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Home , Donald Rumsfeld

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, December 18, 2006 Volume 42—Number 50 Pages 2147–2171

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Addresses and Remarks Letters and Messages See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders Hanukkah 2006, message—2168 Presidential Medal of Freedom, Meetings With Foreign Leaders presentation—2162 Radio address—2148 Benin, President Yayi—2157 State Department, meeting with senior Iraq, Deputy President Hashimi—2152 officials—2151 Proclamations Virginia Armed Forces Full Honor Review for Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Defense Secretary Rumsfeld—2166 Human Rights Week—2147 Defense Department, meeting with senior Wright Brothers Day—2168 officials in Arlington—2153 Statements by the President Summit on Malaria—2158 Congressional passage Communications to Federal Agencies Fisheries management legislation—2150 Designation of Officers of the Department of Outer Continental Shelf legislation—2149 Justice, memorandum—2148 Ryan White CARE Act, reauthorization Determination Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of legislation—2150 the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act U.S.-India nuclear energy cooperation of 1962, as Amended, memorandum—2162 legislation—2151 Presidential Determination on Sanctions Vietnam, permanent trade relations Against for Detonation of a legislation—2150 Nuclear Explosive Device, memorandum— Sudan, Darfur situation—2151 2147 Syrian Government—2156 Executive Orders Supplementary Materials Amendment to Executive Order 13317, Acts approved by the President—2171 Volunteers for Prosperity—2162 Checklist of White House press releases— 2170 Interviews With the News Media Digest of other White House Exchange with reporters in Arlington, VA— announcements—2169 2153 Nominations submitted to the Senate—2170

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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Presidential Determination on Proclamation 8090—Human Rights Sanctions Against North Korea for Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Detonation of a Nuclear Explosive Rights Week, 2006 Device December 8, 2006 December 7, 2006 By the President of the of America Presidential Determination No. 2007–07 A Proclamation Peace and justice prevail when people are free to speak, assemble, and worship, when Memorandum for the Secretary of State their rights are protected, and when govern- ments are accountable to their citizens. Subject: Presidential Determination on These blessings of freedom are guaranteed Sanctions Against North Korea for for Americans in the Bill of Rights of our Detonation of a Nuclear Explosive Device Constitution. During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, In accordance with section 102(b)(1) of we celebrate the ideals of our founders and the Arms Export Control Act and section 129 reaffirm the belief that freedom is the gift of the Atomic Energy Act, I hereby deter- of God and the right of all mankind. mine that North Korea, a non-nuclear-weap- Just over six decades ago, the future of on state, detonated a nuclear explosive device freedom seemed bleak, with only a small on October 9, 2006. The relevant agencies number of democracies around the world. and instrumentalities of the United States Today, citizens of over 100 nations enjoy the Government are hereby directed to take the blessings of democracy, and freedom is tak- necessary actions to impose on North Korea ing root in places where liberty had been un- the sanctions described in section 102(b)(2) imaginable. The United States will continue of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended to support the growth of democratic move- (22 U.S.C. 2799aa–1), and section 129 of the ments and institutions in every nation. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 The advance of freedom is the story of our U.S.C. 2158). time, and new chapters are being written be- fore our eyes. Around the world, freedom You are authorized and directed to trans- is replacing tyranny and giving men and mit this determination to the appropriate women the opportunity to enjoy lives of pur- committees of the Congress and to arrange pose and dignity. Because Americans are for its publication in the Federal Register. committed to the God-given value of every life, we cherish the freedom of every person in every nation and strive to promote respect George W. Bush for human rights. By standing with those who desire liberty, we will help extend freedom to many who have not known it and lay the foundations of peace for generations to NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- come. fice of the Press Secretary on December 8. This Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, item was not received in time for publication in President of the United States of America, the appropriate issue. by virtue of the authority vested in me by 2147

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the Constitution and laws of the United United States Attorney for the Southern States, do hereby proclaim December 10, District of New York; 2006, as Human Rights Day; December 15, United States Attorney for the Eastern 2006, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week District of Virginia; and beginning December 10, 2006, as Human United States Attorney for the Western Rights Week. I call upon the people of the District of Texas. United States to mark these observances with Sec. 2. Exceptions. (a) No individual who appropriate ceremonies and activities. is serving in an office listed in section 1 in In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, my hand this eighth day of December, in the shall act as Attorney General pursuant to this year of our Lord two thousand six, and of memorandum. the Independence of the United States of (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this America the two hundred and thirty-first. memorandum, the President retains discre- tion, to the extent permitted by the Federal [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 8:45 a.m., December 13, 2006] et seq., to depart from this memorandum in designating an acting Attorney General. NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Sec. 3. The Memorandum for the Attor- Federal Register on December 14. This item was ney General of March 19, 2002, entitled not received in time for publication in the appro- ‘‘Designation of Officers of the Department priate issue. of Justice,’’ is hereby revoked. Sec. 4. The Attorney General is authorized Memorandum on Designation of and directed to publish this memorandum in Officers of the Department of Justice the Federal Register. December 8, 2006 George W. Bush Memorandum for the Attorney General [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:31 a.m., December 11, 2006] Subject: Designation of Officers of the Department of Justice NOTE: This memorandum was published in the Federal Register on December 12. This item was By the authority vested in me as President not received in time for publication in the appro- by the Constitution and the laws of the priate issue. United States of America, including the Fed- eral Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., I hereby order that: The President’s Radio Address Section 1. Order of Succession. During December 9, 2006 any period when the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Associate At- Good morning. This week, I held impor- torney General, and the officers designated tant meetings at the White House about the by the Attorney General pursuant to 28 situation in Iraq. U.S.C. 508 to act as Attorney General have On Monday, I met in the with died, resigned, or otherwise become unable one of Iraq’s most influential Shi’a leaders, to perform the functions and duties of the His Eminence Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim. We dis- office of Attorney General, the following offi- cussed the desire of the Iraqi people to see cers of the Department of Justice, in the their unity Government succeed and how the order listed, shall perform the functions and United States can help them achieve that duties of the office of Attorney General, if goal. they are eligible to act as Attorney General On Thursday, I had breakfast with Prime under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of Minister Tony Blair of Britain. We discussed 1998, until such time as at least one of the the sectarian violence in Iraq and the need officers mentioned above is able to perform to confront extremists inside Iraq and the functions and duties of the office of At- throughout the region. The Prime Minister torney General: explains it this way: ‘‘The violence is not an

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accident or a result of faulty planning. It is I look forward to receiving their rec- a deliberate strategy. It is the direct result ommendations. I want to hear all advice as of outside extremists teaming up with inter- I make the decisions to chart a new course nal extremists—Al Qaida with the Sunni in- in Iraq. surgents and Iran with Shi’a militia—to fo- I thank the members of the Iraq Study ment hatred and thus throttle, at birth, the Group for their hard work and for the exam- possibility of nonsectarian democracy.’’ ple of bipartisanship that they have set. The The Prime Minister and I also discussed group showed that Americans of different the report I received this week from the Iraq political parties can agree on a common goal Study Group, chaired by former Secretary of in Iraq and come together on ways to achieve State and former Congressman it. Now it is the responsibility of all of us Lee Hamilton. Their report provides a in Washington—Republicans and Democrats straightforward picture of the grave situation alike—to come together and find greater we face in Iraq. The Iraq Study Group’s re- consensus on the best way forward. port also explicitly endorses the strategic goal As part of this effort, I met this week with we’ve set in Iraq: an Iraq that can ‘‘govern House and Senate leaders from both parties, itself, sustain itself, and defend itself.’’ as well as senior members of the Armed The report went on to say, quote, ‘‘In our Services, Foreign Relations, and Intelligence view, this definition entails an Iraq with a Committees. We had productive discussions broadly representative government that about our shared duty to forge a bipartisan maintains its territorial integrity, is at peace approach to succeed in Iraq. The future of with its neighbors, denies terrorism a sanc- a vital region of the world and the security tuary, and doesn’t brutalize its own people. of the American people depend on victory Given the current situation in Iraq, achieving in Iraq. I’m confident that we can move be- this goal will require much time and will de- yond our political differences and come to- pend primarily on the actions of the Iraqi gether to achieve that victory. I will do my people.’’ part. I agree with this assessment. I was also Thank you for listening. encouraged that the Iraq Study Group was clear about the consequences of a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq. The group declared NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on that such a withdrawal would, quote, ‘‘almost December 8 in the Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December certainly produce greater sectarian violence’’ 9. The transcript was made available by the Office and lead to ‘‘a significant power vacuum, of the Press Secretary on December 8 but was greater human suffering, regional destabiliza- embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his tion, and a threat to the global economy.’’ address, the President referred to Abdul Aziz Al- The report went on to say, ‘‘If we leave and Hakim, chairman, Supreme Council for the Is- Iraq descends into chaos, the long-range con- lamic Revolution in Iraq. The Office of the Press sequences could eventually require the Secretary also released a Spanish language tran- United States to return.’’ script of this address. The Iraq Study Group understands the ur- gency of getting it right in Iraq. The group Statement on Congressional Passage also understands that while the work ahead will not be easy, success in Iraq is important, of Outer Continental Shelf and success in Iraq is possible. The group Legislation proposed a number of thoughtful rec- December 9, 2006 ommendations on a way forward for our country in Iraq. My administration is review- I commend Congress for passing the ing the report, and we will seriously consider Outer Continental Shelf legislation, which every recommendation. At the same time, will help to reduce our dependence on im- , the State Department, and the ported sources of energy by increasing access National Security Council are finishing work to domestic sources of oil and gas. Devel- on their own reviews of our strategy in Iraq. oping these reliable domestic resources in an

