2,557 days. everlasting tribute to 184 innocent souls who For future generations, this memorial will perished on these grounds. The benches here be a place of learning. The day will come bear each of their names. And beneath each when most Americans have no living memory bench is a shimmering pool filled with the of the events of September the 11th. When water of life, a testament to those who were they visit this memorial, they will learn that taken from us and to their memories that the 21st century began with a great struggle will live on in our hearts. between the forces of freedom and the forces For the families and friends of the fallen, of terror. They will learn that this generation this memorial will be a place of remem- of Americans met its duty. We did not tire; brance. Parents will come here to remember we did not falter; and we did not fail. They children who boarded Flight 77 for a field will learn that freedom prevailed because the trip and never emerged from the wreckage. desire for liberty lives in the heart of every Husbands and wives will come here to re- man, woman, and child on Earth. member spouses who left for work one morn- We can be optimistic about the future be- ing and never returned home. People from cause we’ve seen the character and courage across our Nation will come here to remem- of those who defend liberty. We have been

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privileged to live amongst those who have (a) ‘‘agency’’ means: volunteered to spread the foundation of (i) an executive agency as defined in sec- peace and justice, which is freedom. tion 105 of title 5, United States Seven years ago this morning, police offi- Code, other than the Government Ac- cer Cecil Richardson was on duty here at the countability Office; and Pentagon. He saw the terror that day with (ii) the United States Postal Service and his own eyes. He says on some nights he can the Postal Regulatory Commission; still smell the burning metal and smoke. Not and long ago he wrote me, saying, ‘‘I remember (b) ‘‘order of succession’’ means a list of the reasons we fight. I remember the losses officials by position who shall act as and per- we felt, and I remember the peace we will form the functions and duties of the office have.’’ of the head of the agency in the event that That day of peace will come. And until it the office-holder has died, resigned, or other- does, we ask a loving God to watch over our wise become unable to perform the functions troops in battle. We ask Him to comfort the and duties of the office. ‘‘Order of succes- families who mourn, and we ask Him to bless sion’’ does not include any order, rule, our great land. memorandum, or other document delegating And now it’s my honor to dedicate the or partially delegating the authority of an of- Pentagon Memorial. fice. Sec. 3. Orders of Succession Requiring NOTE: The President spoke at 10:08 a.m. at the Presidential Action. Pentagon. In his remarks, he referred to Adm. (a) Each agency for which presidential ac- Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs tion is required to establish an order of suc- of Staff; former Secretary of Defense Donald H. cession shall draft a proposed order of suc- Rumsfeld; James J. Laychak, president and chair- cession if no such order exists and, not later man, board of directors, Pentagon Memorial than 30 days from the date of this order, send Fund; architects Julie Beckman and Keith Kaseman; and Abe Yousif, owner, Buchtel Metal such proposed draft order to the Counsel to Finishing Corp. The Office of the Press Secretary the President for review and comment. also released a Spanish language transcript of (b) Each agency described in subsection these remarks. 3(a) of this order shall send any proposed updates or revisions to the agency’s order of succession to the Counsel to the President Executive Order 13472—Executive for review and comment. Branch Responsibilities With (c) Upon completion of the requirements Respect to Orders of Succession set forth by subsections (a) or (b) of this sec- September 11, 2008 tion with respect to a proposed order, the agency shall submit the proposed order to By the authority vested in me as President the Office of Management and Budget in ac- by the Constitution and the laws of the cordance with Executive Order 11030, as United States of America, it is hereby or- amended. dered as follows: Sec. 4. Orders of Succession Not Requir- Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the ing Presidential Action. (a) Each agency for Federal Government to ensure that each ex- which presidential action is not required to ecutive branch agency can perform its essen- establish an order of succession because of tial functions and remain an effectively func- the agency’s existing legal authority shall es- tioning part of the Federal Government tablish and maintain such order in accord- under all conditions. Accordingly, each agen- ance with applicable law and any applicable cy shall take all appropriate actions to estab- guidance issued by the President or the Sec- lish, maintain, and, as necessary, revise an retary of Homeland Security, including the order of succession, or to propose presi- laws and guidance regarding continuity plans dential action to establish or revise an order and programs for the executive branch. of succession. (b) Each agency described in subsection Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this order: 4(a) of this order shall update and revise its

