Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Congress, honored guests, and fellow citizens: Once again, in keeping with time-honored tradition, I have come to report to you on the state of the Union, and I'm pleased to report that America is much improved, and there's good reason to believe that improvement will continue through the days to come. You and I have had some honest and open differences in the year past. But they didn't keep us from joining hands in bipartisan cooperation to stop a long decline that had drained this nation's spirit and eroded its health. There is renewed energy and optimism throughout the land. America is back, standing tall, looking to the eighties with courage, confidence, and hope. The problems we're overcoming are not the heritage of one person, party, or even one generation. It's just the tendency of government to grow, for practices and programs to become the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this Earth. [Laughter] And there's always that well-intentioned chorus of voices saying, "With a little more power and a little more money, we could do so much for the people." For a time we forgot the American dream isn't one of making government bigger; it's keeping faith with the mighty spirit of free people under God. As we came to the decade of the eighties, we faced the worst crisis in our postwar history. In the seventies were years of rising problems and falling confidence. There was a feeling government had grown beyond the consent of the governed. Families felt helpless in the face of mounting inflation and the indignity of taxes that reduced reward for hard work, thrift, and risktaking. All this was overlaid by an evergrowing web of rules and regulations. On the international scene, we had an uncomfortable feeling that we'd lost the respect of friend and foe. Some questioned whether we had the will to defend peace and freedom. But America is too great for small dreams. There was a hunger in the land for a spiritual revival; if you will, a crusade for renewal. The American people said: Let us look to the future with confidence, both at home and abroad. Let us give freedom a chance. Americans were ready to make a new beginning, and together we have done it. We're confronting our problems one by one. Hope is alive tonight for millions of young families and senior citizens set free from unfair tax increases and crushing inflation. Inflation has been beaten down from 12.4 to 3.2 percent, and that's a great victory for all the people. The prime rate has been cut almost in half, and we must work together to bring it down even more. Together, we passed the first across-the-board tax reduction for everyone since the Kennedy tax cuts. Next year, tax rates will be indexed so inflation can't push people into higher brackets when they get cost-of-living pay raises. Government must never again use inflation to profit at the people's expense. Today a working family earning $25,000 has $1,100 more in purchasing power than if tax and inflation rates were still at the 1980 levels. Real after-tax income increased 5 percent last year. And economic deregulation of key industries like transportation has offered more chances—or choices, I should say, to consumers and new changes—or chances for entrepreneurs and protecting safety. Tonight, we can report and be proud of one of the best recoveries in decades. Send away the handwringers and the doubting Thomases. Hope is reborn for couples dreaming of owning homes and for risktakers with vision to create tomorrow's opportunities. The spirit of enterprise is sparked by the sunrise industries of high-tech and by small business people with big ideas—people like Barbara Proctor, who rose from a ghetto to build a multimillion-dollar advertising agency in Chicago; Carlos Perez, a Cuban refugee, who turned $27 and a dream into a successful importing business in Coral Gables, Florida. People like these are heroes for the eighties. They helped 4 million Americans find jobs in 1983. More people are drawing paychecks tonight than ever before. And Congress helps—or progress helps everyone-well, Congress does too— [laughter] —-everyone. In 1983 women filled 73 percent of all the new jobs in managerial, professional, and technical fields. But we know that many of our fellow countrymen are still out of work, wondering what will come of their hopes and dreams. Can we love America and not reach out to tell them: You are not forgotten; we will not rest until each of you can reach as high as your God-given talents will take you. The heart of America is strong; it's good and true. The cynics were wrong; America never was a sick society. We're seeing rededication to bedrock values of faith, family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom—values that help bring us together as one people, from the youngest child to the most senior citizen. The Congress deserves America's thanks for helping us restore pride and credibility to our military. And I hope that you're as proud as I am of the young men and women in uniform who have volunteered to man the ramparts in defense of freedom and whose dedication, valor, and skill increases so much our chance of living in a world at peace. People everywhere hunger for peace and a better life. The tide of the future is a freedom tide, and our struggle for democracy cannot and will not be denied. This nation champions peace that enshrines liberty, democratic rights, and dignity for every individual. America's new strength, confidence, and purpose are carrying hope and opportunity far from our shores. A world economic recovery is underway. It began here. We've journeyed far, but we have much farther to go. Franklin Roosevelt told us 50 years ago this month: "Civilization can not go back; civilization must not stand still. We have undertaken new methods. It is our task to perfect, to improve, to alter when necessary, but in all cases to go forward." It's time to move forward again, time for America to take freedom's next step. Let us unite tonight behind four great goals to keep America free, secure, and at peace in the eighties together. We can ensure steady economic growth. We can develop America's next frontier. We can strengthen our traditional values. And we can build a meaningful peace to protect our loved ones and this shining star of faith that has guided millions from tyranny to the safe harbor of freedom, progress, and hope. Doing these things will open wider the gates of opportunity, provide greater security for all, with no barriers of bigotry or discrimination. The key to a dynamic decade is vigorous economic growth, our first great goal. We might well begin with common sense in Federal budgeting: government spending no more than government takes in. We must bring Federal deficits down. But how we do that makes all the difference. We can begin by limiting the size and scope of government. Under the leadership of Vice President Bush, we have reduced the growth of Federal regulations by more than 25 percent and cut well over 300 million hours of government-required paperwork each year. This will save the public more than $150 billion over the next 10 years. The Grace commission has given us some 2,500 recommendations for reducing wasteful spending, and they're being examined throughout the administration. Federal spending growth has been cut from 17.4 percent in 1980 to less than half of that today, and we have already achieved over $300 billion in budget savings for the period of 1982 to '86. But that's only a little more than half of what we sought. Government is still spending too large a percentage of the total economy. Now, some insist that any further budget savings must be obtained by reducing the portion spent on defense. This ignores the fact that national defense is solely the responsibility of the Federal Government; indeed, it is its prime responsibility. And yet defense spending is less than a third of the total budget. During the years of President Kennedy and of the years before that, defense was almost half the total budget. And then came several years in which our military capability was allowed to deteriorate to a very dangerous degree. We are just now restoring, through the essential modernization of our conventional and strategic forces, our capability to meet our present and future security needs. We dare not shirk our responsibility to keep America free, secure, and at peace. The last decade saw domestic spending surge literally out of control. But the basis for such spending had been laid in previous years. A pattern of overspending has been in place for half a century. As the national debt grew, we were told not to worry, that we owed it to ourselves. Now we know that deficits are a cause for worry. But there's a difference of opinion as to whether taxes should be increased, spending cut, or some of both. Fear is expressed that government borrowing to fund the deficit could inhibit the economic recovery by taking capital needed for business and industrial expansion. Well, I think that debate is missing an important point. Whether government borrows or increases taxes, it will be taking the same amount of money from the private sector, and, either way, that's too much. Simple fairness dictates that government must not raise taxes on families struggling to pay their bills. The root of the problem is that government's share is more than we can afford if we're to have a sound economy. We must bring down the deficits to ensure continued economic growth. In the budget that I will submit on February 1st, I will recommend measures that will reduce the deficit over the next 5 years. Many of these will be unfinished business from last year's budget. Some could be enacted quickly if we could join in a serious effort to address this problem. I spoke today with Speaker of the House O'Neill, Senate Majority Leader Baker, Senate Minority Leader Byrd, and House Minority Leader Michel. I asked them if they would designate congressional representatives to meet with representatives of the administration to try to reach prompt agreement on a bipartisan deficit reduction plan. I know it would take a long, hard struggle to agree on a full-scale plan. So, what I have proposed is that we first see if we can agree on a down payment. Now, I believe there is basis for such an agreement, one that could reduce the deficits by about a hundred billion dollars over the next 3 years. We could focus on some of the less contentious spending cuts that are still pending before the Congress. These could be combined with measures to close certain tax loopholes, measures that the Treasury Department has previously said to be worthy of support. In addition, we could examine the possibility of achieving further outlay savings based on the work of the Grace commission. If the congressional leadership is willing, my representatives will be prepared to meet with theirs at the earliest possible time. I would hope the leadership might agree on an expedited timetable in which to develop and enact that down payment. But a down payment alone is not enough to break us out of the deficit problem. It could help us start on the right path. Yet, we must do more. So, I propose that we begin exploring how together we can make structural reforms to curb the built-in growth of spending. I also propose improvements in the budgeting process. Some 43 of our 50 States grant their Governors the right to veto individual items in appropriation bills without having to veto the entire bill. California is one of those 43 States. As Governor, I found this line-item veto was a powerful tool against wasteful or extravagant spending. It works in 43 States. Let's put it to work in Washington for all the people. It would be most effective if done by constitutional amendment. The majority of Americans approve of such an amendment, just as they and I approve of an amendment mandating a balanced Federal budget. Many States also have this protection in their constitutions. To talk of meeting the present situation by increasing taxes is a Band-Aid solution which does nothing to cure an illness that's been coming on for half a century—to say nothing of the fact that it poses a real threat to economic recovery. Let's remember that a substantial amount of income tax is presently owed and not paid by people in the underground economy. It would be immoral to make those who are paying taxes pay more to compensate for those who aren't paying their share. There's a better way. Let us go forward with an historic reform for fairness, simplicity, and incentives for growth. I am asking Secretary Don Regan for a plan for action to simplify the entire tax code, so all taxpayers, big and small, are treated more fairly. And I believe such a plan could result in that underground economy being brought into the sunlight of honest tax compliance. And it could make the tax base broader, so personal tax rates could come down, not go up. I've asked that specific recommendations, consistent with those objectives, be presented to me by December 1984. Our second great goal is to build on America's pioneer spirit— [laughter] —I said something funny? [Laughter] I said America's next frontier—and that's to develop that frontier. A sparkling economy spurs initiatives, sunrise industries, and makes older ones more competitive. Nowhere is this more important than our next frontier: space. Nowhere do we so effectively demonstrate our technological leadership and ability to make life better on Earth. The Space Age is barely a quarter of a century old. But already we've pushed civilization forward with our advances in science and technology. Opportunities and jobs will multiply as we cross new thresholds of knowledge and reach deeper into the unknown. Our progress in space—taking giant steps for all mankind—is a tribute to American teamwork and excellence. Our finest minds in government, industry, and academia have all pulled together. And we can be proud to say: We are first; we are the best; and we are so because we're free. America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain. Tonight, I am directing NASA to develop a permanently manned space station and to do it within a decade. A space station will permit quantum leaps in our research in science, communications, in metals, and in lifesaving medicines which could be manufactured only in space. We want our friends to help us meet these challenges and share in their benefits. NASA will invite other countries to participate so we can strengthen peace, build prosperity, and expand freedom for all who share our goals. Just as the oceans opened