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for the military families who mourn the in Iraq, we will lay the foundation of peace loss of loved ones. We hold them in our for generations to come. hearts, and we honor their memory of You all are the ones who will help ac- every fallen soldier, sailor, airman, coast- complish all this. Our freedom and our way guardsman, and marine. of life are in your hands, and they’re in One of those fallen heroes is a marine the best of hands. I want to thank you corporal named Jeff Starr, who was killed for your service to the cause of freedom. fighting the terrorists in Ramadi earlier this I want to thank you for wearing the uni- year. After he died, a letter was found on form. May God bless you all, and may God his laptop computer. Here’s what he wrote, continue to bless the United States of he said, ‘‘If you’re reading this, then I’ve America. died in Iraq. I don’t regret going. Every- body dies, but few get to do it for some- thing as important as freedom. It may seem NOTE: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in confusing why we are in Iraq. It’s not to Alumni Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy. In me. I’m here helping these people, so they his remarks, he referred to Vice Adm. Rod- can live the way we live, not to have to ney P. Rempt, USN, superintendent, U.S. worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. Naval Academy; Adm. Michael G. Mullen, Others have died for my freedom, now this USN, Chief of Naval Operations; former is my mark.’’ President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; senior Al There is only one way to honor the sac- Qaida associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; rifice of Corporal Starr and his fallen com- Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al Qaida ter- rades, and that is to take up their mantle, rorist organization; Lt. Col. Todd Wood, carry on the fight, and complete their mis- USA, commander, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry sion. Regiment, Task Force Liberty; and Gen. We will take the fight to the terrorists. George W. Casey, Jr., USA, commanding We will help the Iraqi people lay the foun- general, Multi-National Force—Iraq. The dations of a strong democracy that can gov- Office of the Press Secretary also released ern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself. a Spanish language transcript of these re- And by laying the foundations of freedom marks.

Remarks at a Reception for Senatorial Candidate Michael S. Steele in Baltimore, Maryland November 30, 2005

The President. Thank you. As Maryland to win. People from both political parties builds the bridge, you might as well make are going to realize this man is capable it a ‘‘Steele’’ bridge. I’m proud to be here of doing the job, that he’ll bring dignity to say to the good folks of this important to the office, that he’ll help heal racial State, Michael Steele is the right man for wounds, that he’ll show there’s a future the United States Senate. for everybody in the State of Maryland. He’s a decent man. He’s an honorable Michael has got a record. He’s served— man. He’s a family man. Those are the you know, one of the things people look kind of traits you want when you elect at when they’re looking at people running somebody to the United States Senate. And for office, do they know anything about there’s no doubt in my mind he’s going the economy. The truth of the matter is

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a lot of people are wondering whether or time comes, to pick up the telephone and not they’re going to have a job. And under encourage people to vote. And when you’re the Ehrlich-Steele administration, the un- doing so, make sure you not only include employment rate here in Maryland is 4.1 Republicans but Democrats and independ- percent. That’s a record. It means people ents as well. You see, people in this country are working. You can forget all the politics want there to be honest Government. No rhetoric. People need to look at the bottom matter what party they’re from, they want line. People of this State are working; a decent, honorable man to represent them. they’re able to make a living. And in Michael Steele, you’ve got such a I’ve got some good economic news for person. our Nation. The latest economic growth is I like his attitude about education, and at 4.3 percent. America’s workers and busi- I hope the people of Maryland do as well. nesses have overcome the challenges of two Listen to what he said. He said, ‘‘We need hurricanes and high energy prices, so the to replace the systems that trap poor kids third quarter growth is at the 4.3 percent. in failing schools.’’ In other words, his vi- It’s the fastest rate in nearly 2 years. sion is to focus on the children, not the Just goes to show that when Government system, but the children. He agrees with unleashes the power and potential of the me; no child should be left behind in American worker, the small-business owner, America. And when we find success, we’ll the entrepreneurs, when America promotes praise success. But when we find failure, free markets, lower taxes, and less regula- we’ve got to have the courage to challenge tions, the country will continue to prosper the status quo, to insist upon high standards and maintain our economic leadership in and excellence for every single child, not the world. You need to put Michael Steele only in Maryland but around the country. in the United States Senate because he un- He’ll be a great United States Senator derstands that small businesses create the when it comes to education. jobs. I appreciate Michael Steele helping to I appreciate Andrea Steele. I appreciate launch the Governor’s Office of Commu- her standing by her man during this cam- nity Initiatives here in Maryland. It’s part paign. She’s going to be a great—a great of the Faith-Based Initiative. The Faith- Senator’s wife. Michael married well, and Based Initiative recognizes there’s a limita- so did I. [Laughter] And Laura sends all tion to the capabilities of Government to her best. cause people to love one another. Govern- Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele of Maryland. ment is about law and justice—that’s what Thank you very much. Government is. But love comes from a The President. I want to thank you all higher calling. And there are thousands of for being here. I want to thank you for our fellow citizens who have heard that call contributing to this good man. You see, to love a neighbor just like they’d like to when you’re out there running for office, be loved themselves and are willing to sometimes it may feel a little lonely, until serve in some of the darkest communities you walk into a room just like this. [Laugh- and areas of our country, where people ter] It’s hard to feel lonely when you’ve don’t have hope, where the light doesn’t got this kind of support, Michael. shine in. But the light can shine in if we Lt. Gov. Steele. Yes, it is. unleash the vast potential of America, the The President. It’s important that you great compassion. And Michael Steele un- contribute to his campaign the way you derstands that. have, and I want to thank you for doing Michael will come to Washington, DC— that. It’s also important that you contribute and he’s coming, by the way, with a nation by talking to your neighbors and when the that is at war. I wish I could report to

