Remarks Prior to a Meeting with Congressional Leaders and an Exchange with Reporters January 28, 2002 Statement on the Death Of

Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Jan. 29

Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders and an Exchange With Reporters January 28, 2002

Medicare And so, the Members around this table The President. I want to thank the Mem- have all come back to town and said, ‘‘Let’s bers from both the House and the Senate, get something done.’’ And I’m so thrilled both of the political parties, for coming to to have them here, and I appreciate the discuss an incredibly important issue, and spirit. And it’s going to require that kind that is Medicare. We had good discussions of spirit to get it done. last year, and now it’s time to get some- I’m looking forward to my speech tomorrow night. I will mention Medicare in my thing done. speech. We need to make it work; we need We need a comprehensive reform plan for there to be a prescription drug plan that includes prescription drugs for every in the program. senior. And the will of the folks around Thank you all for coming. this table is to work together to do just Q. Do you think it will be likely in an that, is to make sure our seniors have got election year, sir? Is it likely in an election the capacity to have a—to purchase pre- year, sir? scription drugs. That’s what we all want. The President. You know, that’s why you And I believe that given the right focus run for office. Election year or no election and the right efforts, we can achieve that year, it’s time to get something done. And objective. And while we’re doing so, we this is not an issue for the faint-hearted, want Medicare to be modernized. We want but it’s the right thing to do. And Members it to be a system that is relevant for seniors around here understand it. today and for tomorrow. And it’s not. It’s a system—it’s old, and it’s tired, and it NOTE: The President spoke at 3:27 p.m. in needs to be looked at in a way that recog- the Roosevelt Room at the White House. nizes we’ve made a commitment to our The Office of the Press Secretary also re- country’s seniors. But we want the commit- leased a Spanish language transcript of these ment to work. remarks.

Statement on the Death of Michael Hammond January 29, 2002

Michael Hammond was an accomplished arts. His commitment to excellence and his conductor, composer, and advocate of the extraordinary talents will be greatly missed.

Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union January 29, 2002

Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Vice distinguished guests, fellow citizens: As we President Cheney, Members of Congress, gather tonight, our Nation is at war; our

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economy is in recession; and the civilized never completely go away. Every day a re- world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet, tired firefighter returns to Ground Zero to the state of our Union has never been feel closer to his two sons who died there. stronger. At a memorial in New York, a little boy We last met in an hour of shock and left his football with a note for his lost suffering. In 4 short months, our Nation father: ‘‘Dear Daddy, please take this to has comforted the victims, begun to rebuild heaven. I don’t want to play football until New York and the Pentagon, rallied a great I can play with you again some day.’’ coalition, captured, arrested, and rid the Last month, at the grave of her husband, world of thousands of terrorists, destroyed Micheal, a CIA officer and marine who Afghanistan’s terrorist training camps, saved died in Mazar-e-Sharif, Shannon Spann said a people from starvation, and freed a coun- these words of farewell, ‘‘Semper Fi, my try from brutal oppression. love.’’ Shannon is with us tonight. Shannon, The American flag flies again over our I assure you and all who have lost a loved Embassy in Kabul. Terrorists who once oc- one that our cause is just, and our country cupied Afghanistan now occupy cells at will never forget the debt we owe Micheal Guantanamo Bay. And terrorist leaders who and all who gave their lives for freedom. urged followers to sacrifice their lives are Our cause is just, and it continues. Our running for their own. discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed our America and Afghanistan are now allies worst fears and showed us the true scope against terror. We’ll be partners in rebuild- of the task ahead. We have seen the depth ing that country. And this evening we wel- of our enemies’ hatred in videos where they comed the distinguished interim leader of laugh about the loss of innocent life. And a liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamid the depth of their hatred is equaled by Karzai. the madness of the destruction they design. The last time we met in this Chamber, We have found diagrams of American nu- the mothers and daughters of Afghanistan clear powerplants and public water facili- were captives in their own homes, forbid- ties, detailed instructions for making chem- den from working or going to school. ical weapons, surveillance maps of Amer- Today, women are free and are part of ican cities, and thorough descriptions of Afghanistan’s new Government. And we landmarks in America and throughout the welcome the new Minister of Women’s Af- world. fairs, Dr. Sima Samar. What we have found in Afghanistan con- Our progress is a tribute to the spirit firms that, far from ending there, our war of the Afghan people, to the resolve of against terror is only beginning. Most of our coalition, and to the might of the the 19 men who hijacked planes on Sep- United States military. When I called our tember the 11th were trained in Afghani- troops into action, I did so with complete stan’s camps, and so were tens of thousands confidence in their courage and skill. And of others. Thousands of dangerous killers, tonight, thanks to them, we are winning schooled in the methods of murder, often the war on terror. The men and women supported by outlaw regimes, are now of our Armed Forces have delivered a mes- spread throughout the world like ticking sage now clear to every enemy of the timebombs, set to go off without warning. United States: Even 7,000 miles away, Thanks to the work of our law enforce- across oceans and continents, on mountain- ment officials and coalition partners, hun- tops and in caves, you will not escape the dreds of terrorists have been arrested. Yet, justice of this Nation. tens of thousands of trained terrorists are For many Americans, these 4 months still at large. These enemies view the entire have brought sorrow and pain that will world as a battlefield, and we must pursue