up a new world for clipper ships and Yankee traders, space holds enormous potential for commerce today. The market for space transportation could surpass our capacity to develop it. Companies interested in putting payloads into space must have ready access to private sector launch services. The Department of Transportation will help an expendable launch services industry to get off the ground. We'll soon implement a number of executive initiatives, develop proposals to ease regulatory constraints, and, with NASA's help, promote private sector investment in space. And as we develop the frontier of space, let us remember our responsibility to preserve our older resources here on Earth. Preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge, it's common sense. Though this is a time of budget constraints, I have requested for EPA one of the largest percentage budget increases of any agency. We will begin the long, necessary effort to clean up a productive recreational area and a special national resource—the Chesapeake Bay. To reduce the threat posed by abandoned hazardous waste dumps, EPA will spend $410 million. And I will request a supplemental increase of 50 million. And because the Superfund law expires in 1985, I've asked Bill Ruckelshaus to develop a proposal for its extension so there'll be additional time to complete this important task. On the question of acid rain, which concerns people in many areas of the United States and Canada, I'm proposing a research program that doubles our current funding. And we'll take additional action to restore our lakes and develop new technology to reduce pollution that causes acid rain. We have greatly improved the conditions of our natural resources. We'll ask the Congress for $157 million beginning in 1985 to acquire new park and conservation lands. The Department of the Interior will encourage careful, selective exploration and production on our vital resources in an Exclusive Economic Zone within the 200-mile limit off our coasts—but with strict adherence to environmental laws and with fuller State and public participation. But our most precious resources, our greatest hope for the future, are the minds and hearts of our people, especially our children. We can help them build tomorrow by strengthening our community of shared values. This must be our third great goal. For us, faith, work, family, neighborhood, freedom, and peace are not just words; they're expressions of what America means, definitions of what makes us a good and loving people. Families stand at the center of our society. And every family has a personal stake in promoting excellence in education. Excellence does not begin in Washington. A 600-percent increase in Federal spending on education between 1960 and 1980 was accompanied by a steady decline in Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. Excellence must begin in our homes and neighborhood schools, where it's the responsibility of every parent and teacher and the right of every child. Our children come first, and that's why I established a bipartisan National Commission on Excellence in Education, to help us chart a commonsense course for better education. And already, communities are implementing the Commission's recommendations. Schools are reporting progress in math and reading skills. But we must do more to restore discipline to schools; and we must encourage the teaching of new basics, reward teachers of merit, enforce tougher standards, and put our parents back in charge. I will continue to press for tuition tax credits to expand opportunities for families and to soften the double payment for those paying public school taxes and private school tuition. Our proposal would target assistance to low- and middle-income families. Just as more incentives are needed within our schools, greater competition is needed among our schools. Without standards and competition, there can be no champions, no records broken, no excellence in education or any other walk of life. And while I'm on this subject, each day your Members observe a 200-year-old tradition meant to signify America is one nation under God. I must ask: If you can begin your day with a member of the clergy standing right here leading you in prayer, then why can't freedom to acknowledge God be enjoyed again by children in every schoolroom across this land? America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. He is ours. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side. During our first 3 years, we have joined bipartisan efforts to restore protection of the law to unborn children. Now, I know this issue is very controversial. But unless and until it can be proven that an unborn child is not a living human being, can we justify assuming without proof that it isn't? No one has yet offered such proof; indeed, all the evidence is to the contrary. We should rise above bitterness and reproach, and if Americans could come together in a spirit of understanding and helping, then we could find positive solutions to the tragedy of abortion. Economic recovery, better education, rededication to values, all show the spirit of renewal gaining the upper hand. And all will improve family life in the eighties. But families need more. They need assurance that they and their loved ones can walk the streets of America without being afraid. Parents need to know their children will not be victims of child pornography and abduction. This year we will intensify our drive against these and other horrible crimes like sexual abuse and family violence. Already our efforts to crack down on career criminals, organized crime, drugpushers, and to enforce tougher sentences and paroles are having effect. In 1982 the crime rate dropped by 4.3 percent, the biggest decline since 1972. Protecting victims is just as important as safeguarding the rights of defendants. Opportunities for all Americans will increase if we move forward in fair housing and work to ensure women's rights, provide for equitable treatment in pension benefits and Individual Retirement Accounts, facilitate child care, and enforce delinquent parent support payments. It's not just the home but the workplace and community that sustain our values and shape our future. So, I ask your help in assisting more communities to break the bondage of dependency. Help us to free enterprise by permitting debate and voting "yes" on our proposal for enterprise zones in America. This has been before you for 2 years. Its passage can help high-unemployment areas by creating jobs and restoring neighborhoods. A society bursting with opportunities, reaching for its future with confidence, sustained by faith, fair play, and a conviction that good and courageous people will flourish when they're free—these are the secrets of a strong and prosperous America at peace with itself and the world. A lasting and meaningful peace is our fourth great goal. It is our highest aspiration. And our record is clear: Americans resort to force only when we must. We have never been aggressors. We have always struggled to defend freedom and democracy. We have no territorial ambitions. We occupy no countries. We build no walls to lock people in. Americans build the future. And our vision of a better life for farmers, merchants, and working people, from the Americas to Asia, begins with a simple premise: The future is best decided by ballots, not bullets. Governments which rest upon the consent of the governed do not wage war on their neighbors. Only when people are given a personal stake in deciding their own destiny, benefiting from their own risks, do they create societies that are prosperous, progressive, and free. Tonight, it is democracies that offer hope by feeding the hungry, prolonging life, and eliminating drudgery. When it comes to keeping America strong, free, and at peace, there should be no Republicans or Democrats, just patriotic Americans. We can decide the tough issues not by who is right, but by what is right. Together, we can continue to advance our agenda for peace. We can establish a more stable basis for peaceful relations with the Soviet Union; strengthen allied relations across the board; achieve real and equitable reductions in the levels of nuclear arms; reinforce our peacemaking efforts in the Middle East, Central America, and southern Africa; or assist developing countries, particularly our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere; and assist in the development of democratic institutions throughout the world. The wisdom of our bipartisan cooperation was seen in the work of the Scowcroft commission, which strengthened our ability to deter war and protect peace. In that same spirit, I urge you to move forward with the Henry Jackson plan to implement the recommendations of the Bipartisan Commission on Central America. Your joint resolution on the multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon is also serving the cause of peace. We are making progress in Lebanon. For nearly 10 years, the Lebanese have lived from tragedy to tragedy with no hope for their future. Now the multinational peacekeeping force and our marines are helping them break their cycle of despair. There is hope for a free, independent, and sovereign Lebanon. We must have the courage to give peace a chance. And we must not be driven from our objectives for peace in Lebanon by state-sponsored terrorism. We have seen this ugly specter in Beirut, Kuwait, and Rangoon. It demands international attention. I will forward shortly legislative proposals to help combat terrorism. And I will be seeking support from our allies for concerted action. Our NATO alliance is strong. 1983 was a banner year for political courage. And we have strengthened our partnerships and our friendships in the Far East. We're committed to dialog, deterrence, and promoting prosperity. We'll work with our trading partners for a new round of negotiations in support of freer world trade, greater competition, and more open markets. A rebirth of bipartisan cooperation, of economic growth, and military deterrence, and a growing spirit of unity among our people at home and our allies abroad underline a fundamental and far-reaching change: The United States is safer, stronger, and more secure in 1984 than before. We can now move with confidence to seize the opportunities for peace, and we will. Tonight, I want to speak to the people of the Soviet Union, to tell them it's true that our governments have had serious differences, but our sons and daughters have never fought each other in war. And if we Americans have our way, they never will. People of the Soviet Union, there is only one sane policy, for your country and mine, to preserve our civilization in this modern age: A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. The only value in our two nations possessing nuclear weapons is to make sure they will never be used. But then would it not be better to do away with them entirely? People of the Soviet, President Dwight Eisenhower, who fought by your side in World War II, said the essential struggle "is not merely man against man or nation against nation. It is man against war." Americans are people of peace. If your government wants peace, there will be peace. We can come together in faith and friendship to build a safer and far better world for our children and our children's children. And the whole world will rejoice. That is my message to you. Some days when life seems hard and we reach out for values to sustain us or a friend to help us, we find a person who reminds us what it means to be Americans. Sergeant Stephen Trujillo, a medic in the 2d Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry, was in the first helicopter to land at the compound held by Cuban forces in Grenada. He saw three other helicopters crash. Despite the imminent explosion of the burning aircraft, he never hesitated. He ran across 25 yards of open terrain through enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. He directed two other medics, administered first aid, and returned again and again to the crash site to carry his wounded friends to safety. Sergeant Trujillo, you and your fellow service men and women not only saved innocent lives; you set a nation free. You inspire us as a force for freedom, not for despotism; and, yes, for peace, not conquest. God bless you. And then there are unsung heroes: single parents, couples, church and civic volunteers. Their hearts carry without complaint the pains of family and community problems. They soothe our sorrow, heal our wounds, calm our fears, and share our joy. A person like Father Ritter is always there. His Covenant House programs in New York and Houston provide shelter and help to thousands of frightened and abused children each year. The same is true of Dr. Charles Carson. Paralyzed in a plane crash, he still believed nothing is impossible. Today in Minnesota, he works 80 hours a week without pay, helping pioneer the field of computer-controlled walking. He has given hope to 500,000 paralyzed Americans that some day they may walk again. How can we not believe in the greatness of America? How can we not do what is right and needed to preserve this last best hope of man on Earth? After all our struggles to restore America, to revive confidence in our country, hope for our future, after all our hard-won victories earned through the patience and courage of every citizen, we cannot, must not, and will not turn back. We will finish our job. How could we do less? We're Americans. Carl Sandburg said, "I see America not in the setting sun of a black night of despair • . . I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God... I see great days ahead for men and women of will and vision." I've never felt more strongly that America's best days and democracy's best days lie ahead. We're a powerful force for good. With faith and courage, we can perform great deeds and take freedom's next step. And we will. We will carry on the tradition of a good and worthy people who have brought light where there was darkness, warmth where there was cold, medicine where there was disease, food where there was hunger, and peace where there was only bloodshed. Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith. Thank you very much. God bless you, and God bless America.