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you that we’re not at war, but we are. And happened in that country in 21⁄2 years, and we need Members of the United States compare it to other democracies such as Senate who understand the reality of the our own. world in which we live. In 21⁄2 years, they’ve gone from brutal There’s an enemy out there that still dictator, enemy of America, was on a state wants to do us harm. And they want to sponsored list for terror, at the very min- because their vision of the future is com- imum had the capability of developing pletely opposite from ours. We believe in weapons of mass destruction if the world freedom. We believe in the right for people looked the other way, a dictator who had to worship freely, to speak their mind free- been sent in front of the United Nations ly, to print their editorials freely. That’s 15 or 16 different times with resolutions— what we believe. They believe in the oppo- the whole world recognized the evil nature site. They resent freedom. They have a to- of this person. And then they were liber- talitarian view of the world that says, ‘‘You ated, and then they had elections, and then either believe it my way, or you’re going they ratified the Constitution. And now to be in trouble.’’ And they want to spread they’re going to have elections on Decem- that vision around the world. How do I ber the 15th, all in 21⁄2 years. Democracy know? They’ve told us, and we’ve got to is on the move. A free society is emerging. take their words seriously. And people say, ‘‘Why is that important?’’ We should never forget the lessons of Well, free societies yield the peace. History September the 11th, 2001, that there’s an has proven that democracies are peaceful— enemy out there willing to inflict great yield the peaceful countries. And we need harm on the American people. And because we’re not going to change in our beliefs allies in the war against these terrorists, about freedom, they’re not going to change and we’re going to have one when we suc- in their beliefs about causing us harm. And ceed in Iraq. therefore, there’s only one thing we need The other part of our strategy is to have to do, and that is to stay on the offensive, the Iraqis defend their own country, is to bring these people to justice for hurting train them so they can take the fight, is American people. to prepare them to defeat the terrorists And a Senator Michael Steele will under- who want to use Iraq as a safe haven. stand that. The people of Maryland will These terrorists have no philosophy; they send somebody to the United States Senate got no ideology that says the world will who understands the high stakes of the be better. The only thing they’ve got is world in which we live, the need to stay the capacity and the willingness to kill inno- firm in our—and have strong resolve in cent people. That’s the only weapon they doing our duty, which is to protect the have. American people. The enemy has declared What they’re trying to do is to get on that Iraq is the central front in the war our TV screens and shake our will and on terror, and we got to take them for cause us to leave before we have completed their word. the mission so they can have Iraq as a Today I gave a speech in Annapolis. I safe haven to plot, plan, and to spread their made it abundantly clear to the American totalitarian vision. They don’t understand people we have one objective in Iraq, and America. Our will will not be shaken. We that is victory, to make sure that we secure will complete the mission and free Iraq. the American homeland by defeating the And it’s going to be important for this enemy in Iraq. And we got a strategy to important State to have a United States do that. On the one hand, we’re helping Senator who understands the stakes. And Iraq develop a democracy. Think of what’s Michael Steele understands the duty of