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environmentally sound manner will help ad- malizing relations with Vietnam and will ben- dress high energy prices, strengthen our en- efit both our nations. This designation will ergy security, and protect manufacturing advance our trade and investment relations jobs. The bill also provides the producing with Vietnam and ensure that the United States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and States shares in the economic benefits gen- Alabama a share in the royalty revenues from erated by Vietnam’s imminent membership OCS leases. I appreciate the commitment by in the World Trade Organization. Vietnam the State of Louisiana to use revenues from is demonstrating its strong commitment to these leases to restore coastal wetlands. continuing economic reforms, which will NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 6111. support political reform and respect for human rights. The American people wel- come the remarkable transformation and Statement on Congressional Passage economic progress in Vietnam, and we will of Legislation To Reauthorize the continue to work together to strengthen our Ryan White CARE Act ties. December 9, 2006

In 1990, Congress passed the Ryan White NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 6406. Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act to advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS. This landmark legislation has provided Americans in need with better Statement on Congressional Passage access to medical care, antiretroviral treat- of Fisheries Management Legislation ments, and counseling and has helped them live longer lives. The act also supports HIV December 9, 2006 testing to prevent the further spread of this devastating disease. I applaud Congress for working in a bipar- Laura and I thank the House and Senate tisan manner to pass a stronger Magnuson- for reauthorizing the Ryan White CARE Act. Stevens Act. Our Nation is committed to This legislation focuses on life-saving and maintaining our thriving commercial and rec- life-extending services and increased ac- reational fishing communities. This bill em- countability and will provide more flexibility braces my priorities of ending overfishing to the Secretary of Health and Human Serv- and rebuilding our Nation’s fish stocks ices to direct funding to areas of greatest through more effective, market-based man- need. The Ryan White CARE Act dem- agement and tougher enforcement. This onstrates the compassionate and generous landmark legislation also provides stronger spirit of America, and I look forward to sign- tools to achieve progress internationally to ing this important legislation into law. ensure healthy fish stocks, promote better management, and halt destructive fishing NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 6143. practices based on sound science.

Statement on Congressional Passage Since my administration released the Ocean Action Plan in 2004, we have been of Legislation To Authorize making great strides in our efforts to make Permanent Trade Relations With our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes cleaner, Vietnam healthier, and more productive. Enactment December 9, 2006 of this bill is one of the top priorities of the Ocean Action Plan and is another significant I commend the Congress for its bipartisan bipartisan environmental achievement. support for my request to approve legislation authorizing the grant of permanent normal trade relations to Vietnam. PNTR marks a significant step forward in the process of nor- NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 5946.

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Statement on Congressional Passage support for the Darfur Peace Agreement and of United States-India Nuclear pressuring all sides to implement an imme- Energy Cooperation Legislation diate cease-fire. We will continue to work December 9, 2006 with the Congress, the United Nations, the African Union, and the international commu- Congress has agreed upon bipartisan legis- nity to provide aid to those who are suffering. lation that will strengthen the strategic rela- The United States is committed to achieving tionship between America and India and de- stability, lasting peace, and the restoration of liver valuable benefits to both nations. I am basic human rights for the people of Darfur. pleased that our two countries will soon have increased opportunities to work together to meet our energy needs in a manner that does Remarks Following a Meeting With not increase air pollution and greenhouse gas Senior State Department Officials emissions, promotes clean development, sup- December 11, 2006 ports nonproliferation, and advances our trade interests. Thank you all for coming. I just had a I appreciate Congress’s support for the briefing with my senior policy advisers here U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation initiative at the State Department. I want to thank you and would like to thank Chairman Hyde, for your hospitality, Madam Secretary. Ranking Member Lantos, Chairman Lugar, We talked about a lot of things. We talked and Ranking Member Biden for their leader- about what’s taking place on the ground in ship on this extraordinary legislation. I look Iraq, particularly from the perspective of the forward to signing this bill into law soon. State Department. I must tell you, there are some fantastic, brave souls who are heading NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 5682. PRTs, Provincial Reconstruction Teams. These are our civilian components on the Statement on the Situation in Darfur, ground there in Iraq. And we got a briefing Sudan from , with one of our PRT leaders here in Washington, about the challenges December 10, 2006 and the tasks to help this Iraqi Government I send my greetings to those participating get a country that can sustain and govern and in events around the world protesting the sit- defend itself. uation in Darfur. It is only fitting that we No question in my mind, there are some take the time today to remember the value very brave State Department officials who of every human life and the right of every are engaged in this really important endeav- person in the world to live in peace with dig- or, and I want to thank them and their fami- nity and respect. lies. I appreciate the advice I got from those Our Nation is appalled by the genocide folks in the field. And that advice is an impor- in Darfur, which has led to the spread of tant part and an important component of fighting and hostility in the Republic of Chad putting together a new way forward in Iraq. and the Central African Republic. We call Like most Americans, this administration on the Government of the Republic of Sudan wants to succeed in Iraq, because we under- and the rebel groups to cease fighting and stand success in Iraq will help protect the pursue peace. United States in the long run. We continue to work on establishing a We also talked about the neighborhood, credible and effective peacekeeping force to the countries that surround Iraq and the re- stop the violence in Darfur. To this end, we sponsibilities that they have to help this are aggressively engaging all stakeholders to young Iraqi democracy survive. We believe implement U.N. Resolution 1706 to transi- that most of the countries understand that tion the African Union Mission in Sudan to a mainstream society, a society that is a func- a strong international peacekeeping oper- tioning democracy, is in their interests. And ation. We are urgently seeking to broaden it’s up to us to help focus their attentions

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and focus their efforts on helping the Iraqis Remarks Following a Meeting With succeed. Deputy President Tariq al-Hashimi I appreciate so very much the Iraqi leader- of Iraq ship taking the lead in its neighborhood. December 12, 2006 After all, one of the things we’re trying to do is help this Government get on its feet President Bush. It’s been my honor to so it can govern and it can conduct its own meet with the Vice President of Iraq again. foreign policy. But the role of America is to I had the pleasure of meeting the Vice Presi- help this young democracy survive. dent in Baghdad. It was there that I invited him to come to Washington, DC, and I did I’m looking forward to continuing my de- so because I understand his importance to liberations with the military. There’s no ques- the future of Iraq. tion, we’ve got to make sure that the State The Vice President has suffered unspeak- Department and the Defense Department able violence in his family. He’s lost loved are—the efforts and their recommendations ones to violent action. And yet, in spite of are closely coordinated so that when I do his grief and in spite of pain in his heart, speak to the American people, they will know he was willing to work for a united Iraq and that I’ve listened to all aspects of Govern- a peaceful Iraq, an Iraq that can govern itself ment and that the way forward is the way and sustain itself and defend itself, a free Iraq forward to achieve our objective: to succeed that will be an ally in the war against extrem- in Iraq. And success is a country that governs, ists and radicals. defends itself, that is a free society, that And Mr. Vice President, I respect your serves as an ally in this .Q06 courage, and I respect your advice. And the reason why that’s vital is because I spent time with the Vice President today Iraq is a central component of defeating the talking about the conditions in Iraq and what extremists who want to establish safe haven the United States can do to help this Iraqi in the Middle East, extremists who would use Government succeed. He brought me up to their safe haven from which to attack the date on the terrible violence that is taking United States, extremists and radicals who place in some of the neighborhoods in Bagh- have stated that they want to topple mod- dad. He spoke eloquently about the suffering erate governments in order to be able to that innocent families have gone through. And my heart goes out to those, Mr. Vice achieve assets necessary to effect their dream President, who have suffered at the hands of spreading their totalitarian ideology as far of extremists and killers. and wide as possible. Our objective is to help the Iraqi Govern- This is really the calling of our time, that ment deal with the extremists and killers and is, to defeat these extremists and radicals. support the vast majority of Iraqis who are And Iraq is a component part, an important reasonable people who want peace. part of laying the foundation for peace. And so, Mr. Vice President, my message to you today, and to the Iraqi people is, we And so, Madam Secretary, thank you for want to help you. We want to help your Gov- the briefing. I want to thank your team here ernment be effective. We want your help— in Washington for their good work, and I your Government live up to its words and thank those out in the field who have shown ideals. And I thank you for being a leader such incredible bravery to do the hard work of one aspect of Iraqi society—you’re the necessary to secure our country. leader of many Sunnis and you’re committed to a government that is Shi’a, Sunni, Kurdish, Thank you all. and everybody else in your country, every other group in your country that will help us yield peace. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. at the And I welcome you, I thank you, and I Department of State. praise your courage.