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, distinguished Members of the Congress, honored guests, and fellow citizens: Once again, in keeping with time-honored tradition, I have come to report to you on the state of the Union, and I am pleased to report that America is much improved, and there is good reason to believe that improvement will continue through the days to come. You and I have had some honest and open differences in the year past. But they did not keep us from joining hands in bipartisan cooperation to stop a long decline that had drained this nation's spirit and eroded its health. There is renewed energy and optimism throughout the land. America is back, standing tall, looking to the eighties with courage, confidence, and hope. The problems we are overcoming are not the heritage of one person, party, or even one generation. It is just the tendency of government to grow, for practices and programs to become the nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this Earth. [Laughter] And there is always that well-intentioned chorus of voices saying, "With a little more power and a little more money, we could do so much for the people." For a time we forgot the American dream is not one of making government bigger; it is keeping faith with the mighty spirit of free people under God. As we came to the decade of the eighties, we faced the worst crisis in our postwar history. In the seventies were years of rising problems and falling confidence. There was a feeling government had grown beyond the consent of the governed. Families felt helpless in the face of mounting inflation and the indignity of taxes that reduced reward for hard work, thrift, and risktaking. All this was overlaid by an evergrowing web of rules and regulations. On the international scene, we had an uncomfortable feeling that we would lost the respect of friend and foe. Some questioned whether we had the will to defend peace and freedom. But America is too great for small dreams. There was a hunger in the land for a spiritual revival; if you will, a crusade for renewal. The American people said: Let us look to the future with confidence, both at home and abroad. Let us give freedom a chance. Americans were ready to make a new beginning, and together we have done it. We are confronting our problems one by one. Hope is alive tonight for millions of young families and senior citizens set free from unfair tax increases and crushing inflation. Inflation has been beaten down from 12.4 to 3.2 percent, and that is a great victory for all the people. The prime rate has been cut almost in half, and we must work together to bring it down even more. Together, we passed the first across-the-board tax reduction for everyone since the Kennedy tax cuts. Next year, tax rates will be indexed so inflation cannot push people into higher brackets when they get cost-of-living pay raises. Government must never again use inflation to profit at the people's expense. Today a working family earning $25,000 has $1,100 more in purchasing power than if tax and inflation rates were still at the 1980 levels. Real after-tax income increased 5 percent last year. And economic deregulation of key industries like transportation has offered more chances—or choices, I should say, to consumers and new changes—or chances for entrepreneurs and protecting safety. Tonight, we can report and be proud of one of the best recoveries in decades. Send away the handwringers and the doubting Thomases. Hope is reborn for couples dreaming of owning homes and for risktakers with vision to create tomorrow's opportunities. The spirit of enterprise is sparked by the sunrise industries of high-tech and by small business people with big ideas—people like Barbara Proctor, who rose from a ghetto to build a multimillion-dollar advertising agency in Chicago; Carlos Perez, a Cuban refugee, who turned $27 and a dream into a successful importing business in Coral Gables, Florida. People like these are heroes for the eighties. They helped 4 million Americans find jobs in 1983. More people are drawing paychecks tonight than ever before. And Congress helps—or progress helps everyone-well, Congress does too— [laughter] —-everyone. In 1983 women filled 73 percent of all the new jobs in managerial, professional, and technical fields. But we know that many of our fellow countrymen are still out of work, wondering what will come of their hopes and dreams. Can we love America and not reach out to tell them: You are not forgotten; we will not rest until each of you can reach as high as your God-given talents will take you. The heart of America is strong; it is good and true. The cynics were wrong; America never was a sick society. We are seeing rededication to bedrock values of faith, family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom—values that help bring us together as one people, from the youngest child to the most senior citizen. The Congress deserves America's thanks for helping us restore pride and credibility to our military. And I hope that you are as proud as I am of the young men and women in uniform who have volunteered to man the ramparts in defense of freedom and whose dedication, valor, and skill increases so much our chance of living in a world at peace. People everywhere hunger for peace and a better life. The tide of the future is a freedom tide, and our struggle for democracy cannot and will not be denied. This nation champions peace that enshrines liberty, democratic rights, and dignity for every individual. America's new strength, confidence, and purpose are carrying hope and opportunity far from our shores. A world economic recovery is underway. It began here. We have journeyed far, but we have much farther to go. Franklin Roosevelt told us 50 years ago this month: "Civilization can not go back; civilization must not stand still. We have undertaken new methods. It is our task to perfect, to improve, to alter when necessary, but in all cases to go forward." It is time to move forward again, time for America to take freedom's next step. Let us unite tonight behind four great goals to keep America free, secure, and at peace in the eighties together. We can ensure steady economic growth. We can develop America's next frontier. We can strengthen our traditional values. And we can build a meaningful peace to protect our loved ones and this shining star of faith that has guided millions from tyranny to the safe harbor of freedom, progress, and hope. Doing these things will open wider the gates of opportunity, provide greater security for all, with no barriers of bigotry or discrimination. The key to a dynamic decade is vigorous economic growth, our first great goal. We might well begin with common sense in Federal budgeting: government spending no more than government takes in. We must bring Federal deficits down. But how we do that makes all the difference. We can begin by limiting the size and scope of government. Under the leadership of Vice President Bush, we have reduced the growth of Federal regulations by more than 25 percent and cut well over 300 million hours of government-required paperwork each year. This will save the public more than $150 billion over the next 10 years. The Grace commission has given us some 2,500 recommendations for reducing wasteful spending, and they are being examined throughout the administration. Federal spending growth has been cut from 17.4 percent in 1980 to less than half of that today, and we have already achieved over $300 billion in budget savings for the period of 1982 to '86. But that is only a little more than half of what we sought. Government is still spending too large a percentage of the total economy. Now, some insist that any further budget savings must be obtained by reducing the portion spent on defense. This ignores the fact that national defense is solely the responsibility of the Federal Government; indeed, it is its prime responsibility. And yet defense spending is less than a third of the total budget. During the years of President Kennedy and of the years before that, defense was almost half the total budget. And then came several years in which our military capability was allowed to deteriorate to a very dangerous degree. We are just now restoring, through the essential modernization of our conventional and strategic forces, our capability to meet our present and future security needs. We dare not shirk our responsibility to keep America free, secure, and at peace. The last decade saw domestic spending surge literally out of control. But the basis for such spending had been laid in previous years. A pattern of overspending has been in place for half a century. As the national debt grew, we were told not to worry, that we owed it to ourselves. Now we know that deficits are a because for worry. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether taxes should be increased, spending cut, or some of both. Fear is expressed that government borrowing to fund the deficit could inhibit the economic recovery by taking capital needed for business and industrial expansion. Well, I think that debate is missing an important point. Whether government borrows or increases taxes, it will be taking the same amount of money from the private sector, and, either way, that is too much. Simple fairness dictates that government must not raise taxes on families struggling to pay their bills. The root of the problem is that government's share is more than we can afford if we are to have a sound economy. We must bring down the deficits to ensure continued economic growth. In the budget that I will submit on February 1st, I will recommend measures that will reduce the deficit over the next 5 years. Many of these will be unfinished business from last year's budget. Some could be enacted quickly if we could join in a serious effort to address this problem. I spoke today with Speaker of the House O'Neill, Senate Majority Leader Baker, Senate Minority Leader Byrd, and House Minority Leader Michel. I asked them if they would designate congressional representatives to meet with representatives of the administration to try to reach prompt agreement on a bipartisan deficit reduction plan. I know it would take a long, hard struggle to agree on a full-scale plan. So, what I have proposed is that we first see if we can agree on a down payment. Now, I believe there is basis for such an agreement, one that could reduce the deficits by about a hundred billion dollars over the next 3 years. We could focus on some of the less contentious spending cuts that are still pending before the Congress. These could be combined with measures to close certain tax loopholes, measures that the Treasury Department has previously said to be worthy of support. In addition, we could examine the possibility of achieving further outlay savings based on the work of the Grace commission. If the congressional leadership is willing, my representatives will be prepared to meet with theirs at the earliest possible time. I would hope the leadership might agree on an expedited timetable in which to develop and enact that down payment. But a down payment alone is not enough to break us out of the deficit problem. It could help us start on the right path. Yet, we must do more. So, I propose that we begin exploring how together we can make structural reforms to curb the built-in growth of spending. I also propose improvements in the budgeting process. Some 43 of our 50 States grant their Governors the right to veto individual items in appropriation bills without having to veto the entire bill. California is one of those 43 States. As Governor, I found this line-item veto was a powerful tool against wasteful or extravagant spending. It works in 43 States. Let us put it to work in Washington for all the people. It would be most effective if done by constitutional amendment. The majority of Americans approve of such an amendment, just as they and I approve of an amendment mandating a balanced Federal budget. Many States also have this protection in their constitutions. To talk of meeting the present situation by increasing taxes is a Band-Aid solution which does nothing to cure an illness that is been coming on for half a century—to say nothing of the fact that it poses a real threat to economic recovery. Let us remember that a substantial amount of income tax is presently owed and not paid by people in the underground economy. It would be immoral to make those who are paying taxes pay more to compensate for those who are not paying their share. There is a better way. Let us go forward with an historic reform for fairness, simplicity, and incentives for growth. I am asking Secretary Don Regan for a plan for action to simplify the entire tax code, so all taxpayers, big and small, are treated more fairly. And I believe such a plan could result in that underground economy being brought into the sunlight of honest tax compliance. And it could make the tax base broader, so personal tax rates could come down, not go up. I have asked that specific recommendations, consistent with those objectives, be presented to me by December 1984. Our second great goal is to build on America's pioneer spirit— [laughter] —I said something funny? [Laughter] I said America's next frontier—and that is to develop that frontier. A sparkling economy spurs initiatives, sunrise industries, and makes older ones more competitive. Nowhere is this more important than our next frontier: space. Nowhere do we so effectively demonstrate our technological leadership and ability to make life better on Earth. The Space Age is barely a quarter of a century old. But already we have pushed civilization forward with our advances in science and technology. Opportunities and jobs will multiply as we cross new thresholds of knowledge and reach deeper into the unknown. Our progress in space—taking giant steps for all mankind—is a tribute to American teamwork and excellence. Our finest minds in government, industry, and academia have all pulled together. And we can be proud to say: We are first; we are the best; and we are so because we are free. America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness again. We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain. Tonight, I am directing NASA to develop a permanently manned space station and to do it within a decade. A space station will permit quantum leaps in our research in science, communications, in metals, and in lifesaving medicines which could be manufactured only in space. We want our friends to help us meet these challenges and share in their benefits. NASA will invite other countries to participate so we can strengthen peace, build prosperity, and expand freedom for all who share our goals. Just as the oceans opened up a new world for clipper ships and Yankee traders, space holds enormous potential for commerce today. The market for space transportation could surpass our capacity to develop