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protecting the American people. He under- So what happened? What historical les- stands the importance of supporting our son can we draw from that? Well, the les- troops in harm’s way. Anytime we’ve got son is, is that Japan adopted a Japanese- a man or woman in uniform in harm’s way, style democracy. See, democracies are he or she deserves the full support of the peaceful societies. History has proven de- United States Government, and Michael mocracy yields the peace. And what you’re Steele as a Senator will do that. seeing unfolding in the hard work we’re I also look forward to working with Sen- doing today is laying the foundation for ator Steele when it comes the advancing peace. Someday an American President and democracy around the world. You know, a United States Senator is going to look I just came back from the Far East, where back at this generation’s call and say, I went to South Korea, Japan, China, and ‘‘Thank goodness they stood true to the Mongolia. As an aside, it is a huge honor values America believes in—freedom; free- to represent the United States overseas. I dom to worship; human rights and human mean, we are such a compassionate, decent dignity—and helped spread that to parts nation it is an honor to stand up in other of the world.’’ Someday an American Presi- parts of the world and say—talk to people dent is going to be sitting down, talking about the values we believe in. And during to a leader from an Islamic country, work- my visit there, I spent time with Prime ing on keeping the peace. We’re laying the Minister Koizumi of Japan. That’s nothing foundation of peace for generations to unusual about the U.S. President sitting come. down with the Prime Minister from Japan. And I look forward to working with But it is when you put it in historical con- United States Senator Michael Steele to lay text. that foundation of peace for generations to And we were talking about the peace. come. The Prime Minister and I were talking about how to help Iraq become a democ- Michael’s mother is named Maebell. racy, understanding that a democracy in the Mine was named Barbara. [Laughter] She heart of the Middle East will defy the ter- says she made their home, growing up, rich rorists’ ambitions for spreading a totalitarian in character. That’s what she said. She regime, that democracy is the only system worked in a Laundromat for 45 years. She that allows people to have hope for the understood the true definition of wealth long run, and that helps defeat resentment and richness. She said she made her home and the bitterness that they use to recruit rich in character, rich in turning hope into their suiciders. We talked about North action. That’s the kind of fellow you want Korea, how to make the Korean Peninsula in the United States Senate representing nuclear-free so that the world is more you, somebody raised in that kind of way, peaceful. somebody who was taught character mat- In other words, we’re talking about laying ters more than anything else. Character is the foundation for peace, and yet it was the basis for leadership. only 60 years ago that my dad and many Michael Steele is a man who loves his of your relatives fought the Japanese. They family, loves his country, and loves his God. were the sworn enemy of the United States Michael Steele will make a United States of America. And here it is, 60 years later, Senator that will bring pride to the great that the son of a Navy bomber pilot who State of Maryland. And I’m proud to stand fought in Japan was sitting down with the with him. Prime Minister of our former enemy, talk- Thank you all for coming. May God bless ing of peace. you.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 11:49 a.m. in Gov. Steele’s wife, Andrea, and his mother, the North Club Area Lounge at M&T Bank Maebell Steele. A tape was not available for Stadium. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. verification of the content of these remarks.

Statement on Signing the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2006 November 30, 2005

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 2528, bearing on national security flows from the the ‘‘Military Quality of Life and Veterans Constitution and does not depend upon a Affairs Appropriations Act, 2006.’’ This Act legislative grant of authority. Although no- appropriates funds for construction to sup- tice can be provided in most situations as port the operations of the United States a matter of comity, situations may arise, Armed Forces and for military family hous- especially in wartime, in which the Presi- ing. The Act also provides funds to support dent must act promptly under his constitu- the medical care and other needs of our tional grants of executive power and author- Nation’s veterans. ity as Commander in Chief while protecting The Constitution requires bicameral pas- sensitive national security information. The sage, and presentment to the President, of executive branch shall construe these sec- all congressional actions governing other tions to require notice at a time and in branches, as the Supreme Court of the a manner consistent with the President’s United States recognized in INS v. Chadha constitutional authority. (1983), and thus prohibits conditioning ex- The Constitution commits to the Presi- ecutive branch action on the approval of dent the primary responsibility for con- congressional committees. Many provisions ducting the foreign relations of the United of the Act conflict with this requirement States, including the exclusive responsibility and therefore shall be construed as calling for formulating the position of the United solely for notification, including the fol- States in international fora and conducting lowing: ‘‘Department of Defense Base Clo- negotiations with foreign nations. Section sure Account 2005,’’ ‘‘Department of Vet- 118, which purports, through a reporting erans Affairs, Information Technology Sys- requirement, to direct the power of the tems,’’ ‘‘Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense to conduct the for- Construction, Major Projects,’’ and sections eign relations of the United States, shall 128, 129, 130, 201, 211, 216, 225, 226, be construed as advisory, consistent with 227, and 229. the Constitution’s grant of such power to Several provisions of the Act require no- the President. tice to the Congress, including sections 107, Section 126 of the Act purports to re- 110, 113, and 118, which require notice quire Department of Defense officials to of the relocation of activities between mili- respond in writing within 21 days to any tary installations, initiation of a new installa- question or inquiry from certain legislative tion abroad, U.S. military exercises involv- subcommittees. The executive branch shall ing $100,000 in construction costs, and the construe this section in a manner consistent initiation of certain types of programs. As with the President’s constitutional authority the Supreme Court of the United States to supervise the unitary executive branch has made clear, the President’s authority and to withhold information the disclosure to classify and control access to information of which could impair foreign relations, the

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