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Deputy President Hashimi. I would like and to struggle until we meet that success, to express my sincere thanks to Mr. President inshallah. for the invitation, first of all, and too when President Bush. Thank you, sir. Thank he expedites my visit to the States, which left you very much. Thank you. a really positive message to the Iraqi people that the American administration, while they NOTE: The President spoke at 1:51 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. Deputy President are revising their strategy, they are looking Hashimi referred to Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, chair- for a balance and fair analysis from diversi- man, Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution fied leaders in Iraq. in Iraq. So this visit coming after the visit of Mr. Hakim, I would like also to express my appre- ciation to the unique and unforgettable com- Remarks Following a Meeting With mitment of the President when he said, and Senior Department of Defense continued saying that we are committed to Officials and an Exchange With the success in Iraq. And I share his views Reporters in Arlington, Virginia and aspirations that there is no way but suc- December 13, 2006 cess in Iraq. We have no other option in Iraq but to The President. I’ve just concluded a very achieve that success. And with the coopera- productive meeting with the Secretary of De- tion with our friends and Mr. President and fense Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint the American administration, we will join Chiefs Pete Pace, the , forces to achieve that success in the foresee- Vice President. I thank these men who wear able future. our uniform for a very candid and fruitful discussion about the—about how to secure There is a chance, and I can assure you this country and how to win a war that we there is a great and real chance to get out now find ourselves in. of this present dilemma. It is a hard time We spent a lot of time talking about a new that the Iraqis face in time being, but there way forward in Iraq, to help the Iraqi Gov- is a light in the corridor. There is a chance, ernment confront and defeat the enemies of but we need a good will and a strong deter- a free Iraq. We all agree it’s in our Nation’s mination, the same strong determination that interest that we help this Government suc- the Mr. President has. There will be a chance ceed. We recognize that there are enemies for the country and for Iraq to succeed. that would like to topple this young democ- During my discussion and dialog with the racy so they could have safe haven from Mr. President, I had really a frank and posi- which to plot and plan attacks against mod- tive dialog and conversation. We tackled key erate nations in the Middle East, as well as issues. And hopefully at the end of the day, attacks against the United States. It’s in our I would like to see my comments and obser- interest that we help this Government suc- vations welcomed, because at the end of the ceed. day, what I say to Mr. President is achiev- There have been a lot of violence in Iraq, ing—or could be seen as a genuine and— and the violence has been horrific. Scores [inaudible]—part in the way of achieving the of innocent men, women, and children are success. being brutally killed by ruthless murderers. I thank Mr. President again for the time Our troops are engaged in offensive oper- given to myself and to my colleagues. And ations, and we mourn the loss of life. We I leave United States with a great hope that are saddened by the loss of every single life we do have friends in Washington, that they amongst our service men and women. Our are very much interested, in fact, to help us folks are very active in Al Anbar and in Bagh- in these very difficult times, and to achieve dad, which is where the enemy is con- the unforgettable, the long-waited success. centrated. Whatever the sacrifices, my family and the Our commanders report that the enemy country, at the end of the day, we have no has also suffered. Offensive operations by other option but to maintain this momentum Iraqi and coalition forces against terrorists

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and insurgents and death squad leaders have against radicals and extremists who would do yielded positive results. In the months of Oc- us harm. Secondly, that our troops deserve tober, November, and the first week of De- the solid commitment of the Commander in cember, we have killed or captured nearly Chief and our political leaders and the Amer- 5,900 of the enemy. ican people. While the enemy is far from being de- You have my unshakable commitment in feated, there should be no doubt in anybody’s this important fight to help secure the peace mind that every day and night, the Iraqi Gov- for the long term. I pledge to work with the ernment and our brave men and women of new Congress to forge greater bipartisan the Armed Forces are taking the fight to the consensus to help you achieve your mission. enemy; that in spite of the fact that I am I will continue to speak about your bravery conducting a strategic review of the best way and your commitment and the sacrifices of forward in Iraq, there are a lot of operations your families to the American people. We’re taking place, day and night. not going to give up. The stakes are too high Yesterday, the Secretary and the Vice and the consequences too grave to turn Iraq President and General Pace and I were on over to extremists who want to do the Amer- the SVTS with General Casey, and he’s talk- ican people and the Iraqi people harm. ing about the hard work our troops and Iraqi I thank you for your service. I’m proud troops are doing to defeat these enemies. to be your Commander in Chief. We’ll honor I do want to say something to those who the sacrifices you are making by making sure wear our uniform. The men and women in your children and grandchildren can grow up uniform are always on my mind. I am proud in a more peaceful world. of them. I appreciate their sacrifices. And I God bless. want them to know that I am focused on de- I’ll take a couple of questions. AP man veloping a strategy that will help them [Ben Feller, ]. achieve their mission. Oh, I know there’s a lot of debate here at home, and our troops War on Terror Strategy pay attention to that debate. They hear that Q. Mr. President, thank you. You’ve been I am meeting with the Pentagon or the State gathering advice, as you said, from leaders Department or outside officials, that my na- here and from leaders in Iraq. As you’ve gone tional security team and I are working closely through that extensive process, have you with Iraqi leaders, and they wonder what that heard any new ideas at all, anything that means. Well, I’ll tell you what it means: It would change your thinking? means I am listening to a lot of advice to The President. I’ve heard some ideas that develop a strategy to help you succeed. would lead to defeat, and I reject those There’s a lot of consultations taking place, ideas—ideas such as leaving before the job and as I announced yesterday, I will be deliv- is done; ideas such as not helping this Gov- ering my—my plans, after a long delibera- ernment take the necessary and hard steps tion, after steady deliberation. I’m not going to be able to do its job. to be rushed into making a difficult decision, I’ve heard interesting ideas. I won’t share a necessary decision, to say to our troops, them with you because I want to make sure ‘‘We’re going to give you the tools necessary I continue to collect those ideas and put to succeed and a strategy to help you suc- them together in a strategy that our military ceed.’’ I also want the new Secretary of De- and the commanders and our national secu- fense to have time to evaluate the situation, rity team understands will lead to an Iraq so he can provide serious and deliberate ad- that can govern and sustain and defend itself. vice to me. I put off my speech—actually, I was quite I do want our troops to understand this, flexible about when I was going to give my though: that this Government and this group speech to begin with but—and one of the of military leaders are committed to a stra- main reasons why is, I really do want the tegic goal of a free Iraq that is democratic, new Secretary of Defense to have time to that can govern itself, defend itself, and sus- get to know people and hear people and be tain itself and be a strong ally in this war a part of this deliberation. And he will not

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be sworn in until next Monday. I also—one Iraq Study Group Report of the interesting things about this experi- Q. Thank you, sir. You said you would re- ence is that there’s a lot of ideas and a lot ject plans that would lead to defeat. Would of opinions. And I want to make sure I hear you put the Baker-Hamilton report in that from as many of those ideas and opinions category? as possible. The President. No, my opinion of Baker- Today I heard from some opinions that Hamilton hasn’t changed. One, I appreciated matter a lot to me, and these are the opinions their look. Secondly, I thought it was inter- of those who wear the uniform. These gen- esting that both Democrats and Republicans erals have spent a lot of time thinking about could actually work in concert to help this issue. There’s nobody who cares more achieve an objective. And the objective they stated, that was necessary in their report, was about our troops than they do, and nobody a government that could defend itself, govern who wants us to achieve more—than to itself, sustain itself and serve as an ally in achieve our objectives than they do. And it the war on terror. I thought there were some was a fascinating discussion we had. These good ideas in there. And I—as I told both are smart people and capable people and Baker and Hamilton and the American peo- people whose judgment I listen to. And at ple after I received the report, I take every the appropriate time, I will stand up in front one of their considerations seriously. of the Nation and say, ‘‘Here’s where we’re headed.’’ War on Terror Strategy But one thing people got to understand Q. As you give the new Defense Secretary is, we’ll be headed toward achieving our ob- time to get more in the mix, what is the strat- jectives. And I repeat: If we lose our nerve, egy that you’re looking to build? Is it a mili- if we’re not steadfast in our determination tary strategy for success in Iraq or a political to help the Iraqi Government succeed, we one? The President. I think that our military will be handing Iraq over to an enemy that cannot do this job alone. Our military needs would do us harm, the consequences of a political strategy that is effective. And that which—of leaving Iraq before the job is includes things such as an oil law passed by done, for example, would be grave for the the Iraqis that basically says to the people, American citizens. ‘‘All of you, regardless of where you live or As we learned on September the 11th, the your religion, get to share in the bounty of enemy has got the capacity to strike us. And our Nation.’’ It requires a reconciliation ef- there’s no doubt in my mind, a failure in Iraq fort, including a rational de-Ba’athification would make it more likely the enemy would law. strike us. It would certainly make it more Q. That’s not something you can do with likely that moderate people around the Mid- your new strategy, is it? dle East would wonder about the United The President. Oh, absolutely. Abso- States will. Moderate people—moderate gov- lutely, I can do that with my new strategy. ernments in the Middle East would be mak- I mean, it is—I can hold people to account. ing irrational decisions about their future. It It’s something the military recognizes that would be a disaster for governments that they’re not—that’s not their job; it’s my job have got energy resources to be in the hands to convince the Maliki Government to make of these extremists. They would use energy the hard decisions necessary to move his country forward. to extract blackmail from the United States. But the good news is, he agrees. In my And when you couple all that with a regime conversations with him, I have said, you that is—doesn’t like the United States having know, ‘‘Are you going to promote a unity gov- a nuclear weapon, you can imagine a world ernment or will you be so divisive in your of turmoil. And we’re not going to let it hap- approach that you can’t achieve the objec- pen. tives that the Iraqi people expect you to Caren [Caren Bohan, ]. achieve?’’ How do I know they expect to