it. Companies interested in putting payloads into space must have ready access to private sector launch services. The Department of Transportation will help an expendable launch services industry to get off the ground. We will soon implement a number of executive initiatives, develop proposals to ease regulatory constraints, and, with NASA's help, promote private sector investment in space. And as we develop the frontier of space, let us remember our responsibility to preserve our older resources here on Earth. Preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge, it is common sense. Though this is a time of budget constraints, I have requested for EPA one of the largest percentage budget increases of any agency. We will begin the long, necessary effort to clean up a productive recreational area and a special national resource—the Chesapeake Bay. To reduce the threat posed by abandoned hazardous waste dumps, EPA will spend $410 million. And I will request a supplemental increase of 50 million. And because the Superfund law expires in 1985, I have asked Bill Ruckelshaus to develop a proposal for its extension so there will be additional time to complete this important task. On the question of acid rain, which concerns people in many areas of the United States and Canada, I am proposing a research program that doubles our current funding. And we will take additional action to restore our lakes and develop new technology to reduce pollution that causes acid rain. We have greatly improved the conditions of our natural resources. We will ask the Congress for $157 million beginning in 1985 to acquire new park and conservation lands. The Department of the Interior will encourage careful, selective exploration and production on our vital resources in an Exclusive Economic Zone within the 200-mile limit off our coasts—but with strict adherence to environmental laws and with fuller State and public participation. But our most precious resources, our greatest hope for the future, are the minds and hearts of our people, especially our children. We can help them build tomorrow by strengthening our community of shared values. This must be our third great goal. For us, faith, work, family, neighborhood, freedom, and peace are not just words; they are expressions of what America means, definitions of what makes us a good and loving people. Families stand at the center of our society. And every family has a personal stake in promoting excellence in education. Excellence does not begin in Washington. A 600-percent increase in Federal spending on education between 1960 and 1980 was accompanied by a steady decline in Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. Excellence must begin in our homes and neighborhood schools, where it is the responsibility of every parent and teacher and the right of every child. Our children come first, and that is why I established a bipartisan National Commission on Excellence in Education, to help us chart a commonsense course for better education. And already, communities are implementing the Commission's recommendations. Schools are reporting progress in math and reading skills. But we must do more to restore discipline to schools; and we must encourage the teaching of new basics, reward teachers of merit, enforce tougher standards, and put our parents back in charge. I will continue to press for tuition tax credits to expand opportunities for families and to soften the double payment for those paying public school taxes and private school tuition. Our proposal would target assistance to low- and middle-income families. Just as more incentives are needed within our schools, greater competition is needed among our schools. Without standards and competition, there can be no champions, no records broken, no excellence in education or any other walk of life. And while I am on this subject, each day your Members observe a 200-year-old tradition meant to signify America is one nation under God. I must ask: If you can begin your day with a member of the clergy standing right here leading you in prayer, then why cannot freedom to acknowledge God be enjoyed again by children in every schoolroom across this land? America was founded by people who believed that God was their rock of safety. He is ours. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it is all right to keep asking if we are on His side. During our first 3 years, we have joined bipartisan efforts to restore protection of the law to unborn children. Now, I know this issue is very controversial. But unless and until it can be proven that an unborn child is not a living human being, can we justify assuming without proof that it is not? No one has yet offered such proof; indeed, all the evidence is to the contrary. We should rise above bitterness and reproach, and if Americans could come together in a spirit of understanding and helping, then we could find positive solutions to the tragedy of abortion. Economic recovery, better education, rededication to values, all show the spirit of renewal gaining the upper hand. And all will improve family life in the eighties. But families need more. They need assurance that they and their loved ones can walk the streets of America without being afraid. Parents need to know their children will not be victims of child pornography and abduction. This year we will intensify our drive against these and other horrible crimes like sexual abuse and family violence. Already our efforts to crack down on career criminals, organized crime, drugpushers, and to enforce tougher sentences and paroles are having effect. In 1982 the crime rate dropped by 4.3 percent, the biggest decline since 1972. Protecting victims is just as important as safeguarding the rights of defendants. Opportunities for all Americans will increase if we move forward in fair housing and work to ensure women's rights, provide for equitable treatment in pension benefits and Individual Retirement Accounts, facilitate child care, and enforce delinquent parent support payments. It is not just the home but the workplace and community that sustain our values and shape our future. So, I ask your help in assisting more communities to break the bondage of dependency. Help us to free enterprise by permitting debate and voting "yes" on our proposal for enterprise zones in America. This has been before you for 2 years. Its passage can help high-unemployment areas by creating jobs and restoring neighborhoods. A society bursting with opportunities, reaching for its future with confidence, sustained by faith, fair play, and a conviction that good and courageous people will flourish when they are free—these are the secrets of a strong and prosperous America at peace with itself and the world. A lasting and meaningful peace is our fourth great goal. It is our highest aspiration. And our record is clear: Americans resort to force only when we must. We have never been aggressors. We have always struggled to defend freedom and democracy. We have no territorial ambitions. We occupy no countries. We build no walls to lock people in. Americans build the future. And our vision of a better life for farmers, merchants, and working people, from the Americas to Asia, begins with a simple premise: The future is best decided by ballots, not bullets. Governments which rest upon the consent of the governed do not wage war on their neighbors. Only when people are given a personal stake in deciding their own destiny, benefiting from their own risks, do they create societies that are prosperous, progressive, and free. Tonight, it is democracies that offer hope by feeding the hungry, prolonging life, and eliminating drudgery. When it comes to keeping America strong, free, and at peace, there should be no Republicans or Democrats, just patriotic Americans. We can decide the tough issues not by who is right, but by what is right. Together, we can continue to advance our agenda for peace. We can establish a more stable basis for peaceful relations with the Soviet Union; strengthen allied relations across the board; achieve real and equitable reductions in the levels of nuclear arms; reinforce our peacemaking efforts in the Middle East, Central America, and southern Africa; or assist developing countries, particularly our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere; and assist in the development of democratic institutions throughout the world. The wisdom of our bipartisan cooperation was seen in the work of the Scowcroft commission, which strengthened our ability to deter war and protect peace. In that same spirit, I urge you to move forward with the Henry Jackson plan to implement the recommendations of the Bipartisan Commission on Central America. Your joint resolution on the multinational peacekeeping force in Lebanon is also serving the because of peace. We are making progress in Lebanon. For nearly 10 years, the Lebanese have lived from tragedy to tragedy with no hope for their future. Now the multinational peacekeeping force and our marines are helping them break their cycle of despair. There is hope for a free, independent, and sovereign Lebanon. We must have the courage to give peace a chance. And we must not be driven from our objectives for peace in Lebanon by state-sponsored terrorism. We have seen this ugly specter in Beirut, Kuwait, and Rangoon. It demands international attention. I will forward shortly legislative proposals to help combat terrorism. And I will be seeking support from our allies for concerted action. Our NATO alliance is strong. 1983 was a banner year for political courage. And we have strengthened our partnerships and our friendships in the Far East. We are committed to dialog, deterrence, and promoting prosperity. We will work with our trading partners for a new round of negotiations in support of freer world trade, greater competition, and more open markets. A rebirth of bipartisan cooperation, of economic growth, and military deterrence, and a growing spirit of unity among our people at home and our allies abroad underline a fundamental and far-reaching change: The United States is safer, stronger, and more secure in 1984 than before. We can now move with confidence to seize the opportunities for peace, and we will. Tonight, I want to speak to the people of the Soviet Union, to tell them it is true that our governments have had serious differences, but our sons and daughters have never fought each other in war. And if we Americans have our way, they never will. People of the Soviet Union, there is only one sane policy, for your country and mine, to preserve our civilization in this modern age: A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. The only value in our two nations possessing nuclear weapons is to make sure they will never be used. But then would it not be better to do away with them entirely? People of the Soviet, President Dwight Eisenhower, who fought by your side in World War II, said the essential struggle "is not merely man against man or nation against nation. It is man against war." Americans are people of peace. If your government wants peace, there will be peace. We can come together in faith and friendship to build a safer and far better world for our children and our children's children. And the whole world will rejoice. That is my message to you. Some days when life seems hard and we reach out for values to sustain us or a friend to help us, we find a person who reminds us what it means to be Americans. Sergeant Stephen Trujillo, a medic in the 2d Ranger Battalion, 75th Infantry, was in the first helicopter to land at the compound held by Cuban forces in Grenada. He saw three other helicopters crash. Despite the imminent explosion of the burning aircraft, he never hesitated. He ran across 25 yards of open terrain through enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. He directed two other medics, administered first aid, and returned again and again to the crash site to carry his wounded friends to safety. Sergeant Trujillo, you and your fellow service men and women not only saved innocent lives; you set a nation free. You inspire us as a force for freedom, not for despotism; and, yes, for peace, not conquest. God bless you. And then there are unsung heroes: single parents, couples, church and civic volunteers. Their hearts carry without complaint the pains of family and community problems. They soothe our sorrow, heal our wounds, calm our fears, and share our joy. A person like Father Ritter is always there. His Covenant House programs in New York and Houston provide shelter and help to thousands of frightened and abused children each year. The same is true of Dr. Charles Carson. Paralyzed in a plane crash, he still believed nothing is impossible. Today in Minnesota, he works 80 hours a week without pay, helping pioneer the field of computer-controlled walking. He has given hope to 500,000 paralyzed Americans that some day they may walk again. How can we not believe in the greatness of America? How can we not do what is right and needed to preserve this last best hope of man on Earth? After all our struggles to restore America, to revive confidence in our country, hope for our future, after all our hard-won victories earned through the patience and courage of every citizen, we cannot, must not, and will not turn back. We will finish our job. How could we do less? We are Americans. Carl Sandburg said, "I see America not in the setting sun of a black night of despair • . . I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God... I see great days ahead for men and women of will and vision." I have never felt more strongly that America's best days and democracy's best days lie ahead. We are a powerful force for good. With faith and courage, we can perform great deeds and take freedom's next step. And we will. We will carry on the tradition of a good and worthy people who have brought light where there was darkness, warmth where there was cold, medicine where there was disease, food where there was hunger, and peace where there was only bloodshed. Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith. Thank you very much. God bless you, and God bless America.