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order of succession as necessary. Before im- Remarks on Arrival in Oklahoma plementing any revisions to its order of suc- City, Oklahoma cession, such agency shall send the proposed September 12, 2008 revisions to the Counsel to the President for review and comment. I’m privileged to be the President of a (c) Not later than 30 days from the date country that produces citizens such as these. of this order, and not later than 7 days from The United States is a country of volunteers, the issuance date of any subsequent final re- and three such volunteers are with us, Okla- vision to an existing order of succession, each homa citizens who serve in a variety of ways. agency described in subsection 4(a) of this Karen has produced a tie to—a way to order shall provide a copy of its order of suc- keep our—to help our soldiers stay cool in cession to the Counsel to the President, the Iraq. She is supportive of our troops. She and Assistant to the President for Homeland Se- her organization have done fine work. curity and Counterterrorism, and the Direc- The major here, a golf pro, who is going tor of the Office of Management and Budget. to go on his third tour in Iraq, has used his Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in position in the golfing industry to raise this order shall be construed to impair or oth- money to help Gold Star families. How cool erwise affect: is that? This guy is going to Iraq on Monday, (i) authority granted by law to a depart- and yet, he has—he served that way, but he ment, agency, or the head thereof; or also serves in a very compassionate way. (ii) functions of the Director of the Office Captain Castleberry and some of his folks of Management and Budget relating he works with out at Sheriff’s Department to budget, administrative, or legisla- pulled up stakes and headed down to Morgan tive proposals. City, Louisiana in the wake of Gustav. No- (b) Nothing in this order shall be con- body made him do it; he just decided to do strued to delegate the President’s authority it on his own. under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of Our country is better off because millions 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to designate indi- of citizens, such as these three folks, have viduals to perform the functions and duties heard the call to serve something greater of a vacant office temporarily in an acting than themselves. And I urge our fellow citi- capacity. zens all around the Nation to find ways to (c) This order shall be implemented in a serve. It turns out that when you help some- manner consistent with applicable law and body in need you help yourself even more. subject to the availability of appropriations. I am deeply concerned about Hurricane Ike. It is a major storm headed toward a large (d) This order is not intended to, and does population center. I was on the phone this not, create any right or benefit, substantive morning with Secretary Chertoff and Direc- or procedural, enforceable at law or in eq- tor Paulison of FEMA. I spoke to my friend, uity, by any party against the United States, Governor Perry, yesterday. The State of its agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its Texas is preparing for this emergency. I sus- officers, employees, or agents, or any other pect there’s going to be some Texans headed person. for Oklahoma. And I know that they’re going to find good people up here who want to George W. Bush help them. The White House, And so I want to thank the citizens of Okla- homa for getting ready to help a Texan in September 11, 2008. need. I urge my fellow Texans to listen care- fully to what the authorities are saying in Gal- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, veston County or parts of Harris County, up 11:15 a.m., September 12, 2008] and down the coast. We’ll be monitoring the situation very carefully. The Federal Govern- NOTE: This Executive order was published in the ment will not only help with the pre-storm Federal Register on September 15. strategy, but once this storm passes, we’ll be