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achieve? They voted; 12 million of them ac- And so the stakes are high in this fight. tually went to the polls and expressed their Nobody knows that better than the gentle- opinions. men standing behind me. They clearly un- And so there needs to be a political track; derstand the stakes that are confronted—that and we’re working very hard with the Maliki confront this Nation. And I am proud to have Government to achieve that political track. listened to their points of view. And I’m That’s what I’ve been doing the last couple proud to be working with them, as they help of days. As a matter of fact, today on the lead the greatest military ever assembled— telephone I spoke to the two Kurdish leaders. a military, by the way, in which we’ve got These men have been outspoken about the brave volunteers, people who understand the desire to have a moderate governing coali- stakes of this fight, saying, ‘‘I want to be in; tion, which we support. I met with the major I want to serve my country.’’ Sunni leader yesterday, all talking about how It’s a remarkable period in American his- we hope that there is political reconciliation tory right now. And as I deliberate the way and a commitment to a political process that forward, I keep in mind that we’ve got brave says to the Iraqi people, ‘‘You count; you mat- souls that need—to need to know that we’re ter for the future of our country.’’ in this fight with a strategy to help them There needs to be an economic compo- achieve the objectives that we’ve got. nent. As you know, part of our successful Listen, thank you all very much. strategies in parts of Iraq have been based upon a ‘‘clear, hold, and build.’’ Well, ‘‘build’’ means getting projects up and running in key NOTE: The President spoke at 2:45 p.m. at the Pentagon. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. parts of the country, so that people see the George W. Casey, Jr., USA, commanding general, benefits of either working with coalition Multi-National Force—Iraq; Secretary of De- forces and/or the benefits of supporting a fense-designate Robert M. Gates; James A. Baker government. And so this is much more than III and Lee Hamilton, cochairs, Iraq Study a military operation. Group; Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, President And finally, there’s the foreign policy piece Jalal Talabani, and Deputy President Tariq al- that’s necessary. And we spend a lot of time Hashimi of Iraq; Masoud Barzani, , in our Government talking to people like Kurdistan region in Iraq; and King Abdallah bin Saudi Arabia or Egypt or or Abd al-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. and sending messages, clear messages, to countries like Syria and Iran. And I believe, Statement on the Government of for example, the Saudis are committed to a Syria government that will bring peace and sta- bility, and that’s a unity government. It’s in December 13, 2006 their interest they do so. And we’re working hard with them to figure out a strategy to The United States supports the Syrian help the Maliki Government succeed. people’s desire for democracy, human rights, I’m pleased when Iraqi leaders go to Saudi and freedom of expression. Syrians deserve Arabia and talk to my friend, the King of a government whose legitimacy is grounded Saudi Arabia, and talk about how they can in the consent of the people, not brute force. work together to achieve stability. It’s in The Syrian regime should immediately Saudi’s interest; it’s in Jordan’s interest; it’s free all political prisoners, including Aref in the gulf coast countries’ interest that there Dalila, Michel Kilo, Anwar al-Bunni, be a stable Iran, an Iran that is capable of Mahmoud Issa, and Kamal Labwani. I am rejecting Iranian influence—I mean Iraq that deeply troubled by reports that some ailing is capable of rejecting Iranian influence. It’s political prisoners are denied health care in our interests that we succeed in Iraq so while others are held in cells with violent that we can continue to send a clear message criminals. to those in Iran that are desirous of a free Syria should disclose the fate and where- society that freedom is possible in your abouts of the many missing Lebanese citizens neighborhood. who ‘‘disappeared’’ following their arrest in

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Lebanon during the decades of Syrian mili- law, decency, and education. And to the ex- tary occupation. The Syrian regime should tent that we can help—continue to help your also cease its efforts to undermine Lebanese country, Mr. President, we will do so. sovereignty by denying the Lebanese people Welcome, I’m glad you’re here. their right to participate in the democratic President Yayi. I have come here to, first process free of foreign intimidation and in- and foremost, thank Mr. President Bush for terference. all the initiatives that have been taken so far The people of Syria hope for a prosperous to eradicate poverty on the continents. As future with greater opportunities for their you may know, among these initiatives, we children and for a government that fights have the agua initiative, empowerment of corruption, respects the rule of law, guaran- women, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the tees the rights of all Syrians, and works to- initiative of MCA—that is Millennium Chal- ward achieving peace in the region. lenge Account. It is very important for us in Africa because the MCA will help us eradi- cate poverty. And I would like to thank Presi- Remarks Following a Meeting With dent Bush for that last initiative he took. President Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin Africa is aware of her responsibility in the December 14, 2006 roles she has to play, globally speaking, be- cause we have to reach prosperity, and that President Bush. It’s been my honor to prosperity has some conditions. We need have a visit with the President of Benin. We peace. We need stability. We need security. had a very long discussion about a variety And Africa—America has a leading role to of subjects. My administration is committed play in our combat to restore a peaceful con- to helping the democracies on the continent tinent. of Africa deal with very significant problems. Of course, we have to be together with The President and I are about to go to a America to build—succeed in all these chal- summit where the United States of America lenges, to take up all these challenges. And will commit resources, time, and talent to multilaterally, it should be also a part of con- help rid much of Africa of malaria. cern of the American people. We are aware And, Mr. President, I’m proud to an- of the fact that America can really play a very nounce today that you’re one of the countries important role to continue building capacity that we’ll be concentrating our help upon. among the institutions like IMF and the We cannot succeed, however, unless there’s World Bank, and the institution of—[inaudi- an administration that is willing and capable ble]—which is very important for us also. to do the hard work necessary to educate And the efforts should continue being people, spread nets, insecticides necessary to made by the American Government within deal with a disease that can be defeated. the G–8 group, because Africa needs a lot We talked about the Millennium Chal- from this G–8, and international exchanges lenge Account. It’s one of the most innova- also have to be reenforced. The Doha nego- tive foreign policy initiatives ever proposed tiations need to find a solution now—try to by an administration. It’s having a positive make it easier because cotton is but one of effect around the world. And I want to thank our important products in Africa, and in my you for working toward that end. country, two people out of three live out of We talked about the need for us to work cotton. It’s the same reality in countries like together to deal with problems such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, where cotton Darfur. The President recognized the geno- is a very important product. cide taking place in Darfur, as does the ad- So some subsidies granted to some coun- ministration. We want to work through the tries like America here cause a kind of United Nations to have a very strong and ca- disfunctioning in our country and on the con- pable AU force, augmented by United Na- tinent also. So America should help us tions help, to save lives. smooth this mechanism. I’m very happy to One thing I’m impressed with is the Presi- hear that America is trying to set up a parallel dent’s commitment to democracy, rule of mechanism that would really help promote

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the production of cotton. So by the time the The President is committed to a free soci- WTO will also reach an agreement, I think ety. He understands the need to confront ill- that this problem of Doha will be definitely ness so his people can live in peace. And, solved. Mr. President, I thank you very much for Let me end my speech by saying that I your commitment and your willingness to want to thank the American Government, work with those who want to help to elimi- thank President Bush, and the American nate malaria in your country. people for all they are doing to really help I want to thank members of my Cabinet us eradicate poverty on African continent. who are here, particularly Madam Secretary President Bush. Thank you, sir. of Education, . Thanks for coming. I thank Randy Tobias. He’s the Di- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:02 a.m. in the rector of USAID. He, by the way, led the Oval Office at the White House. President Yayi spoke in French, and his remarks were translated initiative to help put America squarely in the by an interpreter. fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS on the con- tinent of Africa. Randy, you will have a won- derful legacy in your service to our country, Remarks at the White House Summit and I want to thank you. on Malaria I appreciate Admiral Tony [Timothy] * December 14, 2006 Ziemer. He is the U.S. Malaria Coordinator. I see a lot of people who are working hard The President. Thank you. Please be seat- in my administration on these initiatives, and ed. Thanks for inviting me to what sounded I thank you for your participation. I thank like a festive occasion. [Laughter] I’m hon- members of the diplomatic corps who have ored to be here. I’m pleased to visit with you joined us. I want to thank Members of Con- all here at the National Geographic Society, gress—I think that’s Senator Leahy, Senator and I want to thank you for inviting me to Frist—[laughter]—thank you all for coming. come to this important conference. I appre- Thank you for taking an interest in it—Con- ciate all of today’s speakers, including my gressman Smith. I’d better stop. [Laughter] personal favorite—[laughter]—Laura. I think I’m going to leave somebody out. But As you conclude this summit, we turn our I want to thank you all for your interest in thoughts to those who carry the burden of this initiative. sickness during this holiday season. There are I appreciate John Fahey—he’s the presi- members of our own families here in Amer- dent and CEO of National Geographic Soci- ica who are ill, and they live in villages half- ety—and Gil Grosvenor. I want to thank Ray way around the world. For many of their ill- Chambers, who is the chairman of the board nesses, there is a known relief; for many, of Malaria No More. I thank all the social there is no known relief. Yet for malaria, we entrepreneurs who are here. I think people know exactly what it takes to prevent and will understand that there is a call to act treat the disease. The only question is wheth- when we see a crisis at hand, and I want er we have the will to act. All of you have to thank you for acting. I appreciate Isaiah heard the call to act, and you have re- Washington, who is the emcee of this event. sponded, and I appreciate your compassion. I want to thank all the program participants. Because of your work, children who once Thank you all for coming. wanted [sic] to die are now preparing to live, By bringing together such a wide variety and whole regions are replacing suffering and of people, this summit is sending a clear mes- fear with hope and health. We can take pride sage that we are determined to defeat ma- in the progress we have made, and today we laria. We are also sending a broader message will renew our commitment to a world with- about America’s purpose in the world. In this out malaria. new century, there is a great divide between I’ve just had a state visit, an important visit, those who place no value on human life and with a remarkable leader from Benin. Mr. rejoice in the suffering of others and those President and Mrs. Yayi, welcome to Amer- ica, and thank you for being here. * White House correction.