speaker president distinguished members of the congress honored guests and fellow citizens once again in keeping with tradition i have come to report to you on the state of the union and i am pleased to report that america is much improved and there is good reason to believe that improvement will continue through the days to come you and i have had some honest and open differences in the year past but they did not keep us from joining hands in bipartisan cooperation to stop a long decline that had drained this nation spirit and eroded its health there is renewed energy and optimism throughout the land america is back standing tall looking to the eighties with courage confidence and hope the problems we are overcoming are not the heritage of one person party or even one generation it is just the tendency of government to grow for practices and programs to become the nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth laughter and there is always that chorus of voices saying with a little more power and a little more money we could do so much for the people for a time we forgot the american dream is not one of making government bigger it is keeping faith with the mighty spirit of free people under god as we came to the decade of the eighties we faced the worst crisis in our postwar history in the seventies were years of rising problems and falling confidence there was a feeling government had grown beyond the consent of the governed families felt helpless in the face of mounting inflation and the indignity of taxes that reduced reward for hard work thrift and risktaking all this was overlaid by an evergrowing web of rules and regulations on the international scene we had an uncomfortable feeling that we would lost the respect of friend and foe some questioned whether we had the will to defend peace and freedom but america is too great for small dreams there was a hunger in the land for a spiritual revival if you will a crusade for renewal the american people said let us look to the future with confidence both at home and abroad let us give freedom a chance americans were ready to make a new beginning and together we have done it we are confronting our problems one by one hope is alive tonight for millions of young families and senior citizens set free from unfair tax increases and crushing inflation inflation has been beaten down from to percent and that is a great victory for all the people the prime rate has been cut almost in half and we must work together to bring it down even more together we passed the first tax reduction for everyone since the kennedy tax cuts next year tax rates will be indexed so inflation can not push people into higher brackets when they get pay raises government must never again use inflation to profit at the people expense today a working family earning has more in purchasing power than if tax and inflation rates were still at the 1980 levels real income increased 5 percent last year and economic deregulation of key industries like transportation has offered more choices i should say to consumers and new chances for entrepreneurs and protecting safety tonight we can report and be proud of one of the best recoveries in decades send away the handwringers and the doubting thomases hope is reborn for couples dreaming of owning homes and for risktakers with vision to create tomorrow opportunities the spirit of enterprise is sparked by the sunrise industries of and by small business people with big like barbara proctor who rose from a ghetto to build a advertising agency in chicago carlos perez a cuban refugee who turned 27 and a dream into a successful importing business in coral gables florida people like these are heroes for the eighties they helped 4 million americans find jobs in 1983 more people are drawing paychecks tonight than ever before and congress progress helps congress does laughter in 1983 women filled 73 percent of all the new jobs in managerial professional and technical fields but we know that many of our fellow countrymen are still out of work wondering what will come of their hopes and dreams can we love america and not reach out to tell them you are not forgotten we will not rest until each of you can reach as high as your talents will take you the heart of america is strong it is good and true the cynics were wrong america never was a sick society we are seeing rededication to bedrock values of faith family work neighborhood peace and that help bring us together as one people from the youngest child to the most senior citizen the congress deserves america thanks for helping us restore pride and credibility to our military and i hope that you are as proud as i am of the young men and women in uniform who have volunteered to man the ramparts in defense of freedom and whose dedication valor and skill increases so much our chance of living in a world at peace people everywhere hunger for peace and a better life the tide of the future is a freedom tide and our struggle for democracy can not and will not be denied this nation champions peace that enshrines liberty democratic rights and dignity for every individual america new strength confidence and purpose are carrying hope and opportunity far from our shores a world economic recovery is underway it began here we have journeyed far but we have much farther to go franklin roosevelt told us 50 years ago this month civilization can not go back civilization must not stand still we have undertaken new methods it is our task to perfect to improve to alter when necessary but in all cases to go forward it is time to move forward again time for america to take freedom next step let us unite tonight behind four great goals to keep america free secure and at peace in the eighties together we can ensure steady economic growth we can develop america next frontier we can strengthen our traditional values and we can build a meaningful peace to protect our loved ones and this shining star of faith that has guided millions from tyranny to the safe harbor of freedom progress and hope doing these things will open wider the gates of opportunity provide greater security for all with no barriers of bigotry or discrimination the key to a dynamic decade is vigorous economic growth our first great goal we might well begin with common sense in federal budgeting government spending no more than government takes in we must bring federal deficits down but how we do that makes all the difference we can begin by limiting the size and scope of government under the leadership of vice president bush we have reduced the growth of federal regulations by more than 25 percent and cut well over 300 million hours of paperwork each year this will save the public more than 150 billion over the next 10 years the grace commission has given us some recommendations for reducing wasteful spending and they are being examined throughout the administration federal spending growth has been cut from percent in 1980 to less than half of that today and we have already achieved over 300 billion in budget savings for the period of 1982 to but that is only a little more than half of what we sought government is still spending too large a percentage of the total economy now some insist that any further budget savings must be obtained by reducing the portion spent on defense this ignores the fact that national defense is solely the responsibility of the federal government indeed it is its prime responsibility and yet defense spending is less than a third of the total budget during the years of president kennedy and of the years before that defense was almost half the total budget and then came several years in which our military capability was allowed to deteriorate to a very dangerous degree we are just now restoring through the essential modernization of our conventional and strategic forces our capability to meet our present and future security needs we dare not shirk our responsibility to keep america free secure and at peace the last decade saw domestic spending surge literally out of control but the basis for such spending had been laid in previous years a pattern of overspending has been in place for half a century as the national debt grew we were told not to worry that we owed it to ourselves now we know that deficits are a because for worry but there is a difference of opinion as to whether taxes should be increased spending cut or some of both fear is expressed that government borrowing to fund the deficit could inhibit the economic recovery by taking capital needed for business and industrial expansion well i think that debate is missing an important point whether government borrows or increases taxes it will be taking the same amount of money from the private sector and either way that is too much simple fairness dictates that government must not raise taxes on families struggling to pay their bills the root of the problem is that government share is more than we can afford if we are to have a sound economy we must bring down the deficits to ensure continued economic growth in the budget that i will submit on february 1st i will recommend measures that will reduce the deficit over the next 5 years many of these will be unfinished business from last year budget some could be enacted quickly if we could join in a serious effort to address this problem i spoke today with speaker of the house senate majority leader baker senate minority leader byrd and house minority leader michel i asked them if they would designate congressional representatives to meet with representatives of the administration to try to reach prompt agreement on a bipartisan deficit reduction plan i know it would take a long hard struggle to agree on a plan so what i have proposed is that we first see if we can agree on a down payment now i believe there is basis for such an agreement one that could reduce the deficits by about a hundred billion dollars over the next 3 years we could focus on some of the less contentious spending cuts that are still pending before the congress these could be combined with measures to close certain tax loopholes measures that the treasury department has previously said to be worthy of support in addition we could examine the possibility of achieving further outlay savings based on the work of the grace commission if the congressional leadership is willing my representatives will be prepared to meet with theirs at the earliest possible time i would hope the leadership might agree on an expedited timetable in which to develop and enact that down payment but a down payment alone is not enough to break us out of the deficit problem it could help us start on the right path yet we must do more so i propose that we begin exploring how together we can make structural reforms to curb the growth of spending i also propose improvements in the budgeting process some 43 of our 50 states grant their governors the right to veto individual items in appropriation bills without having to veto the entire bill california is one of those 43 states as governor i found this veto was a powerful tool against wasteful or extravagant spending it works in 43 states let us put it to work in washington for all the people it would be most effective if done by constitutional amendment the majority of americans approve of such an amendment just as they and i approve of an amendment mandating a balanced federal budget many states also have this protection in their constitutions to talk of meeting the present situation by increasing taxes is a solution which does nothing to cure an illness that is been coming on for half a say nothing of the fact that it poses a real threat to economic recovery let us remember that a substantial amount of income tax is presently owed and not paid by people in the underground economy it would be immoral to make those who are paying taxes pay more to compensate for those who are not paying their share there is a better way let us go forward with an historic reform for fairness simplicity and incentives for growth i am asking secretary don regan for a plan for action to simplify the entire tax code so all taxpayers big and small are treated more fairly and i believe such a plan could result in that underground economy being brought into the sunlight of honest tax compliance and it could make the tax base broader so personal tax rates could come down not go up i have asked that specific recommendations consistent with those objectives be presented to me by december 1984 our second great goal is to build on america pioneer laughter said something funny laughter i said america next that is to develop that frontier a sparkling economy spurs initiatives sunrise industries and makes older ones more competitive nowhere is this more important than our next frontier space nowhere do we so effectively demonstrate our technological leadership and ability to make life better on earth the space age is barely a quarter of a century old but already we have pushed civilization forward with our advances in science and technology opportunities and jobs will multiply as we cross new thresholds of knowledge and reach deeper into the unknown our progress in giant steps for all a tribute to american teamwork and excellence our finest minds in government industry and academia have all pulled together and we can be proud to say we are first we are the best and we are so because we are free america has always been greatest when we dared to be great we can reach for greatness again we can follow our dreams to distant stars living and working in space for peaceful economic and scientific gain tonight i am directing nasa to develop a permanently manned space station and to do it within a decade a space station will permit quantum leaps in our research in science communications in metals and in lifesaving medicines which could be manufactured only in space we want our friends to help us meet these challenges and share in their benefits nasa will invite other countries to participate so we can strengthen peace build prosperity and expand freedom for all who share our goals just as the oceans opened up a new world for clipper ships and yankee traders space holds enormous potential for commerce today the market for space transportation could surpass our capacity to develop it companies interested in putting payloads into space must have ready access to private sector launch services the department of transportation will help an expendable launch services industry to get off the ground we will soon implement a number of executive initiatives develop proposals to ease regulatory constraints and with nasa help promote private sector investment in space and as we develop the frontier of space let us remember our responsibility to preserve our older resources here on earth preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge it is common sense though this is a time of budget constraints i have requested for epa one of the largest percentage budget increases of any agency we will begin the long necessary effort to clean up a productive recreational area and a