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them wherever they are. So long as training have been pretty quiet since September the camps operate, so long as nations harbor 11th, but we know their true nature. terrorists, freedom is at risk. And America North Korea is a regime arming with and our allies must not and will not allow missiles and weapons of mass destruction, it. while starving its citizens. Our Nation will continue to be steadfast Iran aggressively pursues these weapons and patient and persistent in the pursuit and exports terror, while an unelected few of two great objectives. First, we will shut repress the Iranian people’s hope for free- down terrorist camps, disrupt terrorist dom. plans, and bring terrorists to justice. And Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility to- second, we must prevent the terrorists and ward America and to support terror. The regimes who seek chemical, biological, or Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax nuclear weapons from threatening the and nerve gas and nuclear weapons for over United States and the world. a decade. This is a regime that has already Our military has put the terror training used poison gas to murder thousands of camps of Afghanistan out of business, yet its own citizens, leaving the bodies of moth- camps still exist in at least a dozen coun- ers huddled over their dead children. This tries. A terrorist underworld, including is a regime that agreed to international in- groups like Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic spections, then kicked out the inspectors. Jihad, Jaish-e-Mohammed, operates in re- This is a regime that has something to hide mote jungles and deserts and hides in the from the civilized world. centers of large cities. States like these and their terrorist allies While the most visible military action is constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten in Afghanistan, America is acting elsewhere. the peace of the world. By seeking weapons We now have troops in the Philippines, of mass destruction, these regimes pose a helping to train that country’s armed forces grave and growing danger. They could pro- to go after terrorist cells that have executed vide these arms to terrorists, giving them an American and still hold hostages. Our the means to match their hatred. They soldiers, working with the Bosnian Govern- could attack our allies or attempt to black- ment, seized terrorists who were plotting mail the United States. In any of these to bomb our Embassy. Our Navy is patrol- cases, the price of indifference would be ling the coast of Africa to block the ship- catastrophic. ment of weapons and the establishment of We will work closely with our coalition terrorist camps in Somalia. to deny terrorists and their state sponsors My hope is that all nations will heed the materials, technology, and expertise to our call and eliminate the terrorist parasites make and deliver weapons of mass destruc- who threaten their countries and our own. tion. We will develop and deploy effective Many nations are acting forcefully. Pakistan missile defenses to protect America and our is now cracking down on terror, and I ad- allies from sudden attack. And all nations mire the strong leadership of President should know: America will do what is nec- Musharraf. But some governments will be essary to ensure our Nation’s security. timid in the face of terror. And make no We’ll be deliberate; yet, time is not on mistake about it: If they do not act, Amer- our side. I will not wait on events while ica will. dangers gather. I will not stand by as peril Our second goal is to prevent regimes draws closer and closer. The United States that sponsor terror from threatening Amer- of America will not permit the world’s most ica or our friends and allies with weapons dangerous regimes to threaten us with the of mass destruction. Some of these regimes world’s most destructive weapons.