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who believe that every life has matchless do. I believe that our country must help and value and answer suffering with compassion continue to take the lead. That’s why last and kindness. year, I announced an initiative to increase The contrast is vivid, and the position of our commitment to fighting malaria in Africa. America is clear: We will lead the cause of And I want to thank the Members of Con- freedom, justice, and hope, because both our gress for supporting this initiative. values and our interests demand it. We be- We’re spending $1.2 billion over 5 years lieve in the timeless truth: To whom much to provide bed nets and indoor spraying and is given, much is required. We also know that antimalaria medicine in 15 African countries. nations with free, healthy, prosperous people We are focusing our efforts to eradicate ma- will be sources of stability, not breeding laria on 15 countries. We are insisting on grounds for extremists and hate and terror. measuring. This project is measurable. We By making the world more hopeful, we make can determine whether or not nets are being the world more peaceful. And by helping distributed or medicine is being provided. others, the American people must under- But more importantly, we can measure stand, we help ourselves. whether or not we’re saving lives. We look— One area in which America has a tremen- work toward this historic goal to cut the num- dous potential to help is in the fight against ber of malaria-related deaths in half. That’s malaria. At home, malaria was eliminated what we’re headed for, as quickly as possible. decades ago. It is possible to eliminate ma- The malaria initiative is off to a strong laria. In Africa, malaria remains a persistent start. We have launched the program in three killer. I think our citizens will be amazed to countries: Uganda, Angola, and Tanzania. I hear that last year, about a million Africans want our fellow citizens to hear this startling died of malaria. The vast majority were chil- statistic: In a short period of time, more than dren under five; their lives ended by nothing 6 million people have benefited. It’s in our more than a mosquito bite. In some coun- interests that the 6 million people we’ve tries, more people die of malaria than HIV/ helped—lives have been improved. In Ugan- AIDS, and last week, a new study showed da, groups funded by our malaria initiative that people who contract malaria become distributed more than 300,000 nets and al- more likely to spread HIV. The burden of most 300,000 doses of medicine to children malaria costs sub-Saharan Africa an esti- and pregnant women. In Angola, the initia- mated $12 billion a year. And if the disease tive supported a spraying campaign that pro- continues to spread, the cost in lives and lost tected the homes of more than a half a mil- productivity is going to grow exponentially lion people. And in Tanzania, the initiative worse. Now is the time to act. paid for local health clinics to distribute more Allowing Africa to continue on that path than 130,000 nets and spray homes for more is just simply unacceptable. So we are acting, than a million people. We’re in action. Your and we’re leading. And with partners across taxpayers’ money is working to save lives. the world, we are helping the people of Afri- The statistics are impressive, and behind ca turn the tide against malaria. The goal of them are the stories of families with renewed defeating malaria is a challenging goal, yet hope in the future. Not long ago, the Zanzi- it can be done. It’s not going to require a bar islands off the coast of Tanzania were miracle; it just requires a smart, sustained, a hotbed of malaria infection. Then, with the focused effort. And that’s what we’re here support of the malaria initiative, local groups to talk about. launched a campaign called ‘‘Kataa Ma- Experts have identified four key steps for laria’’—which is Swahili for ‘‘Reject Malaria.’’ combating malaria in Africa: distributing in- Workers went door-to-door to teach people secticide-treated bed nets; expanding indoor how to use bed nets; they launched a cam- insecticide spraying; providing antimalaria paign of TV and radio ads; and they spoke medicine to pregnant women; and delivering in mosques about malaria prevention and cutting-edge drugs to people with the dis- treatment. Now the people of Zanzibar are ease. These are four things that, if done, will beginning to see results. One island reported save lives. They are not impossible things to that in the first 9 months of this year, the

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number of malaria cases dropped almost 90 to get money into the hands of those who percent compared to the same time last year. are recruiting and encouraging volunteers to One man said this: ‘‘Personally, the initiative be on the frontline of fighting malaria. gives me a leap of faith. The ultimate out- I want to thank all the grassroots volun- come is that we should have a malaria-free teers who are here. I want to thank you for Zanzibar. There is no turning back.’’ doing what you’re doing. I hope that you can He’s right; there’s no turning back. We’re do more, and I hope that this summit, which going to continue to expand the malaria ini- Laura and her team put together, enables tiative to reach other countries across Africa you to go out and recruit, because the as quickly as possible. Earlier this year, Laura quicker we eliminate malaria, the better off announced that four nations will join the ini- the world will be. tiative in ’07: Senegal, Malawi, Rwanda, and Defeating malaria requires cooperation Mozambique. Today I am going to announce between Government and the private sector. eight more countries will join in ’08: Ghana, When I announced the malaria initiative, I Madagascar, Mali, Zambia, Kenya, Liberia, called on foundations and corporations to Ethiopia, and Benin. President, I can assure participate. In other words, I said, ‘‘You’ve the people that you are determined to beat got to be with us; the Government alone can’t malaria. And it’s that determination by the solve the problem. We can address it; we can leadership of a country that is required for fund it; but we need your help.’’ I want to our initiative to be as successful as quickly thank the Gates Foundation. Melinda, thank as it possibly can. You can count on us as you for being here. This foundation is a fan- a steady, reliable partner. tastic example of social entrepreneurship. It Defeating malaria is going to require a lot was caused to be because of fantastic busi- more work than just the action of the U.S. ness entrepreneurship. It is now using the Government. Defeating malaria requires co- business acumen and the rewards of being operation between government and grass- roots volunteers. I want to thank the leader- smart to fund unbelievable programs. And ship of Malaria No More, which is energizing I’m proud of what you’re doing. the grassroots and raising money and mobi- I want to thank the Red Cross. And, lizing thousands of volunteers to fight ma- Bonnie, thank you very much. You’ve trained laria. There’s a lot of people out of our coun- thousands of health workers in sub-Saharan try who, if called to serve and to love, will Africa, and you’re going to train more. I want do so. Rick Warren has got a church called to thank the Global Business Coalition that Saddleback Church. He believes like I be- thus far has brought more than 200 compa- lieve: To whom much is given, much is re- nies together to raise money for bed nets and quired. They’re going to send thousands of other supplies. Two hundred is a little short, volunteers into African villages and clinics. as far as I’m concerned. In other words, I These groups rely upon the skill of doctors view it as a good start, kind of a down pay- and nurses. And for doctors and nurses who ment. [Laughter] are serving in Africa to help achieve the goal I want to thank ExxonMobil and Marathon of eliminating malaria, I thank you on behalf Oil, who funded—which have funded of a grateful nation. antimalaria projects in some of Africa’s most I am pleased to announce that I am going heavily affected nations. I think it’s in your to expand a Federal program called Volun- corporate interests that the people of Africa teers for Prosperity, which allows organiza- see that you’re willing to invest in the future tions that recruit skilled volunteers to receive of their countries. America’s businesses and Federal grants more easily. I believe it’s in foundations are showing a lot of wisdom and our interests to use taxpayers’ money to en- generosity. I appreciate your support. courage these private-sector initiatives. Orga- Defeating malaria requires cooperation nizations involved with the malaria initiative between our country and the international will find it easier to receive Federal funds, community. We have given nearly $2 billion I hope. The point is, we’re going to try to to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS—and I eliminate as much bureaucracy as possible want to thank the leader of the fund, who

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is here today by the way—Fight AIDS, Tu- signed compacts with five African nations, berculosis, and Malaria. And nearly a quarter and we’re working on more. of that money has been used for antimalaria We launched one of the most important projects. We support the efforts to fight ma- initiatives in American history, as far as I’m laria being led by the WHO and the new concerned, and that is the Emergency Plan leader, as well as UNICEF and my friend, for AIDS Relief, which thus far has brought , and the World Bank, where lifesaving drugs to more than 800,000 people has made antimalaria on the continent of Africa in 5 short years. projects a high priority. Some of our allies Development aid is one thing, but so is in Europe have committed resources to these the capacity for us to help nations through efforts, and frankly, they should commit trade. I appreciate the work of my prede- more. This is a global effort to fight malaria. cessor, President Clinton, and subsequent The United States is proud to take the lead. Congresses to pass and now extend the Afri- I encourage other countries—to whom much can Growth and Opportunity Act, which has is given, much is required—to step up and enabled me to report to you that between give. I want to thank those who understand Africa and America, trade has doubled since that malaria is a global problem, and we’ve 2001. got to work to solve it together. In all these ways, we stand with the people Defeating malaria requires cooperation of Africa in their time of need. And by doing between America and African nations. The so, we help lift a burden of unnecessary suf- malaria initiative is based on partnership, Mr. fering, and we help reduce the appeal of radi- President, not paternalism. Leaders like you calism, and we forge lasting friendships on a continent that is growing in strategic impor- know your people; you know their problems, tance. and you are determined to solve them. Our As we come to the end of this historic sum- job is to help you. I fully understand that mit, every citizen can be proud of the work many times people have got great ambitions our Nation is doing to fight disease and de- and great intentions, but they have no money spair. Our development agenda in Africa and to do—to help. And that’s why this Govern- beyond is the most ambitious commitment ment is committed to providing money and America has made since the Marshall plan. technology to help the leaders accomplish And once again, our efforts are showing the the objectives that we’ve set forth. world what kind of country America is. We’re African leaders also understand, in the a nation of optimistic people and generous long run, that defeating malaria requires people and decent people who value human more than nets and sprays and drugs. It re- life. We’re a nation that believes that we’re quires changing the conditions that help ma- fortunate and that through our fortune, we laria thrive: poverty and the lack of education ought to help others. We’re a compassionate and unresponsive governments and corrup- people who care deeply about the future of tion and the HIV/AIDS pandemic. To help the world. And it is my honor to lead such African leaders overcome these challenges, a people. this administration has doubled development God bless you all. aid to Africa during my Presidency, and I propose to double it again by the end of this NOTE: The President spoke at 11:55 a.m. at the decade. National Geographic Society. In his remarks, he We’ve created the Millennium Challenge referred to President Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin Account to support nations that govern justly. and his wife, Chantal de Souza Yayi; Gilbert M. It doesn’t make any sense for us to send tax- Grosvenor, chairman of the board, National Geo- payers’ monies to countries that steal the graphic Society; Richard D. ‘‘Rick’’ Warren, founder and senior pastor, Saddleback Church, money. We give to—and part of the Millen- Lake Forest, CA; Melinda French Gates, cochair, nium Challenge Account, headed by Ambas- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Bonnie sador Danilovich, is to encourage countries McElveen-Hunter, chairman, American Red to invest in their people and to encourage Cross; Richard G.A. Feachem, executive director, economic freedom. And so far, we have Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and