special national chesapeake bay to reduce the threat posed by abandoned hazardous waste dumps epa will spend 410 million and i will request a supplemental increase of 50 million and because the superfund law expires in 1985 i have asked bill ruckelshaus to develop a proposal for its extension so there will be additional time to complete this important task on the question of acid rain which concerns people in many areas of the united states and canada i am proposing a research program that doubles our current funding and we will take additional action to restore our lakes and develop new technology to reduce pollution that causes acid rain we have greatly improved the conditions of our natural resources we will ask the congress for 157 million beginning in 1985 to acquire new park and conservation lands the department of the interior will encourage careful selective exploration and production on our vital resources in an exclusive economic zone within the limit off our with strict adherence to environmental laws and with fuller state and public participation but our most precious resources our greatest hope for the future are the minds and hearts of our people especially our children we can help them build tomorrow by strengthening our community of shared values this must be our third great goal for us faith work family neighborhood freedom and peace are not just words they are expressions of what america means definitions of what makes us a good and loving people families stand at the center of our society and every family has a personal stake in promoting excellence in education excellence does not begin in washington a increase in federal spending on education between 1960 and 1980 was accompanied by a steady decline in scholastic aptitude test scores excellence must begin in our homes and neighborhood schools where it is the responsibility of every parent and teacher and the right of every child our children come first and that is why i established a bipartisan national commission on excellence in education to help us chart a commonsense course for better education and already communities are implementing the commission recommendations schools are reporting progress in math and reading skills but we must do more to restore discipline to schools and we must encourage the teaching of new basics reward teachers of merit enforce tougher standards and put our parents back in charge i will continue to press for tuition tax credits to expand opportunities for families and to soften the double payment for those paying public school taxes and private school tuition our proposal would target assistance to and families just as more incentives are needed within our schools greater competition is needed among our schools without standards and competition there can be no champions no records broken no excellence in education or any other walk of life and while i am on this subject each day your members observe a tradition meant to signify america is one nation under god i must ask if you can begin your day with a member of the clergy standing right here leading you in prayer then why can not freedom to acknowledge god be enjoyed again by children in every schoolroom across this land america was founded by people who believed that god was their rock of safety he is ours i recognize we must be cautious in claiming that god is on our side but i think it is all right to keep asking if we are on his side during our first 3 years we have joined bipartisan efforts to restore protection of the law to unborn children now i know this issue is very controversial but unless and until it can be proven that an unborn child is not a living human being can we justify assuming without proof that it is not no one has yet offered such proof indeed all the evidence is to the contrary we should rise above bitterness and reproach and if americans could come together in a spirit of understanding and helping then we could find positive solutions to the tragedy of abortion economic recovery better education rededication to values all show the spirit of renewal gaining the upper hand and all will improve family life in the eighties but families need more they need assurance that they and their loved ones can walk the streets of america without being afraid parents need to know their children will not be victims of child pornography and abduction this year we will intensify our drive against these and other horrible crimes like sexual abuse and family violence already our efforts to crack down on career criminals organized crime drugpushers and to enforce tougher sentences and paroles are having effect in 1982 the crime rate dropped by percent the biggest decline since 1972 protecting victims is just as important as safeguarding the rights of defendants opportunities for all americans will increase if we move forward in fair housing and work to ensure women rights provide for equitable treatment in pension benefits and individual retirement accounts facilitate child care and enforce delinquent parent support payments it is not just the home but the workplace and community that sustain our values and shape our future so i ask your help in assisting more communities to break the bondage of dependency help us to free enterprise by permitting debate and voting yes on our proposal for enterprise zones in america this has been before you for 2 years its passage can help areas by creating jobs and restoring neighborhoods a society bursting with opportunities reaching for its future with confidence sustained by faith fair play and a conviction that good and courageous people will flourish when they are are the secrets of a strong and prosperous america at peace with itself and the world a lasting and meaningful peace is our fourth great goal it is our highest aspiration and our record is clear americans resort to force only when we must we have never been aggressors we have always struggled to defend freedom and democracy we have no territorial ambitions we occupy no countries we build no walls to lock people in americans build the future and our vision of a better life for farmers merchants and working people from the americas to asia begins with a simple premise the future is best decided by ballots not bullets governments which rest upon the consent of the governed do not wage war on their neighbors only when people are given a personal stake in deciding their own destiny benefiting from their own risks do they create societies that are prosperous progressive and free tonight it is democracies that offer hope by feeding the hungry prolonging life and eliminating drudgery when it comes to keeping america strong free and at peace there should be no republicans or democrats just patriotic americans we can decide the tough issues not by who is right but by what is right together we can continue to advance our agenda for peace we can establish a more stable basis for peaceful relations with the soviet union strengthen allied relations across the board achieve real and equitable reductions in the levels of nuclear arms reinforce our peacemaking efforts in the middle east central america and southern africa or assist developing countries particularly our neighbors in the western hemisphere and assist in the development of democratic institutions throughout the world the wisdom of our bipartisan cooperation was seen in the work of the scowcroft commission which strengthened our ability to deter war and protect peace in that same spirit i urge you to move forward with the henry jackson plan to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan commission on central america your joint resolution on the multinational peacekeeping force in lebanon is also serving the because of peace we are making progress in lebanon for nearly 10 years the lebanese have lived from tragedy to tragedy with no hope for their future now the multinational peacekeeping force and our marines are helping them break their cycle of despair there is hope for a free independent and sovereign lebanon we must have the courage to give peace a chance and we must not be driven from our objectives for peace in lebanon by terrorism we have seen this ugly specter in beirut kuwait and rangoon it demands international attention i will forward shortly legislative proposals to help combat terrorism and i will be seeking support from our allies for concerted action our nato alliance is strong 1983 was a banner year for political courage and we have strengthened our partnerships and our friendships in the far east we are committed to dialog deterrence and promoting prosperity we will work with our trading partners for a new round of negotiations in support of freer world trade greater competition and more open markets a rebirth of bipartisan cooperation of economic growth and military deterrence and a growing spirit of unity among our people at home and our allies abroad underline a fundamental and change the united states is safer stronger and more secure in 1984 than before we can now move with confidence to seize the opportunities for peace and we will tonight i want to speak to the people of the soviet union to tell them it is true that our governments have had serious differences but our sons and daughters have never fought each other in war and if we americans have our way they never will people of the soviet union there is only one sane policy for your country and mine to preserve our civilization in this modern age a nuclear war can not be won and must never be fought the only value in our two nations possessing nuclear weapons is to make sure they will never be used but then would it not be better to do away with them entirely people of the soviet president dwight eisenhower who fought by your side in world war ii said the essential struggle is not merely man against man or nation against nation it is man against war americans are people of peace if your government wants peace there will be peace we can come together in faith and friendship to build a safer and far better world for our children and our children children and the whole world will rejoice that is my message to you some days when life seems hard and we reach out for values to sustain us or a friend to help us we find a person who reminds us what it means to be americans sergeant stephen trujillo a medic in the 2d ranger battalion 75th infantry was in the first helicopter to land at the compound held by cuban forces in grenada he saw three other helicopters crash despite the imminent explosion of the burning aircraft he never hesitated he ran across 25 yards of open terrain through enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers he directed two other medics administered first aid and returned again and again to the crash site to carry his wounded friends to safety sergeant trujillo you and your fellow service men and women not only saved innocent lives you set a nation free you inspire us as a force for freedom not for despotism and yes for peace not conquest god bless you and then there are unsung heroes single parents couples church and civic volunteers their hearts carry without complaint the pains of family and community problems they soothe our sorrow heal our wounds calm our fears and share our joy a person like father ritter is always there his covenant house programs in new york and houston provide shelter and help to thousands of frightened and abused children each year the same is true of charles carson paralyzed in a plane crash he still believed nothing is impossible today in minnesota he works 80 hours a week without pay helping pioneer the field of walking he has given hope to paralyzed americans that some day they may walk again how can we not believe in the greatness of america how can we not do what is right and needed to preserve this last best hope of man on earth after all our struggles to restore america to revive confidence in our country hope for our future after all our victories earned through the patience and courage of every citizen we can not must not and will not turn back we will finish our job how could we do less we are americans carl sandburg said i see america not in the setting sun of a black night of despair i see america in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning creative hand of god i see great days ahead for men and women of will and vision i have never felt more strongly that america best days and democracy best days lie ahead we are a powerful force for good with faith and courage we can perform great deeds and take freedom next step and we will we will carry on the tradition of a good and worthy people who have brought light where there was darkness warmth where there was cold medicine where there was disease food where there was hunger and peace where there was only bloodshed let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time that in our time we did everything that could be done we finished the race we kept them free we kept the faith thank you very much god bless you and god bless america