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working with State and local authorities to make sure health care is available and afford- help people recover as quickly as possible. able. And once—one way to help deal with Thank you all for what you’re doing; God rising health care costs is what’s called health bless your work. Good luck to you. savings accounts. These are ingenious prod- ucts to help people save, incent people to, NOTE: The President spoke at 9:20 a.m. at Tinker you know, take care of their bodies, and also Air Force Base. In his remarks, he referred to make sure that if there’s a catastrophic ill- Karen Stark, founder, HUGS Project; Dan Roo- ney, founder, Folds of Honor Foundation; Capt. ness, they’re taken care of. These are prod- Joe Castleberry, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Of- ucts that enable somebody to, you know, fice; and Gov. Rick Perry of Texas. move from one job to the next and keep their health care with them, which is important in the 21st century. They’re ways for employ- Remarks Following a Discussion on ees to take care of their employees. Health Savings Accounts and an In Oklahoma, a lot of people don’t know Exchange With Reporters in about health saving accounts, and one of the Oklahoma City reason I’ve come down to this part of the September 12, 2008 country is because I do want people to un- derstand they’re available and they’re good. The President. I want to thank our par- About 6 million people across the country ticipants for joining me here in Oklahoma are using health savings accounts. The big- City, Oklahoma. I want to thank the mayor, gest increase is with small-business owners. Members of Congress, United States Sen- And so, today we’ve had a good discussion ator. Most importantly, I want to thank with owners who’ve got a health savings ac- women entrepreneurs. Seventy percent of all count, people who are looking at health sav- new jobs in America are created by small- ings account. I introduced Sandy, head of the businesses owners. Today with us are small- SBA here, to folks and if somebody wants business owners, people who’ve taken risk in to really learn about an HSA, just go on order to realize dream, and in so doing have hsa.gov, which is an SBA site, so people can provided job opportunities. These are the job see whether or not it makes sense for your creators of the vibrant economy here in Okla- business or your family. homa. Anyway, I do want to thank you all very One of the real issues—there’s a couple much for, one, being pioneers; two, being of issues that face, obviously, a small-business risk takers; and three, giving me a chance owner. One, are they—do they have a prod- to hear your thoughts and concerns and— uct anybody wants to buy? But also taxes— about a very innovative way for small busi- high taxes make it harder to stay in business. nesses and individuals to be able to better I strongly urge the Congress to make the tax afford health care. relief we passed permanent so that taxes Thank you, all. won’t increase on small businesses. Guy was trying to ask a question, but he But another issue that I hear all the time was in violation of the no question policy. when I’m talking to small-business owners [Laughter] Right, Deb [Deb Reichmann, As- is the issue of health care costs. If you listen sociated Press]? to anybody who owns a small business, they will tell you that the rising cost of health care Republican Vice Presidential Nominee is troubling not only to their balance sheet Sarah Palin but to their soul, because they want their em- Q. Did you watch the Palin interview? ployees to have the best. A small-business The President. As I said, no question pol- owner really does care a lot about their em- icy. [Laughter] She did just fine. ployees. Today we’re talking about a way for small NOTE: The President spoke at 10:33 a.m. at the businesses and individuals—and large busi- Presbyterian Health Foundation Conference Cen- nesses, for that matter—to help—to deal ter. In his remarks, he referred to Mayor Mick with rising health care costs. Our goal is to Cornett of Oklahoma City, OK; Sen. Tom Coburn