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Malaria; Margaret Chan, director-general-elect, amended, 22 U.S.C. 2601(c)(1), I hereby de- World Health Organization; and Ann M. termine that it is important to the national Veneman, executive director, United Nations interest that up to $5.215 million be made Children’s Fund. available from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the pur- Executive Order 13418— pose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee Amendment to Executive Order and migration needs resulting from conflicts in Somalia and Sri Lanka. These funds may 13317, Volunteers for Prosperity be used, as appropriate, to provide contribu- December 14, 2006 tions to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations and, as nec- By the authority vested in me as President essary, for administrative expenses of the Bu- by the Constitution and the laws of the reau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. United States of America, and to add com- You are authorized and directed to inform bating malaria as one of the objectives of the the appropriate committees of the Congress global prosperity agenda, it is hereby ordered of this determination and the obligation of that section 1(a) of Executive Order 13317 funds under this authority and to publish this of September 25, 2003, is amended by: determination in the Federal Register. (a) striking ‘‘, and stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS.’’ and inserting in lieu George W. Bush thereof ‘‘, stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS and controlling malaria.’’; and NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- (b) striking ‘‘, and the Middle East Part- fice of the Press Secretary on December 15. nership Initiative.’’ and inserting in lieu thereof ‘‘, the Middle East Part- Remarks on Presenting the nership Initiative, and the President’s Presidential Medal of Freedom Malaria Initiative.’’. December 15, 2006 George W. Bush The White House, The President. Please be seated. Thank December 14, 2006. you all for coming. Welcome. Mr. Vice Presi- dent, members of my Cabinet, Laura and I [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, are please you could join us on this special 8:45 a.m., December 15, 2006] occasion. We’re delighted to welcome our NOTE: This Executive order was published in the distinguished honorees as well as their fami- Federal Register on December 18. lies and friends to the White House. Thanks for coming. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our Memorandum on Determination Nation’s highest civil honor. The Medal rec- Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the ognizes high achievement in public service, Migration and Refugee Assistance science, the arts, education, athletics, and Act of 1962, as Amended other fields. Today we honor 10 exceptional December 14, 2006 individuals who have gained great admiration and respect throughout our country. Presidential Determination No. 2007–08 Norman Y. Mineta personifies the terms ‘‘public servant’’ and ‘‘patriot.’’ He served as Memorandum for the Secretary of State an Army intelligence officer, the mayor of San Jose, California, 10-term U.S. Congress- Subject: Determination Pursuant to Section man, and a Cabinet member under Presi- 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee dents of both parties. He was my Secretary Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended of Transportation. No Secretary of Transpor- Pursuant to section 2(c)(1) of the Migra- tation ever served longer or confronted tion and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as greater challenges than Norm Mineta.

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On September the 11th, 2001, he led the One day in 1961, Ruth Colvin of Syracuse, effort to bring thousands of commercial and New York, read a disturbing statistic in the private aircraft swiftly and safely to the morning newspaper. She learned that more ground. Norm was calm, and he was decisive than 11,000 people in her hometown could in a moment of emergency. He showed those not read. Ruth wondered, ‘‘Why isn’t some- same qualities in the months and years after- body doing something about it?’’ Ruth de- ward, ably transforming his Department to cided that she would do something. Working face the dangers of a new era. out of her basement, she formed a network Norm Mineta’s whole life has been an ex- of citizens willing to donate their time as traordinary journey. At the age of 10, he was reading tutors. Before long, that network sent with his mom and dad to an internment reached beyond Syracuse and beyond New camp for Japanese Americans. Such wrongful York, and it had a name: Literacy Volunteers treatment could have left a person bitter, but of America. Over the years, the volunteers not Norm Mineta. Instead he has given his have helped hundreds of thousands of adults country a lifetime of service, and he’s given learn the reading and language skills they his fellow citizens an example of leadership, need to build a better life. Ruth rightly says, devotion to duty, and personal character. Mr. ‘‘The ability to read and write is critical to Secretary, you’re a good friend and a great personal freedom and the maintenance of a man, and our country honors you. democratic society.’’ With us today is Warren O’Neil, who will Ruth’s good influence has continued to accept the Medal of Freedom on behalf of grow. She travels the world promoting lit- his brother, John Jordan ‘‘Buck’’ O’Neil. eracy with her husband and best friend, Bob. Buck O’Neil passed away in October, after She started literacy campaigns on multiple a baseball career spanning more than seven continents. Ruth has also made many dear decades. He joined the Negro League in friends, including another great crusader for 1938, as a first baseman for the Kansas City literacy—my mother. [Laughter] Ruth’s chil- Monarchs. Buck O’Neil won two batting ti- dren, Terry and Lindy, know what I know— tles and played on nine championship teams, that you better listen to your mother. and as a manager, guided the Monarchs to [Laughter] Ruth has said, ‘‘I am and always four league titles. After finishing his playing have been a volunteer.’’ More than that, Ruth career, Buck O’Neil joined the Cubs Colvin is a person of intelligence and vision as a scout and later as the first African Amer- and heart, and she has earned the gratitude ican coach in the major leagues. He never of many and the admiration of us all. Con- did slow down. For the rest of his life, he gratulations. was active in baseball—not just from the Like Ruth, Dr. Norman C. Francis has stands or the dugout. dedicated his life to education. He achieved In July of this year, he took a turn at bat early distinction as the first African American in a minor league all-star game in Kansas to graduate from the Loyola University Col- City. They wisely pitched around him— lege of Law. In 1968, he became president [laughter]—he drew a walk—at the age of of his alma mater, Xavier University in New 94 years old. [Laughter] Buck O’Neil is also Orleans, and he is today the longest serving remembered as one of the game’s best histo- university president in the United States. Dr. rians and ambassadors. He was the driving Francis is known across Louisiana and force behind the Negro Leagues Baseball throughout our country as a man of deep in- Museum; he was proud to be its chairman. tellect and compassion and character. He’s But he once said: ‘‘It never should have been an Army veteran. He led the United Negro a Negro League. Shouldn’t have been.’’ Buck College Fund. He was chairman of the board O’Neil lived long enough to see the game of the Educational Testing Service, and he of baseball and America change for the bet- holds only 35 honorary degrees. [Laughter] ter. He’s one of the people we can thank Last year, after did for that. Buck O’Neil was a legend, and he great damage to the Xavier campus, Dr. was a beautiful human being. And we honor Francis vowed the university would over- the memory of Buck O’Neil. come and reopen its doors by January, and

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he kept that pledge. Dr. Francis continues Israel, winning four elections to the Knesset to help the people of southeast Louisiana as and serving more than 8 years in the Cabinet. the leader of the Louisiana Recovery Author- He remains, above all, an eloquent champion ity. As they continue to rebuild from the dev- for liberty and democracy. Natan reminds us astation of the hurricanes, the people of the that every soul carries the desire to live in Pelican State will benefit from the leadership freedom and that freedom has a unique of this good man. And all of us admire the power to lift up nations, transform regions, good life and remarkable career of Dr. Nor- and secure a future for peace. Natan man C. Francis. Sharansky is a witness to that power, and his Joshua Lederberg has always seemed testimony brings hope to those who still live ahead of his time. He was researching genet- under oppression. We honor Natan ics when the field was scarcely understood. Sharansky for his life of courage and convic- He was studying the implications of space tion. travel before there were astronauts. And The struggle between freedom and tyr- even three decades ago, he was warning of anny has defined the past 100 years, and few the dangers of biological warfare. All of his have written of that struggle with greater skill life, people have seen something special in than Paul Johnson. His book, ‘‘Modern this rabbi’s son from Montclair, New Jersey. Times: The World from the Twenties to the Someone who knew him in college said, ‘‘You Eighties,’’ is a masterful account of the griev- could tell that Joshua was in the lab because ous harm visited on millions by ideologies you could hear the breaking glass.’’ [Laugh- of power and coercion. In all his writings, ter] ‘‘He was so young, bursting with poten- Paul Johnson shows great breadth of knowl- tial.’’ edge and moral clarity and a deep under- He earned his Ph.D. in his early twenties. standing of the challenges of our time. He’s At the age of 33, he won the Nobel Prize. written hundreds of articles and dozens of Dr. Lederberg has remained at the top of books, including ‘‘The History of the Jews,’’ the scientific field as a professor, researcher, ‘‘The History of Christianity,’’ ‘‘The Quest for and writer. As a columnist and adviser to God,’’ and ‘‘The Birth of the Modern.’’ Obvi- many administrations, he brought clear, ously, the man is not afraid to take on big independent thinking and wisdom to matters subjects. [Laughter] of public policy, especially in national secu- Eight years ago, he published ‘‘A History rity and nonproliferation. For his brilliant ca- of the American People,’’ which Dr. Henry reer, his high ethical standards, and his many Kissinger said, was ‘‘as majestic in scope as contributions to our country, the United the country it celebrates.’’ In the preface, States thanks Joshua Lederberg. Paul Johnson called Americans ‘‘the most re- Americans first came to know Natan markable people the world has ever seen.’’ Sharansky as a voice for freedom inside an He said, ‘‘I love them, and I salute them.’’ of tyranny. As a Jew applying to im- That’s a high tribute from a man of such migrate to Israel, he was refused and har- learning and wisdom, and America returns assed by the Soviet regime. Natan Sharansky the feeling. Our country honors Paul Johnson became a leading dissident and advocate for and proudly calls him a friend. human rights. And after a show trial, he was One of America’s unique gifts to the world sentenced to a gulag for 10 years. The au- is a music called the blues. And in that music thorities may have hoped the world would two names are paramount—B.B. King and forget the name Sharansky. Instead, leaders his guitar, Lucille. [Laughter] It has been like President Reagan and Ambassador Kirk- said that when John Lennon was asked to patrick spoke often of his persecution, and name his great ambition, he said, ‘‘to play the case of Natan Sharansky became a sym- the guitar like B.B. King.’’ Many musicians bol of the moral emptiness of imperial com- have had that same goal, but nobody has ever munism. been able to match the skill or copy the Today, the Soviet Union is history, but the sound of the ‘‘King of the Blues.’’ world still knows the name Sharansky. As a He came up the hard way in the Deep free man, he’s become a political leader in South, living alone when he was 9 years old,