speaker president distinguished members congress honored guests fellow citizens keeping tradition come report state union pleased report america much improved good reason believe improvement continue days come honest open differences year past keep us joining hands bipartisan cooperation stop long decline drained nation spirit eroded health renewed energy optimism throughout land america back standing tall looking eighties courage confidence hope problems overcoming heritage one person party even one generation tendency government grow practices programs become nearest thing eternal life ever see earth laughter always chorus voices saying little power little money could much people time forgot american dream one making government bigger keeping faith mighty spirit free people god came decade eighties faced worst crisis postwar history seventies years rising problems falling confidence feeling government grown beyond consent governed families felt helpless face mounting inflation indignity taxes reduced reward hard work thrift risktaking overlaid evergrowing web rules regulations international scene uncomfortable feeling would lost respect friend foe questioned whether defend peace freedom america great small dreams hunger land spiritual revival crusade renewal american people said let us look future confidence home abroad let us give freedom chance americans ready make new beginning together done confronting problems one one hope alive tonight millions young families senior citizens set free unfair tax increases crushing inflation inflation beaten percent great victory people prime rate cut almost half must work together bring even together passed first tax reduction everyone since kennedy tax cuts next year tax rates indexed inflation push people higher brackets get pay raises government must never use inflation profit people expense today working family earning purchasing power tax inflation rates still 1980 levels real income increased 5 percent last year economic deregulation key industries like transportation offered choices say consumers new chances entrepreneurs protecting safety tonight report proud one best recoveries decades send away handwringers doubting thomases hope reborn couples dreaming owning homes risktakers vision create tomorrow opportunities spirit enterprise sparked sunrise industries small business people big like barbara proctor rose ghetto build advertising agency chicago carlos perez cuban refugee turned 27 dream successful importing business coral gables florida people like heroes eighties helped 4 million americans find jobs 1983 people drawing paychecks tonight ever congress progress helps congress laughter 1983 women filled 73 percent new jobs managerial professional technical fields know many fellow countrymen still work wondering come hopes dreams love america reach tell forgotten rest reach high talents take heart america strong good true cynics wrong america never sick society seeing rededication bedrock values faith family work neighborhood peace help bring us together one people youngest child senior citizen congress deserves america thanks helping us restore pride credibility military hope proud young men women uniform volunteered man ramparts defense freedom whose dedication valor skill increases much chance living world peace people everywhere hunger peace better life tide future freedom tide struggle democracy denied nation champions peace enshrines liberty democratic rights dignity every individual america new strength confidence purpose carrying hope opportunity far shores world economic recovery underway began journeyed far much farther go franklin roosevelt told us 50 years ago month civilization go back civilization must stand still undertaken new methods task perfect improve alter necessary cases go forward time move forward time america take freedom next step let us unite tonight behind four great goals keep america free secure peace eighties together ensure steady economic growth develop america next frontier strengthen traditional values build meaningful peace protect loved ones shining star faith guided millions tyranny safe harbor freedom progress hope things open wider gates opportunity provide greater security barriers bigotry discrimination key dynamic decade vigorous economic growth first great goal might well begin common sense federal budgeting government spending government takes must bring federal deficits makes difference begin limiting size scope government leadership vice president bush reduced growth federal regulations 25 percent cut well 300 million hours paperwork year save public 150 billion next 10 years grace commission given us recommendations reducing wasteful spending examined throughout administration federal spending growth cut percent 1980 less half today already achieved 300 billion budget savings period 1982 little half sought government still spending large percentage total economy insist budget savings must obtained reducing portion spent defense ignores fact national defense solely responsibility federal government indeed prime responsibility yet defense spending less third total budget years president kennedy years defense almost half total budget came several years military capability allowed deteriorate dangerous degree restoring essential modernization conventional strategic forces capability meet present future security needs dare shirk responsibility keep america free secure peace last decade saw domestic spending surge literally control basis spending laid previous years pattern overspending place half century national debt grew told worry owed know deficits worry difference opinion whether taxes increased spending cut fear expressed government borrowing fund deficit could inhibit economic recovery taking capital needed business industrial expansion well think debate missing important point whether government borrows increases taxes taking amount money private sector either way much simple fairness dictates government must raise taxes families struggling pay bills root problem government share afford sound economy must bring deficits ensure continued economic growth budget submit february 1st recommend measures reduce deficit next 5 years many unfinished business last year budget could enacted quickly could join serious effort address problem spoke today speaker house senate majority leader baker senate minority leader byrd house minority leader michel asked would designate congressional representatives meet representatives administration try reach prompt agreement bipartisan deficit reduction plan know would take long hard struggle agree plan proposed first see agree payment believe basis agreement one could reduce deficits hundred billion dollars next 3 years could focus less contentious spending cuts still pending congress could combined measures close certain tax loopholes measures treasury department previously said worthy support addition could examine possibility achieving outlay savings based work grace commission congressional leadership willing representatives prepared meet earliest possible time would hope leadership might agree expedited timetable develop enact payment payment alone enough break us deficit problem could help us start right path yet must propose begin exploring together make structural reforms curb growth spending also propose improvements budgeting process 43 50 states grant governors right veto individual items appropriation bills without veto entire bill california one 43 states governor found veto powerful tool wasteful extravagant spending works 43 states let us put work washington people would effective done constitutional amendment majority americans approve amendment approve amendment mandating balanced federal budget many states also protection constitutions talk meeting present situation increasing taxes solution nothing cure illness coming half say nothing fact poses real threat economic recovery let us remember substantial amount income tax presently owed paid people underground economy would immoral make paying taxes pay compensate paying share better way let us go forward historic reform fairness simplicity incentives growth asking secretary regan plan action simplify entire tax code taxpayers big small treated fairly believe plan could result underground economy brought sunlight honest tax compliance could make tax base broader personal tax rates could come go asked specific recommendations consistent objectives presented december 1984 second great goal build america pioneer laughter said something funny laughter said america next develop frontier sparkling economy spurs initiatives sunrise industries makes older ones competitive nowhere important next frontier space nowhere effectively demonstrate technological leadership ability make life better earth space age barely quarter century old already pushed civilization forward advances science technology opportunities jobs multiply cross new thresholds knowledge reach deeper unknown progress giant steps tribute american teamwork excellence finest minds government industry academia pulled together proud say first best free america always greatest dared great reach greatness follow dreams distant stars living working space peaceful economic scientific gain tonight directing nasa develop permanently manned space station within decade space station permit quantum leaps research science communications metals lifesaving medicines could manufactured space want friends help us meet challenges share benefits nasa invite countries participate strengthen peace build prosperity expand freedom share goals oceans opened new world clipper ships yankee traders space holds enormous potential commerce today market space transportation could surpass capacity develop companies interested putting payloads space must ready access private sector launch services department transportation help expendable launch services industry get ground soon implement number executive initiatives develop proposals ease regulatory constraints nasa help promote private sector investment space develop frontier space let us remember responsibility preserve older resources earth preservation environment liberal conservative challenge common sense though time budget constraints requested epa one largest percentage budget increases agency begin long necessary effort clean productive recreational area special national chesapeake bay reduce threat posed abandoned hazardous waste dumps epa spend 410 million request supplemental increase 50 million superfund law expires 1985 asked bill ruckelshaus develop proposal extension additional time complete important task question acid rain concerns people many areas united states canada proposing research program doubles current funding take additional action restore lakes develop new technology reduce pollution causes acid rain greatly improved conditions natural resources ask congress 157 million beginning 1985 acquire new park conservation lands department interior encourage careful selective exploration production vital resources exclusive economic zone within limit strict adherence environmental laws fuller state public participation precious resources greatest hope future minds hearts people especially children help build tomorrow strengthening community shared values must third great goal us faith work family neighborhood freedom peace words expressions america means definitions makes us good loving people families stand center society every family personal stake promoting excellence education excellence begin washington increase federal spending education 1960 1980 accompanied steady decline scholastic aptitude test scores excellence must begin homes neighborhood schools responsibility every parent teacher right every child children come first established bipartisan national commission excellence education help us chart commonsense course better education already communities implementing commission recommendations schools reporting progress math reading skills must restore discipline schools must encourage teaching new basics reward teachers merit enforce tougher standards put parents back charge continue press tuition tax credits expand opportunities families soften double payment paying public school taxes private school tuition proposal would target assistance families incentives needed within schools greater competition needed among schools without standards competition champions records broken excellence education walk life subject day members observe tradition meant signify america one nation god must ask begin day member clergy standing right leading prayer freedom acknowledge god enjoyed children every schoolroom across land america founded people believed god rock safety recognize must cautious claiming god side think right keep asking side first 3 years joined bipartisan efforts restore protection law unborn children know issue controversial unless proven unborn child living human justify assuming without proof one yet offered proof indeed evidence contrary rise bitterness reproach americans could come together spirit understanding helping could find positive solutions tragedy abortion economic recovery better education rededication values show spirit renewal gaining upper hand improve family life eighties families need need assurance loved ones walk streets america without afraid parents need know children victims child pornography abduction year intensify drive horrible crimes like sexual abuse family violence already efforts crack career criminals organized crime drugpushers enforce tougher sentences paroles effect 1982 crime rate dropped percent biggest decline since 1972 protecting victims important safeguarding rights defendants opportunities americans increase move forward fair housing work ensure women rights provide equitable treatment pension benefits individual retirement accounts facilitate child care enforce delinquent parent support payments home workplace community sustain values shape future ask help assisting communities break bondage dependency help us free enterprise permitting debate voting yes proposal enterprise zones america 2 years passage help areas creating jobs restoring neighborhoods society bursting opportunities reaching future confidence sustained faith fair play conviction good courageous people flourish secrets strong prosperous america peace world lasting meaningful peace fourth great goal highest aspiration record clear americans resort force must never aggressors always struggled defend freedom democracy territorial ambitions occupy countries build walls lock people americans build future vision better life farmers merchants working people americas asia begins simple premise future best decided ballots bullets governments rest upon consent governed wage war neighbors people given personal stake deciding destiny benefiting risks create societies prosperous progressive free tonight democracies offer hope feeding hungry prolonging life eliminating drudgery comes keeping america strong free peace republicans democrats patriotic americans decide tough issues right right together continue advance agenda peace establish stable basis peaceful relations soviet union strengthen allied relations across board achieve real equitable reductions levels nuclear arms reinforce peacemaking efforts middle east central america southern africa assist developing countries particularly neighbors western hemisphere assist development democratic institutions throughout world wisdom bipartisan cooperation seen work scowcroft commission strengthened ability deter war protect peace spirit urge move forward henry jackson plan implement recommendations bipartisan commission central america joint resolution multinational peacekeeping force lebanon also serving peace making progress lebanon nearly 10 years lebanese lived tragedy tragedy hope future multinational peacekeeping force marines helping break cycle despair hope free independent sovereign lebanon must courage give peace chance must driven objectives peace lebanon terrorism seen ugly specter beirut kuwait rangoon demands international attention forward shortly legislative proposals help combat terrorism seeking support allies concerted action nato alliance