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Our war on terror is well begun, but and strengthen our Nation against the on- it is only begun. This campaign may not going threat of another attack. Time and be finished on our watch; yet, it must be distance from the events of September the and it will be waged on our watch. We 11th will not make us safer unless we act can’t stop short. If we stop now, leaving on its lessons. America is no longer pro- terror camps intact and terrorist states un- tected by vast oceans. We are protected checked, our sense of security would be from attack only by vigorous action abroad false and temporary. History has called and increased vigilance at home. America and our allies to action, and it My budget nearly doubles funding for is both our responsibility and our privilege a sustained strategy of homeland security, to fight freedom’s fight. focused on four key areas: bioterrorism, Our first priority must always be the se- emergency response, airport and border security of our Nation, and that will be re- curity, and improved intelligence. We will flected in the budget I send to Congress. develop vaccines to fight anthrax and other My budget supports three great goals for deadly diseases. We’ll increase funding to America: We will win this war; we will pro- help States and communities train and tect our homeland; and we will revive our equip our heroic police and firefighters. We economy. will improve intelligence collection and September the 11th brought out the best sharing, expand patrols at our borders, in America and the best in this Congress. strengthen the security of air travel, and And I join the American people in applaud- use technology to track the arrivals and de- ing your unity and resolve. Now Americans partures of visitors to the United States. deserve to have this same spirit directed Homeland security will make America toward addressing problems here at home. not only stronger but, in many ways, better. I’m a proud member of my party. Yet as Knowledge gained from bioterrorism re- we act to win the war, protect our people, search will improve public health. Stronger and create jobs in America, we must act, police and fire departments will mean safer first and foremost, not as Republicans, not neighborhoods. Stricter border enforcement as Democrats but as Americans. will help combat illegal drugs. And as gov- It costs a lot to fight this war. We have ernment works to better secure our home- spent more than a billion dollars a month, land, America will continue to depend on over $30 million a day, and we must be the eyes and ears of alert citizens. prepared for future operations. Afghanistan A few days before Christmas, an airline proved that expensive precision weapons flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting defeat the enemy and spare innocent lives, a match. The crew and passengers quickly and we need more of them. We need to subdued the man, who had been trained replace aging aircraft and make our military by Al Qaida and was armed with explosives. more agile to put our troops anywhere in The people on that plane were alert and, the world quickly and safely. Our men and as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives. women in uniform deserve the best weap- And tonight we welcome and thank flight ons, the best equipment, the best training, attendants Hermis Moutardier and Chris- and they also deserve another pay raise. tina Jones. My budget includes the largest increase Once we have funded our national secu- in defense spending in two decades, be- rity and our homeland security, the final cause while the price of freedom and secu- great priority of my budget is economic rity is high, it is never too high. Whatever security for the American people. To it costs to defend our country, we will pay. achieve these great national objectives—to The next priority of my budget is to do win the war, protect the homeland, and everything possible to protect our citizens revitalize our economy—our budget will

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run a deficit that will be small and short so I ask Congress to finally approve trade term, so long as Congress restrains spend- promotion authority. ing and acts in a fiscally responsible man- On these two key issues, trade and en- ner. We have clear priorities, and we must ergy, the House of Representatives has act at home with the same purpose and acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate resolve we have shown overseas. We’ll pre- to pass this legislation. vail in the war, and we will defeat this Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. recession. Last year, some in this Hall thought my Americans who have lost their jobs need tax relief plan was too small; some thought our help, and I support extending unem- it was too big. But when the checks arrived ployment benefits and direct assistance for in the mail, most Americans thought tax health care coverage. Yet, American work- relief was just about right. Congress lis- ers want more than unemployment checks; tened to the people and responded by re- they want a steady paycheck. When Amer- ducing tax rates, doubling the child credit, ica works, America prospers, so my eco- and ending the death tax. For the sake nomic security plan can be summed up in of long-term growth and to help Americans one word: jobs. plan for the future, let’s make these tax cuts permanent. Good jobs begin with good schools, and The way out of this recession, the way here we’ve made a fine start. Republicans to create jobs, is to grow the economy by and Democrats worked together to achieve encouraging investment in factories and historic education reform so that no child equipment and by speeding up tax relief is left behind. I was proud to work with so people have more money to spend. For members of both parties: Chairman John the sake of American workers, let’s pass Boehner and Congressman George Miller; a stimulus package. Senator Judd Gregg. And I was so proud Good jobs must be the aim of welfare of our work, I even had nice things to reform. As we reauthorize these important say about my friend Ted Kennedy. [Laugh- reforms, we must always remember the ter] I know the folks at the Crawford coffee goal is to reduce dependency on govern- shop couldn’t believe I’d say such a thing— ment and offer every American the dignity [laughter]—but our work on this bill shows of a job. what is possible if we set aside posturing Americans know economic security can and focus on results. vanish in an instant without health security. There is more to do. We need to prepare I ask Congress to join me this year to enact our children to read and succeed in school a patients’ bill of rights, to give uninsured with improved Head Start and early child- workers credits to help buy health cov- hood development programs. We must up- erage, to approve an historic increase in grade our teacher colleges and teacher the spending for veterans’ health, and to training and launch a major recruiting drive give seniors a sound and modern Medicare with a great goal for America, a quality system that includes coverage for prescrip- teacher in every classroom. tion drugs. Good jobs also depend on reliable and A good job should lead to security in affordable energy. This Congress must act retirement. I ask Congress to enact new to encourage conservation, promote tech- safeguards for 401(k) and pension plans. nology, build infrastructure, and it must act Employees who have worked hard and to increase energy production at home so saved all their lives should not have to risk America is less dependent on foreign oil. losing everything if their company fails. Good jobs depend on expanded trade. Through stricter accounting standards and Selling into new markets creates new jobs, tougher disclosure requirements, corporate