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of Oklahoma; and Sandy K. Baruah, Acting Ad- the Constitution and the laws of the United ministrator, Small Business Administration. A por- States, do hereby proclaim September 15 tion of these remarks could not be verified be- through October 15, 2008, as National His- cause the tape was incomplete. panic Heritage Month. I call upon public of- ficials, educators, librarians, and all the peo- Proclamation 8287—National ple of the United States to observe this Hispanic Heritage Month, 2008 month with appropriate ceremonies, activi- ties, and programs. September 12, 2008 In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set By the President of the United States my hand this twelfth day of September, in of America the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of A Proclamation America the two hundred and thirty-third. During National Hispanic Heritage George W. Bush Month, we recognize the many Americans of Hispanic descent who have made out- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, standing contributions to our Nation. 8:45 a.m., September 16, 2008] The rich cultural traditions of the His- NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the panic-American community have made a re- Federal Register on September 17. The Office of markable impact on American society. The the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- diverse backgrounds of Hispanic Americans guage version of this proclamation. and their dedication to family have become an integral part of America. With a deep commitment to faith and a strong desire to Proclamation 8288—National live the American dream, these citizens are Employer Support of the Guard and realizing the full blessings of liberty. Edu- Reserve Week, 2008 cational opportunities are helping a new gen- September 12, 2008 eration work toward success, and many His- panic Americans operate thriving small busi- By the President of the United States nesses. of America We also honor Hispanic Americans for their strong tradition of service in the Armed A Proclamation Forces. These proud patriots have fought in Throughout history, America has counted every war since our founding, and many have on brave individuals willing to put on the uni- earned the Medal of Honor for their courage. form to protect our land and defend our way Hispanic service men and women have of life. This week we honor and recognize shown their love for the United States by an- the many contributions members of our Na- swering the call to serve, and we owe them tional Guard and Reserve make to our Na- and their families a tremendous debt of grati- tion, and we thank the civilian employers tude. Their patriotism and valor have added who support these individuals as they answer to the character of our Nation. the call of duty. National Hispanic Heritage Month is an The men and women of the National opportunity to celebrate the spirit and ac- Guard and Reserve have demonstrated the complishments of Hispanic Americans every- highest form of citizenship, and their service where. To honor those achievements, the is vital to the security of our country and the Congress, by Public Law 100–402, as amend- peace of the world. As the early patriots who ed, has authorized and requested the Presi- claimed our Nation’s liberty did, today’s dent to issue annually a proclamation desig- Guard and Reserve are fighting a new and nating September 15 through October 15 as unprecedented war and pledging their lives ‘‘National Hispanic Heritage Month.’’ and honor to defend our freedom. As many Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, of those early patriots did, members of to- President of the United States of America, day’s Guard and Reserve lead civilian lives by virtue of the authority vested in me by but stand ready to wear our Nation’s uniform

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when liberty is threatened. The families of Digest of Other the National Guard and Reserve serve our White House Announcements Nation by proudly standing behind these brave men and women, and America appre- ciates their sacrifice as well. The following list includes the President’s public In all they do, the National Guard and Re- schedule and other items of general interest an- serve and their families represent the best nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and of the American spirit. not included elsewhere in this issue. Our Nation also depends on the commit- ment of the civilian employers of the mem- September 6 bers of the National Guard and Reserve. In In the morning, at Camp David, MD, the offices and factories across America, organi- President had an intelligence briefing. Later, zations do without the talents of many hard- he returned to Washington, DC. working people who have been called upon to protect our country. Our Nation’s employ- September 7 ers provide time off, pay, healthcare benefits, The President declared an emergency in and job security because they care about and Florida and ordered Federal aid to supple- love their country. These businesses have put ment State and local response efforts due to patriotism above profit, and they deserve the the emergency conditions resulting from gratitude of all Americans. Hurricane Ike beginning on September 5 During National Employer Support of the and continuing. Guard and Reserve Week, a grateful country pays tribute to the men and women of the September 8 National Guard and Reserve, and we express In the morning, the President had an intel- our gratitude to the employers who support ligence briefing. them and help enable them to serve. The President made additional disaster as- Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, sistance available to Iowa by authorizing an President of the United States of America, increase in the level of Federal funding for by virtue of the authority vested in me by public assistance projects undertaken as a re- the Constitution and laws of the United sult of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding States, do hereby proclaim September 14 that occurred from May 25 to August 13. through September 20, 2008, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve September 9 Week. I encourage all Americans to join me In the morning, the President had a tele- in expressing our thanks to members of our phone conversation with President Asif Ali National Guard and Reserve and their civil- Zardari of Pakistan to congratulate him on ian employers for their patriotism and sac- his election victory and discuss Pakistan-U.S. rifices on behalf of our Nation. I also call relations. Later, he had an intelligence brief- upon State and local officials, private organi- ing. zations, businesses, and all military com- In the afternoon, at the Department of the manders to observe this week with appro- Interior, the President had lunch with Sec- priate ceremonies and activities. retary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set met with Interior Department employees. my hand this twelfth day of September, in He then visited Walter Reed Army Medical the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and Center where he met with wounded military of the Independence of the United States of personnel and their families. America the two hundred and thirty-third. The President declared a major disaster in George W. Bush Maine and ordered Federal aid to supple- ment State and local recovery efforts in the [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, area struck by severe storms, flooding, and 8:45 a.m., September 16, 2008] tornadoes from July 18 to August 16. NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the The President announced his intention to Federal Register on September 17. nominate Jerry Gayle Bridges to be Inspector