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walking miles to school and picking cotton better for the contributions of William Safire. for 35 cents a day. Barely out of his teens, Congratulations. he made his first trip to Memphis, Ten- David McCullough has won the Pulitzer nessee, with his guitar and $2.50 in his pock- Prize twice—for ‘‘Truman’’ and ‘‘John et. He made his name on Beale Street, and Adams,’’ two of the most successful biog- his studio recordings made him a national raphies ever published. In person and on the favorite. B.B. King has sold more than 40 printed page, David McCullough shares the million records. He won 14 Grammys. He lessons of history with enthusiasm and in- has a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. sight. He has written definitive works on the He’s influenced generations of musicians Johnstown flood, the building of the Brook- from blues to rock, and he’s performed in lyn Bridge, and the digging of the Panama venues from roadside nightclubs to Carnegie Canal. His first book out came—came out Hall. He’s still touring, and he’s still record- nearly 40 years ago; all of his books are still ing, and he’s still singing, and he’s still playing in print. David McCullough is also, for mil- the blues better than anybody else. In other lions of Americans, the voice of history, as words: The thrill is not gone. [Laughter] the narrator of Ken Burns’s ‘‘The Civil War’’ America loves the music of B.B. King, and and other films. America loves the man himself. Congratula- For those who question the importance of tions. history, David likes to quote Harry Truman, William Safire joined the White House who said, ‘‘The only thing new in the world staff nearly 38 years ago as a speechwriter is the history you do not know.’’ David to the President. President Nixon once intro- McCullough reminds us that ‘‘the laws we duced Bill this way: ‘‘This is Safire, absolutely live by, the freedoms we enjoy, the institu- trustworthy, but watch what you say—he’s tions that we take for granted are all the work a writer.’’ [Laughter] Writing has been at the of other people who went before us.’’ He’s center of Bill Safire’s eventful life, going back a passionate man about our responsibility to to his days in the U.S. Army and as a PR know America’s past and to share it with man in New York. As a young speechwriter every new generation. He’s fulfilled that duty drafting remarks for a New York City official, in his own career with splendid results. This he used the word ‘‘indomitable.’’ When they chronicler of other times is one of the emi- asked Bill to find a better speech-word, he nent Americans of our own time. The Nation suggested ‘‘indefatigable.’’ [Laughter] They owes a debt of gratitude to a fine author and fired him. [Laughter] We’re a little more le- a fine man, David McCullough. nient about speechwriting here. [Laughter] Now the military aide will read the cita- From the White House, Bill moved to the tions for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. New York Times, where he spent more than 30 years as a columnist who was often skep- [At this point, Lt. Comdr. Robert A. Roncska, tical about our government but never cynical USN, Navy Aide to the President, read the about our country. He always was committed citations, and the President presented the to the cause of human freedom. His wit and medals.] style and command of English earned him The President. Thank you all for coming. another spot, his own page in mag- azine every Sunday. Bill has said that his ‘‘On Congratulations to our honorees. Laura and Language’’ column attracts more mail than I would like to invite you to a reception here any of his other work. People write me about to pay tribute to some of the finest citizens my language too. [Laughter] Bill Safire has the Almighty has ever produced. also written novels and a respected political God bless you all. dictionary. He won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. He’s a voice of independence NOTE: The President spoke at 10:18 a.m. in the and principle, and American journalism is East Room at the White House.

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Remarks at an Armed Forces Full today, as we honor a fine man, we also honor Honor Review for Secretary of his family, Joyce Rumsfeld and his children. Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld in Don is the only man—Don Rumsfeld is Arlington, Virginia the only man to have served as Secretary of December 15, 2006 Defense for two Presidents in two different centuries. [Laughter] In 2001, I called him Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you very back to the same job he held under President much, Mr. Secretary and Joyce. Mr. Vice , and I gave him this urgent mis- President, thank you for your kind words. sion: Prepare our Nation’s Armed Forces for Lynne and Senator Warner, Deputy Sec- the threats of a new century. retary England, Secretary Harvey, Winter, Don Rumsfeld brought vision and enthu- Wynne, General Pace, members of the Joint siasm to this vital task. He understood that Chiefs of Staff, distinguished guests, men the peace of the post-cold-war years was real- and women of the Armed Forces: I’m ly the calm before the next storm and that pleased to join you as we pay tribute to one America needed to prepare for the day when of America’s most skilled, energetic, and new enemies would attack our Nation in un- dedicated public servants, the Secretary of precedented ways. That day came on a clear Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. September morning, and in a moment of cri- Don Rumsfeld has been at my side from sis, our Nation saw Donald Rumsfeld’s char- the moment I took office. We’ve been acter and courage. through war together. We have shared some When the Pentagon was hit, Secretary of the most challenging moments in our Na- Rumsfeld’s first instinct was to run toward tion’s history. Over the past 6 years, I have danger. He raced down smoke-filled hallways come to appreciate Don Rumsfeld’s profes- to the crash site so he could help rescue sionalism, his dedication, his strategic vision, workers pull the victims from the rubble. his deep devotion to the men and women And in the weeks that followed, he directed of our Nation who wear the uniform, and the effort to plan our Nation’s military re- his love for the United States of America. sponse to the deadliest terrorist attack in our That devotion began at an early age, in- spired by a man in uniform he called dad. Nation’s history. His father, George, was 37 when America Under Secretary Rumsfeld’s leadership, was attacked at Pearl Harbor. Too old to be U.S. and coalition forces launched one of the drafted, he volunteered for service in the most innovative military campaigns in the . One of Don’s earliest history of modern warfare, sending Special memories is of standing on the hangar deck Operations forces into Afghanistan to link up of his dad’s aircraft carrier, the USS with anti-Taliban fighters, to ride with them Hollandia, at the age of 11. He was taking on horseback, and to launch a stunning as- in the sights and sounds of the ship as it pre- sault against the enemy. In Operation Endur- pared to leave for the Pacific war. ing Freedom we combined the most ad- His father’s example stayed with him, and vanced laser-guided weapons with one of the after graduating from Princeton, Don Rums- oldest tools in the military arsenal—a man feld joined the United States Navy, rising to with a weapon on a horse. become a pilot, a flight instructor, and a History will record that the first major member of the Naval Reserve for nearly 20 ground battle in the 21st century involving years. American forces began with a cavalry charge. In the decades since he first put on the I guess that’s what you get when you bring uniform, Don Rumsfeld has served with dis- together a President from Texas with a Sec- tinction in many important positions: Con- retary of Defense who actually remembers gressman, Counsellor to the President, Am- when America had a cavalry. [Laughter] bassador to NATO, White House Chief of In 2003, on my orders, Secretary Rumsfeld Staff, Secretary of Defense. Yet, to this day, led the planning and execution of another the title that has brought him his greatest historic military campaign, Operation Iraqi pride is dad, and now granddad. And so Freedom. In this operation, coalition forces

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drove from power in 21 a ballistic missile headed for our country and days. And in the years that followed, Don destroy it before it harms our people. Rumsfeld helped see the Iraqi people Most importantly, he worked to establish through the resumption of sovereignty, two a culture in the Pentagon that rewards inno- elections, a referendum to approve the most vation and intelligent risk taking and encour- progressive Constitution in the Middle East, ages our military and civilian leaders to chal- and the seating of a newly elected Govern- lenge established ways of thinking. ment. The record of Don Rumsfeld’s tenure is On his watch, the United States military clear. There have been more profound helped the Iraqi people establish a constitu- change—there has been more profound tional democracy in the heart of the Middle change at the Department of Defense over East, a watershed event in the story of free- the past 6 years than at any time since the dom. Department’s creation in the late 1940s. As he met the challenges of fighting a new And these changes were not easy, but be- and unfamiliar war, Don Rumsfeld kept his cause of Don Rumsfeld’s determination and eyes on the horizon and on the threats that leadership, America has the best equipped, still await us as this new century unfolds. the best trained, and most experienced He developed a new defense strategy and Armed Forces in the history of the world. a new command structure for our Nation’s All in all, not bad for a fellow who calls him- self a ‘‘broken-down ex-Navy pilot.’’ This Armed Forces, with a new northern com- man knows how to lead, and he did, and the mand to protect the homeland, a new joint country is better off for it. forces command to focus on transformation, In every decision Don Rumsfeld made a new strategic command to defend against over the past 6 years, he always put the long-range attacks, and a transformed U.S. troops first, and the troops in the field knew special operations command ready to take it. A few years ago, the editors at Time maga- the lead in the global war on terror. zine came to his Pentagon office, and Don He launched the most significant trans- correctly suspected they were thinking of formation of the Army in a generation. He naming him ‘‘Person of the Year.’’ Without led my administration’s efforts to transform hesitation, Don Rumsfeld told them, ‘‘Don’t the NATO Alliance, with a new NATO re- give it to me. Give it to our men and women sponse force ready to deploy quickly any- in uniform.’’ And that’s exactly what Time where in the world. On his watch, NATO magazine did. sent its forces to defend a young democracy Don Rumsfeld’s selfless leadership earned in Afghanistan, more than 3,000 miles from him the admiration of our soldiers and sailors Europe. It was the first time NATO has de- and airmen and marines. And we saw how ployed outside the North Atlantic area in the they feel about him this week when he paid history of the Alliance. a farewell visit to our troops in Iraq. He helped launch the Proliferation Secu- Don Rumsfeld’s strong leadership has rity Initiative, an unprecedented coalition of earned him my admiration and deep respect. more than 80 nations working together to We stood together in hours of decision that stop shipments of weapons of mass destruc- would affect the course of our history. We tion on land, at sea, and in the air. walked amid the rubble of the broken Pen- He undertook the most sweeping trans- tagon the day after September the 11th, formation of America’s global defense pos- 2001. He was with me when we planned the ture since the start of the cold war, repo- liberation of Afghanistan. We were in the sitioning our forces so they can surge quickly Oval Office together the day I gave the order to deal with unexpected threats and setting to remove Saddam Hussein from power. the stage for our global military presence for In these and countless other moments, I the next 50 years. have seen Don Rumsfeld’s character and his He took ballistic missile defense from the- integrity. He was—always ensured I had the ory to reality. And because of his leadership, best possible advice, the opportunity to hear America now has an initial capability to track and weigh conflicting points of view. He