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America must be made more accountable bracing a new ethic and a new creed, ‘‘Let’s to employees and shareholders and held to roll.’’ In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce the highest standards of conduct. brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery Retirement security also depends upon and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have keeping the commitments of Social Secu- glimpsed what a new culture of responsi- rity, and we will. We must make Social bility could look like. We want to be a Security financially stable and allow per- nation that serves goals larger than self. sonal retirement accounts for younger We’ve been offered a unique opportunity, workers who choose them. and we must not let this moment pass. Members, you and I will work together My call tonight is for every American in the months ahead on other issues: pro- to commit at least 2 years, 4,000 hours ductive farm policy; a cleaner environment; over the rest of your lifetime, to the service broader homeownership, especially among of your neighbors and your Nation. Many minorities; and ways to encourage the good are already serving, and I thank you. If work of charities and faith-based groups. you aren’t sure how to help, I’ve got a I ask you to join me on these important good place to start. To sustain and extend domestic issues in the same spirit of co- the best that has emerged in America, I operation we’ve applied to our war against invite you to join the new USA Freedom terrorism. Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on During these last few months, I’ve been three areas of need: responding in case of humbled and privileged to see the true crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; character of this country in a time of test- and extending American compassion ing. Our enemies believed America was throughout the world. weak and materialistic, that we would splin- One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps ter in fear and selfishness. They were as will be homeland security. America needs wrong as they are evil. retired doctors and nurses who can be mo- The American people have responded bilized in major emergencies, volunteers to magnificently, with courage and compas- help police and fire departments, transpor- sion, strength and resolve. As I have met tation and utility workers well-trained in the heroes, hugged the families, and looked spotting danger. into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood Our country also needs citizens working in awe of the American people. to rebuild our communities. We need men- And I hope you will join me—I hope tors to love children, especially children you will join me in expressing thanks to whose parents are in prison. And we need one American for the strength and calm more talented teachers in troubled schools. and comfort she brings to our Nation in USA Freedom Corps will expand and im- crisis, our First Lady, Laura Bush. prove the good efforts of AmeriCorps and None of us would ever wish the evil that Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 was done on September the 11th. Yet, after new volunteers. America was attacked, it was as if our en- And America needs citizens to extend the tire country looked into a mirror and saw compassion of our country to every part our better selves. We were reminded that of the world. So we will renew the promise we are citizens with obligations to each of the Peace Corps, double its volunteers other, to our country, and to history. We over the next 5 years, and ask it to join began to think less of the goods we can a new effort to encourage development and accumulate and more about the good we education and opportunity in the Islamic can do. world. For too long our culture has said, ‘‘If This time of adversity offers a unique it feels good, do it.’’ Now America is em- moment of opportunity, a moment we must