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General of the Department of Education and Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7 designate him as Acting. and continuing. The President announced his intention to nominate Sean T. Connaughton to be Com- September 12 missioner of the Federal Maritime Commis- In the morning, the President had an intel- sion and, upon appointment, designate him ligence briefing. He then had separate tele- as Chairman. phone conversations with Secretary of The President announced his intention to Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and nominate Pamela A. Redfield to be a mem- Federal Emergency Management Agency ber of the National Museum and Library Administrator R. David Paulison to discuss Services Board. Hurricane Ike. Later, he traveled to Tinker The President announced his intention to Air Force Base, OK, where, upon arrival, he appoint David Longly Bernhardt as U.S. met with USA Freedom Corps volunteers Commissioner of the International Boundary Karen Stark and Maj. Dan Rooney, USAF, Commission (United States and Canada). Oklahoma Air National Guard. Later in the morning, the President met September 10 with Capt. Joe Castleberry, incident com- mander, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, In the morning, the President had an intel- who assisted with Hurricane Gustav recovery ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, efforts in Louisiana. He then traveled to he participated in a photo opportunity with Oklahoma City, OK. Later, at a private resi- the Big Sister of the Year, Miriam Mills. dence, he attended a McCain for President The President declared an emergency in and Republican National Committee Victory Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement reception. State and local response efforts due to the In the afternoon, the President returned emergency conditions resulting from Hurri- to Washington, DC. cane Ike beginning on September 7 and con- The White House announced that the tinuing. President and Mrs. Bush will travel to New The President declared a major disaster in York City, NY, to participate in the 63d Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supple- United Nations General Assembly on Sep- ment State and local recovery efforts in the tember 22–24. area struck by Hurricane Gustav beginning The White House announced that the on August 29 and continuing. President will welcome Prime Minister Nasir al-Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait September 11 to the White House on September 19. In the morning, the President had an intel- The White House announced that the ligence briefing. Then, at 8:46 a.m., on the President will welcome President Michel South Lawn, he and Mrs. Bush participated Sleiman of Lebanon to the White House on in a moment of silence to commemorate the September 25. seventh anniversary of the September 11, The White House announced that the 2001, terrorist attacks. Later, they traveled President will meet with President Hamid to Arlington, VA. Karzai of Afghanistan at the White House Later in the morning, the President and on September 26. Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the During the day, in the Situation Room, the President will welcome President Valdas President participated in a briefing on Hurri- Adamkus of Lithuania to the White House cane Ike. He also had a video teleconference on September 29. with Secretary of Homeland Security Mi- The White House announced that the chael Chertoff to discuss Hurricane Ike. President and Mrs. Bush will welcome Prime The President declared an emergency in Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to the Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supple- White House on October 13. ment State and local response efforts due to The President announced his intention to the emergency conditions resulting from nominate the following individuals to be

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members of the National Science Board: Robert B. Eley, Barry C. Barish; Ray M. Bowen; France A. of Mississippi, to be a member of the Mis- Cordova; Esin Gulari; G.P. ‘‘Bud’’ Peterson; sissippi River Commission for a term of 9 Douglas D. Randall; and Diane L. Souvaine. years, vice Sam Epstein Angel, term expiring. The President announced his intention to nominate Jay T. Snyder to be a member of Lynn S. Fuchs, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Public Di- of Tennessee, to be a member of the Board plomacy. of Directors of the National Board for Edu- The President announced his intention to cation Sciences for a term expiring Novem- nominate Edwin Eck and William E. Gray- ber 28, 2012, vice Joseph K. Torgesen, term son to be members of the Internal Revenue expiring. Service Oversight Board. The President announced his intention to Robert C. Granger, accord the personal rank of Ambassador to of New Jersey, to be a member of the Board Harlan L. Watson during his tenure as Spe- of Directors of the National Board for Edu- cial Envoy to the United Nations Framework cation Sciences for a term expiring Novem- Convention on Climate Change. ber 28, 2012 (reappointment). The President declared a major disaster in Vermont and orderd Federal aid to supple- Dave Heineman, ment State and local recovery efforts in the of Nebraska, to be a member of the Board area struck by severe storms and flooding of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholar- from July 21 to August 12. ship Foundation for a term expiring Decem- ber 10, 2011, vice Mel Carnahan.