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spoke straight. It was easy to understand him. Each year, the glow of the menorah is a He has a sharp intellect, a steady demeanor, reminder of the blessings of a just and loving and boundless energy. He began every day God and the sacrifices made over the cen- at the Pentagon with a singular mission—to turies for faith and freedom. Laura and I pray serve his country and the men and women that this holiday season will be a time of hap- who defend her. piness in every home and a time of peace Mr. Secretary, today your country thanks throughout the world. you for 6 outstanding years at the Depart- Happy Hanukkah. ment of Defense. And I thank you for your sacrifice and your service and your devotion NOTE: An original was not available for to the men and women of our Armed Forces. verification of the content of this message. I want to thank Joyce for her poise and her grace and for the example she has set Proclamation 8091—Wright for our Nation’s military families. Laura and Brothers Day, 2006 I will miss you both, and we wish you all the best in the years to come. December 15, 2006 And now, ladies and gentlemen, I bring By the President of the United States to this podium America’s 21st Secretary of of America Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. A Proclamation NOTE: The President spoke at 1:50 p.m. at the America has a rich history of exploration Pentagon. In his remarks, he referred to Lynne and discovery, marked by scientific and tech- Cheney, wife of Vice President ; Sec- nological achievements that have trans- retary of the Navy Donald C. Winter; and Sec- formed the world. On Wright Brothers Day, retary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Sec- we remember two aviation pioneers from retary also included the remarks of Secretary of Ohio whose big dreams and extraordinary ac- Defense Rumsfeld. complishments helped change the course of human history. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wil- Message on the Observance of bur Wright completed the first manned, Hanukkah 2006 powered flight in history and ushered all of December 15, 2006 mankind into a new era of possibility and promise. With Orville at the controls, the I send greetings to all those celebrating Wright brothers’ small aircraft traveled 120 Hanukkah, the festival of lights. feet in 12 seconds above the dunes of Kitty During Hanukkah, Jewish people every- Hawk, North Carolina. The age of flight had where honor the liberation of Jerusalem and begun, and in the decades that followed, ad- the great miracle witnessed in the Holy Tem- vancements in aviation would enable deter- ple more than 2,000 years ago. After Jeru- mined American risk-takers to cross oceans, salem was conquered by an oppressive king break the sound barrier, and walk on the and the Jews lost their right to worship in Moon. freedom, Judah Maccabee and his followers Today, our Nation follows the Wright courageously set out to reclaim Jerusalem brothers’ example of innovation as we con- from foreign rule. Though their numbers tinue to explore the frontiers of air and space. were small, the Maccabees’ dedication to My Administration has outlined a vision for their faith was strong, and they emerged vic- space exploration that includes a return to torious. When they returned to their Holy the Moon and a long-term human and Temple for its rededication, the Maccabees robotic program to explore Mars and the discovered enough oil to burn for only one solar system. By working to expand the realm day. Yet the oil lit the Holy Temple for eight of the possible, we can gain a better under- days, and the light of hope still shines bright standing of the universe and continue the in Jewish homes and synagogues throughout journey that the Wright brothers began more the world. than a century ago.

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The Congress, by a joint resolution ap- In the afternoon, in the Oval Office, the proved December 17, 1963, as amended (77 President participated in an interview with Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 143), has designated De- Stephen F. Hayes of the Weekly Standard. cember 17 of each year as ‘‘Wright Brothers Later, also in the Oval Office, he met with Day’’ and has authorized and requested the outside experts on Iraq. President to issue annually a proclamation in- The President announced his intention to viting the people of the United States to ob- appoint Patricia Hanahan Engman, Robert serve that day with appropriate ceremonies E. Peterson, and Peter W. Tredick as mem- and activities. bers of the Presidential Emergency Board Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, No. 240, and, upon appointment, to des- President of the United States of America, ignate Peter W. Tredick as Chair. do hereby proclaim December 17, 2006, as Wright Brothers Day. December 12 In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set In the morning, in his private dining room, my hand this fifteenth day of December, in the President had breakfast with Secretary the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of Defense-designate Robert M. Gates. of the Independence of the United States of Later, he had an intelligence briefing. America the two hundred and thirty-first. Later in the morning, in the Roosevelt George W. Bush Room, the President participated in a video conference call with U.S. military com- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, manders and Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay 11:34 a.m., December 18, 2006] Khalilzad. In the evening, on the State Floor, the NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the President and Mrs. Bush hosted two holiday Federal Register on December 19. receptions. The President declared a major disaster in Washington and ordered Federal aid to sup- plement State and local recovery efforts in Digest of Other the area struck by severe storms, flooding, White House Announcements landslides, and mudslides on November 2– 11. The President declared a major disaster in The following list includes the President’s public New York and ordered Federal aid to supple- schedule and other items of general interest an- ment State and local recovery efforts in the nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and area struck by severe storms and flooding on not included elsewhere in this issue. November 16–17.

December 9 December 13 In the morning, the President had an intel- In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. ligence briefing. Later, he had separate tele- phone conversations with President Jalal December 10 Talabani of Iraq and Masoud Barzani, presi- In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. dent of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Bush went to the National Building Museum In the afternoon, the President traveled to where they participated in the taping of the Arlington, VA. Later, at the Pentagon, he and annual ‘‘Christmas in Washington’’ concert Vice President Dick Cheney met with U.S. for later television broadcast. military personnel. Later, he returned to In the evening, the President and Mrs. Washington, DC. Bush returned to the White House. In the evening, on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a holiday December 11 reception. In the morning, the President had an intel- The White House announced that the ligence briefing. President will welcome President Jose

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Manuel Barroso of the European Commis- items nor covered by entries in the Digest of sion to the White House on January 8, 2007. Other White House Announcements. The President announced the recess ap- pointment of Dabney Langhorne Friedrich and Beryl A. Howell as members of the U.S. Released December 9 Sentencing Commission. Statement by the Press Secretary announcing The President announced the recess ap- that the President signed H.J. Res. 102 pointment of John R. Steer as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and des- ignated him Vice Chair. Released December 11 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- December 14 retary Tony Snow In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing. Released December 12 In the evening, on the State Floor, the President and Mrs. Bush hosted a holiday Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- reception. retary Tony Snow

December 15 Statement by the Press Secretary: Holocaust Denial Conference Sponsored by Iranian Re- In the morning, the President had a tele- gime phone conversation with Prime Minister Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia. He Statement by the Press Secretary announcing then had an intelligence briefing. that the President signed H.R. 2383, H.R. In the afternoon, the President traveled to 3817, H.R. 4000, H.R. 4559, H.R. 5061, H.R. Arlington, VA. Later, he returned to Wash- 5103, H.R. 5585, H.R. 5690, and H.R. 6121 ington, DC. Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster Later in afternoon, the President and Mrs. assistance to Washington Bush went to the State Department where they participated in a holiday reception for Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster members of the diplomatic corps. Later, they assistance to New York returned to the White House. In the evening, on the State Floor, the Released December 13 President and Mrs. Bush hosted a holiday reception. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Tony Snow Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of European Commission President Jose Barroso Nominations Submitted to the Senate Statement by the Press Secretary announcing that the President signed H.R. 4377

NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the Released December 14 Senate during the period covered by this issue. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Tony Snow

Checklist Released December 15 of White House Press Releases Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Tony Snow The following list contains releases of the Office Statement by the Press Secretary announcing of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as that the President signed H.R. 3699

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Acts Approved County, Virginia, which is currently owned by the President by the United States and administered by the Forest Service, to facilitate the restoration and reuse of the property, and for other pur- Approved December 9 poses H.J. Res. 102 / Public Law 109–383 Making further continuing appropriations for H.R. 5585 / Public Law 109–390 the fiscal year 2007, and for other purposes Financial Netting Improvements Act of 2006 Approved December 12 H.R. 5690 / Public Law 109–391 Ouachita National Forest Boundary Adjust- H.R. 2383 / Public Law 109–384 ment Act of 2006 To redesignate the facility of the Bureau of Reclamation located at 19550 Kelso Road in H.R. 6121 / Public Law 109–392 Byron, California, as the ‘‘C.W. ‘Bill’ Jones To amend the Federal Water Pollution Con- Pumping Plant’’ trol Act to reauthorize a program relating to H.R. 3817 / Public Law 109–385 the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, and for other Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005 purposes H.R. 4000 / Public Law 109–386 Approved December 13 To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise certain repayment contracts with the H.R. 4377 / Public Law 109–393 Bostwick Irrigation District in Nebraska, the To extend the time required for construction Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, the of a hydroelectric project, and for other pur- Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District, poses and the Webster Irrigation District No. 4, all a part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Approved December 14 Program, and for other purposes H.R. 4766 / Public Law 109–394 H.R. 4559 / Public Law 109–387 Esther Martinez Native American Languages To provide for the conveyance of certain Na- Preservation Act of 2006 tional Forest System land to the towns of Laona and Wabeno, Wisconsin, and for other S. 2250 / Public Law 109–395 purposes Congressional Tribute to Dr. Norman E. H.R. 5061 / Public Law 109–388 Borlaug Act of 2006 Paint Bank and Wytheville National Fish Hatcheries Conveyance Act Approved December 15 H.R. 5103 / Public Law 109–389 H.R. 3699 / Public Law 109–396 To provide for the conveyance of the former Federal and District of Columbia Govern- Konnarock Lutheran Girls School in Smyth ment Real Property Act of 2006

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