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seize to change our culture. Through the terror cannot stop the momentum of free- gathering momentum of millions of acts of dom. service and decency and kindness, I know The last time I spoke here, I expressed we can overcome evil with greater good. the hope that life would return to normal. And we have a great opportunity during In some ways, it has. In others, it never this time of war to lead the world toward will. Those of us who have lived through the values that will bring lasting peace. All these challenging times have been changed fathers and mothers, in all societies, want by them. We’ve come to know truths that their children to be educated and live free we will never question: Evil is real, and from poverty and violence. No people on it must be opposed. Beyond all differences Earth yearn to be oppressed or aspire to of race or creed, we are one country, servitude or eagerly await the midnight mourning together and facing danger to- knock of the secret police. If anyone doubts gether. Deep in the American character, this, let them look to Afghanistan, where there is honor, and it is stronger than cyni- the Islamic ‘‘street’’ greeted the fall of tyr- cism. And many have discovered again that anny with song and celebration. Let the even in tragedy—especially in tragedy— skeptics look to Islam’s own rich history, God is near. with its centuries of learning and tolerance In a single instant, we realized that this and progress. America will lead by defend- will be a decisive decade in the history ing liberty and justice because they are of liberty, that we’ve been called to a right and true and unchanging for all peo- unique role in human events. Rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or ple everywhere. consequential. No nation owns these aspirations, and Our enemies send other people’s chil- no nation is exempt from them. We have dren on missions of suicide and murder. no intention of imposing our culture. But They embrace tyranny and death as a cause America will always stand firm for the non- and a creed. We stand for a different negotiable demands of human dignity: the choice, made long ago on the day of our rule of law; limits on the power of the founding. We affirm it again today. We state; respect for women; private property; choose freedom and the dignity of every free speech; equal justice; and religious tol- life. erance. Steadfast in our purpose, we now press America will take the side of brave men on. We have known freedom’s price. We and women who advocate these values have shown freedom’s power. And in this around the world, including the Islamic great conflict, my fellow Americans, we will world, because we have a greater objective see freedom’s victory. than eliminating threats and containing re- Thank you all. May God bless. sentment. We seek a just and peaceful world beyond the war on terror. NOTE: The President spoke at 9:15 p.m. in In this moment of opportunity, a com- the House Chamber of the Capitol. In his mon danger is erasing old rivalries. America remarks, he referred to Corona, CA, resident is working with Russia and China and Guillermo Sobero, who was kidnaped May India, in ways we have never before, to 27, 2001, and later killed by the Abu Sayyaf achieve peace and prosperity. In every re- terrorist group operating in the southern gion, free markets and free trade and free Philippines; President Pervez Musharraf of societies are proving their power to lift Pakistan; and alleged terrorist Richard C. lives. Together with friends and allies from Reid. The Office of the Press Secretary also Europe to Asia and Africa to Latin Amer- released a Spanish language transcript of this ica, we will demonstrate that the forces of address. The Executive order of January 29

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establishing the USA Freedom Corps is list- ed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.

Message to the Congress on Termination of Suspensions Pertaining to the Export of Certain Defense Articles or Services to China January 25, 2002

To the Congress of the United States: anese chemical weapons abandoned during Pursuant to the authority vested in me World War II in the People’s Republic of by section 902 of the Foreign Relations China. License requirements remain in Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1990 and place for these exports and require review 1991 (Public Law 101–246) (the ‘‘Act’’), and approval on a case-by-case basis by the and as President of the United States, I United States Government. hereby report to the Congress that it is GEORGE W. BUSH in the national interest of the United States to terminate the suspensions under section The White House, 902 of the Act insofar as such suspensions January 25, 2002. pertain to the export of defense articles or defense services in support of efforts NOTE: This message was released by the Of- by the Government of Japan to destroy Jap- fice of the Press Secretary on January 30.

Remarks Following a Roundtable Discussion on Homeland Security in Winston-Salem, North Carolina January 30, 2002

Listen, I want to thank you very much. Last night I talked about the need for Mr. Mayor, thanks a lot. I’m honored to this country to have a strong homeland se- be here with the chief of the fire curity strategy. It starts at the local level. department and the chief of the police de- And so part of our plan to make sure the partment and other citizens concerned country is more secure is to encourage cit- about the safety of Winston-Salem, North ies and counties to develop a homeland Carolina. defense strategy for their area, similar to We’re here because this community has what is taking place here in Winston-Salem. figured out a while ago that there needs So I’m here to congratulate you all and to be a collaborative effort amongst pro- herald a fine collaborative effort. One of viders to provide an emergency response the interesting byproducts of planning for plan in case something were to happen. a disaster and working with the Federal I’m here to highlight the success of this Government when it comes to homeland community. I’m here to highlight the fact security is, your community will be strong that we’ve got people from different juris- before and afterwards, that there will be dictions sitting down to develop a strategy a better health care system afterwards, safer response in case something were to hap- neighborhoods afterwards. pen.

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