Caroline M. Hoxby, of Massachusetts, to be a member of the Nominations Board of Directors of the National Board for Submitted to the Senate Education Sciences for a term expiring No- vember 28, 2012 (reappointment).

The following list does not include promotions of Paul E. Peterson, members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- of Massachusetts, to be a member of the eign Service officers. Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring No- vember 28, 2011, vice Herbert John Submitted September 8 Walberg, term expired. Douglas J. Besharov, of Maryland, to be a member of the Board John L. Winn, of Directors of the National Board for Edu- of Florida, to be a member of the Board of cation Sciences for a term expiring Novem- Directors of the National Board for Edu- ber 28, 2011, vice Richard James Milgram, cation Sciences for a term expiring Novem- term expired. ber 28, 2012, vice Gerald Lee, term expiring. Elizabeth Ann Bryan, Patrick J. Wolf, of Texas, to be a member of the Board of of Arkansas, to be a member of the Board Directors of the National Board for Edu- of Directors of the National Board for Edu- cation Sciences for a term expiring Novem- cation Sciences for a term expiring March ber 28, 2012 (reappointment). 15, 2012, vice Craig T. Ramey, term expired. James X. Dempsey, Michael Young, of California, to be a member of the Privacy of Pennsylvania, to be a member of the Fed- and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a eral Mine Safety and Health Review Com- term of 5 years expiring January 29, 2013 mission for a term of 6 years expiring August (new position). 30, 2014 (reappointment).

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Submitted September 9 Checklist of White House Press Releases Jerry Gayle Bridges, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Depart- ment of Education, vice John Portman Hig- The following list contains releases of the Office gins, resigned. of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Sean T. Connaughton, Other White House Announcements. of Virginia, to be a Federal Maritime Com- missioner for the term expiring June 30, Released September 7 2012, vice A. Paul Anderson, resigned. Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Florida J. Mac Davis, of Wisconsin, to be U.S. District Judge for Released September 8 the Western District of Wisconsin, vice John C. Shabaz, retiring. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Dana Perino Loretta A. Preska, Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster of New York, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for assistance to Iowa the Second Circuit, vice Chester J. Straub, retired. Fact sheet: USA Freedom Corps: Strength- ening Service to Meet Community Needs Pamela A. Redfield, Advanced text of the President’s remarks at of Nebraska, to be a member of the National the National Defense University Museum and Library Services Board for a term expiring December 6, 2013, vice Amy Released September 9 Owen, term expiring. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Dana Perino Withdrawn September 9 Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Joaquin F. Blaya, assistance to Maine of Florida, to be a member of the Broad- casting Board of Governors for a term expir- Released September 10 ing August 13, 2008 (reappointment), which Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- was sent to the Senate on October 18, 2007. retary Dana Perino Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Dennis M. Mulhaupt, assistance to Alabama of California, to be a member of the Broad- casting Board of Governors for a term expir- Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster ing August 13, 2008, vice Blanquita Walsh assistance to Texas Cullum, term expired, which was sent to the Fact sheet: The Seventh Anniversary of 9/ Senate on October 18, 2007. 11

Submitted September 12 Released September 11 Statement by the Press Secretary on the Jay T. Snyder, U.S.-India Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear of New York, to be a member of the U.S. Cooperation Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2010 (reappoint- Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster ment). assistance to Louisiana

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Released September 12 Statement by the Press Secretary: President Bush’s Participation in the 63d U.N. General Transcript of a press gaggle by Deputy Press Assembly Secretary Tony Fratto and Special Assistant for Economic Policy Julie Goon Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Vermont Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania Fact sheet: Expanding Health Care Coverage and Lowering Costs Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan Acts Approved by the President Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of received by the Office of the Federal Register Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait during the period covered by this issue.

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