Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Oct. 10 1739

We have challenged that soft bigotry. We say the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- in this country, every child can learn—every guage transcript of these remarks. child—not just some, not a select few, not those who may live in the nice suburban dis- tricts, but every child can learn. Message to the Congress Extending And then it says that in return for receiving the Period of Production of the Naval Federal money, we want to know. You see, Petroleum Reserve in return for receiving Federal money, we October 9, 2002 expect local districts and States to show us whether or not each child is learning. To the Congress of the United States: And when we find the fact that some chil- In accordance with section 201(3) of the dren are not learning, we must correct prob- Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of lems early, before it’s too late. Everybody 1976 (10 U.S.C. 7422(c)(2)), I am informing counts in America. Each child matters in this you of my decision to extend the period of country. To make sure we have a better production of the Naval Petroleum Reserves America, no child—not one single child— for a period of 3 years from April 5, 2003, needs be left behind. the expiration date of the currently author- I believe this Nation is strong in its diver- ized period of production. sity. We love our freedom. It’s an incredibly Enclosed is a copy of the report inves- great nation. And out of the evil done to our tigating the necessity of continued produc- country on September the 11th, 2001, will tion of the reserves as required by section come incredible good. That’s what you must 201(3)(c)(2)(B) of the Naval Petroleum Re- know about our Nation. Out of the evil done serves Production Act of 1976. In light of to America can come some great good. the findings contained in the report, I certify If we stay tough and firm and strong, we that continued production from the Naval can achieve peace. We can achieve peace for Petroleum Reserves is in the national inter- people here at home; we can achieve peace est. in the world. And by being—by loving your George W. Bush neighbor just like you’d like to be loved your- The White House, self, we can achieve a better tomorrow. We October 9, 2002. can work together to eradicate the pockets of hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. Peo- ple can fight evil by doing some good, by Proclamation 7606—Columbus Day, putting your arm around a lost soul and say- 2002 ing, ‘‘I love you. My fellow American, I love you.’’ October 9, 2002 There is no question in my mind, because By the President of the United States of our strength, diversity, because of the val- of America ues we hold, that we will be a stronger and more compassionate and better nation. A Proclamation I want to thank you all for coming to cele- In August 1492, Christopher Columbus brate this important month. It is an honor sailed from Palos, Spain, embarking on a for me to welcome you to the White House. westward voyage and intending to establish I appreciate so very much your contributions a new trade route from Spain to the Far East. to our country. With three ships and a crew of approximately May God bless you all. 100 men, he journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of finding a new route to the NOTE: The President spoke at 1:32 p.m. in the Indies, Columbus discovered the Bahama Is- East Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to entertainers Carlos Ponce, Jaci lands. Today, more than five centuries later, Velasquez, Jennifer Pena, and Gian Marco; Juan Americans continue to celebrate Columbus’ Jose Bremer Martino, Mexican Ambassador to the bold expedition and recognize his pioneering United States; entertainer Emilio Estefan; and achievements as an enduring symbol of Miss Universe 2002 Justine Pasek. The Office of imagination, courage, and perseverance. 1740 Oct. 10 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002

Columbus brought European settlers to it was published in the Federal Register on Octo- North America and helped establish a new ber 15. era of world exploration during his four jour- neys to the ‘‘New World.’’ In the years fol- Remarks on House of lowing his voyage of discovery, others such as John Cabot, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdi- Representatives Action on the nand Magellan followed Columbus’ example Resolution Authorizing the Use of to explore and discover new lands, peoples, Force in Iraq and cultures. October 10, 2002 Today, Columbus’ spirit of innovation and discovery flourishes in America as we seek I would like to thank the Members of the to advance knowledge and ensure prosperity House of Representatives, just as I thanked and hope for all people. We challenge our Speaker Hastert and Leader Gephardt a few young men and women particularly to reach minutes ago, for the very strong bipartisan for all their dreams as the great explorers of vote authorizing the use of force in Iraq if the past did. it becomes necessary. In commemoration of Columbus’ remark- The House debate was conducted in the able journey 510 years ago, the Congress, by best traditions of the United States Congress. joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modi- It was spirited; it was civil; and it was in- fied in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, formed. This is a debate and a decision that has requested that the President proclaim all Americans can be proud of. the second Monday of October of each year I’m also pleased with the progress being as ‘‘Columbus Day.’’ made in the Senate, and I look forward to Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, a final vote soon. President of the United States of America, The House of Representatives has spoken do hereby proclaim October 14, 2002, as Co- clearly to the world and to the United Na- lumbus Day. I call upon the people of the tions Security Council: The gathering threat United States to observe this day with appro- of Iraq must be confronted fully and finally. priate ceremonies and activities. I also direct Today’s vote also sends a clear message to that the flag of the United States be displayed the Iraqi regime: It must disarm and comply on all public buildings on the appointed day with all existing U.N. resolutions, or it will in honor of Christopher Columbus. be forced to comply. There are no other op- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set tions for the Iraqi regime. There can be no my hand this ninth day of October, in the negotiations. The days of Iraq acting as an year of our Lord two thousand two, and of outlaw state are coming to an end. the Independence of the United States of The United States is committed to helping America the two hundred and twenty-sev- make the world more peaceful and more just. enth. We are committed to freedom for all. We’re also committed to protecting human dignity, George W. Bush and today’s vote is an important step toward fulfilling those great American commitments. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 11, 2002] Thank you.

NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of- NOTE: The President spoke at 4 p.m. in the Roo- fice of the Press Secretary on October 10, and sevelt Room at the White House.