strong 1983 banner year political courage strengthened partnerships friendships far east committed dialog deterrence promoting prosperity work trading partners new round negotiations support freer world trade greater competition open markets rebirth bipartisan cooperation economic growth military deterrence growing spirit unity among people home allies abroad underline fundamental change united states safer stronger secure 1984 move confidence seize opportunities peace tonight want speak people soviet union tell true governments serious differences sons daughters never fought war americans way never people soviet union one sane policy country mine preserve civilization modern age nuclear war must never fought value two nations possessing nuclear weapons make sure never used would better away entirely people soviet president dwight eisenhower fought side world war ii said essential struggle merely man man nation nation man war americans people peace government wants peace peace come together faith friendship build safer far better world children children children whole world rejoice message days life seems hard reach values sustain us friend help us find person reminds us means americans sergeant stephen trujillo medic 2d ranger battalion 75th infantry first helicopter land compound held cuban forces grenada saw three helicopters crash despite imminent explosion burning aircraft never hesitated ran across 25 yards open terrain enemy fire rescue wounded soldiers directed two medics administered first aid returned crash site carry wounded friends safety sergeant trujillo fellow service men women saved innocent lives set nation free inspire us force freedom despotism yes peace conquest god bless unsung heroes single parents couples church civic volunteers hearts carry without complaint pains family community problems soothe sorrow heal wounds calm fears share joy person like father ritter always covenant house programs new york houston provide shelter help thousands frightened abused children year true charles carson paralyzed plane crash still believed nothing impossible today minnesota works 80 hours week without pay helping pioneer field walking given hope paralyzed americans day may walk believe greatness america right needed preserve last best hope man earth struggles restore america revive confidence country hope future victories earned patience courage every citizen must turn back finish job could less americans carl sandburg said see america setting sun black night despair see america crimson light rising sun fresh burning creative hand god see great days ahead men women vision never felt strongly america best days democracy best days lie ahead powerful force good faith courage perform great deeds take freedom next step carry tradition good worthy people brought light darkness warmth cold medicine disease food hunger peace bloodshed let us sure come say us time time everything could done finished race kept free kept faith thank much god bless god bless america
speaker president distinguish member congress honor guest fellow citizen keep tradition come report state union please report america much improve good reason believe improvement continue day come honest open difference year past keep u join hand bipartisan cooperation stop long decline drain nation spirit erode health renew energy optimism throughout land america back stand tall look eighty courage confidence hope problem overcome heritage one person party even one generation tendency government grow practice program become near thing eternal life ever see earth laughter always chorus voice say little power little money could much people time forgot american dream one make government big keep faith mighty spirit free people god come decade eighty face bad crisis postwar history seventy year rise problem fall confidence feeling government grown beyond consent govern family felt helpless face mount inflation indignity tax reduce reward hard work thrift risktaking overlaid evergrowing web rule regulation international scene uncomfortable feeling would lose respect friend foe question whether defend peace freedom america great small dream hunger land spiritual revival crusade renewal american people say let u look future confidence home abroad let u give freedom chance american ready make new begin together do confronting problem one one hope alive tonight million young family senior citizen set free unfair tax increase crush inflation inflation beaten percent great victory people prime rate cut almost half must work together bring even together pass first tax reduction everyone since kennedy tax cut next year tax rate index inflation push people high bracket get pay raise government must never use inflation profit people expense today work family earn purchase power tax inflation rate still 1980 level real income increase 5 percent last year economic deregulation key industry like transportation offer choice say consumer new chance entrepreneurs protect safety tonight report proud one best recovery decade send away handwringers doubt thomas hope reborn couple dream own home risktakers vision create tomorrow opportunity spirit enterprise spark sunrise industry small business people big like barbara proctor rise ghetto build advertising agency chicago carlos perez cuban refugee turn 27 dream successful importing business coral gable florida people like hero eighty help 4 million american find job 1983 people draw paycheck tonight ever congress progress help congress laughter 1983 woman fill 73 percent new job managerial professional technical field know many fellow countryman still work wonder come hope dream love america reach tell forgotten rest reach high talent take heart america strong good true cynic wrong america never sick society see rededication bedrock value faith family work neighborhood peace help bring u together one people youngest child senior citizen congress deserves america thanks help u restore pride credibility military hope proud young men woman uniform volunteer man rampart defense freedom whose dedication valor skill increase much chance living world peace people everywhere hunger peace well life tide future freedom tide struggle democracy deny nation champion peace enshrines liberty democratic right dignity every individual america new strength confidence purpose carry hope opportunity far shore world economic recovery underway begin journeyed far much farther go franklin roosevelt tell u 50 year ago month civilization go back civilization must stand still undertaken new method task perfect improve alter necessary case go forward time move forward time america take freedom next step let u unite tonight behind four great goal keep america free secure peace eighties together ensure steady economic growth develop america next frontier strengthen traditional value build meaningful peace protect love one shin star faith guide million tyranny safe harbor freedom progress hope thing open wider gate opportunity provide great security barrier bigotry discrimination key dynamic decade vigorous economic growth first great goal might well begin common sense federal budgeting government spending government take must bring federal deficit make difference begin limit size scope government leadership vice president bush reduce growth federal regulation 25 percent cut well 300 million hour paperwork year save public 150 billion next 10 year grace commission give u recommendation reduce wasteful spending examine throughout administration federal spending growth cut percent 1980 less half today already achieve 300 billion budget saving period 1982 little half sought government still spend large percentage total economy insist budget saving must obtain reduce portion spend defense ignores fact national defense solely responsibility federal government indeed prime responsibility yet defense spending less third total budget year president kennedy year defense almost half total budget come several year military capability allow deteriorate dangerous degree restore essential modernization conventional strategic force capability meet present future security need dare shirk responsibility keep america free secure peace last decade saw domestic spending surge literally control basis spending lay previous year pattern overspend place half century national debt grow tell worry owe know deficit worry difference opinion whether tax increase spending cut fear express government borrow fund deficit could inhibit economic recovery take capital need business industrial expansion well think debate miss important point whether government borrows increase tax take amount money private sector either way much simple fairness dictates government must raise tax family struggle pay bill root problem government share afford sound economy must bring deficit ensure continued economic growth budget submit february 1st recommend measure reduce deficit next 5 year many unfinished business last year budget could enact quickly could join serious effort address problem speak today speaker house senate majority leader baker senate minority leader byrd house minority leader michel ask would designate congressional representative meet representative administration try reach prompt agreement bipartisan deficit reduction plan know would take long hard struggle agree plan propose first see agree payment believe basis agreement one could reduce deficit hundred billion dollar next 3 year could focus less contentious spending cut still pending congress could combine measure close certain tax loophole measure treasury department previously say worthy support addition could examine possibility achieve outlay saving base work grace commission congressional leadership willing representative prepare meet early possible time would hope leadership might agree expedite timetable develop enact payment payment alone enough break u deficit problem could help u start right path yet must propose begin explore together make structural reform curb growth spending also propose improvement budget process 43 50 state grant governor right veto individual item appropriation bill without veto entire bill california one 43 state governor find veto powerful tool wasteful extravagant spending work 43 state let u put work washington people would effective do constitutional amendment majority americans approve amendment approve amendment mandating balance federal budget many state also protection constitution talk meet present situation increase tax solution nothing cure illness come half say nothing fact pose real threat economic recovery let u remember substantial amount income tax presently owe pay people underground economy would immoral make pay tax pay compensate pay share well way let u go forward historic reform fairness simplicity incentives growth ask secretary regan plan action simplify entire tax code taxpayer big small treat fairly believe plan could result underground economy bring sunlight honest tax compliance could make tax base broad personal tax rate could come go ask specific recommendation consistent objective present december 1984 second great goal build america pioneer laughter say something funny laughter say america next develop frontier sparkle economy spurs initiative sunrise industry make old one competitive nowhere important next frontier space nowhere effectively demonstrate technological leadership ability make life well earth space age barely quarter century old already push civilization forward advance science technology opportunity job multiply cross new threshold knowledge reach deep unknown progress giant step tribute american teamwork excellence fine minds government industry academia pull together proud say first best free america always great dared great reach greatness follow dream distant star live work space peaceful economic scientific gain tonight direct nasa develop permanently man space station within decade space station permit quantum leap research science communication metal lifesaving medicine could manufacture space want friend help u meet challenge share benefit nasa invite country participate strengthen peace build prosperity expand freedom share goal ocean open new world clipper ship yankee trader space hold enormous potential commerce today market space transportation could surpass capacity develop company interested put payloads space must ready access private sector launch service department transportation help expendable launch service industry get grind soon implement number executive initiative develop proposal ease regulatory constraint nasa help promote private sector investment space develop frontier space let u remember responsibility preserve old resource earth preservation environment liberal conservative challenge common sense though time budget constraint request epa one large percentage budget increase agency begin long necessary effort clean productive recreational area special national chesapeake bay reduce threat pose abandon hazardous waste dump epa spend 410 million request supplemental increase 50 million superfund law expire 1985 asked bill ruckelshaus develop proposal extension additional time complete important task question acid rain concern people many area united state canada propose research program double current funding take additional action restore lake develop new technology reduce pollution cause acid rain greatly improve condition natural resource ask congress 157 million beginning 1985 acquire new park conservation land department interior encourage careful selective exploration production vital resource exclusive economic zone within limit strict adherence environmental law fuller state public participation precious resource great hope future mind hearts people especially child help build tomorrow strengthen community share value must third great goal u faith work family neighborhood freedom peace word expression america mean definition make u good love people family stand center society every family personal stake promote excellence education excellence begin washington increase federal spending education 1960 1980 accompany steady decline scholastic aptitude test score excellence must begin home neighborhood school responsibility every parent teacher right every child child come first establish bipartisan national commission excellence education help u chart commonsense course good education already communities implement commission recommendation school report progress math reading skill must restore discipline school must encourage teach new basic reward teacher merit enforce tougher standard put parent back charge continue press tuition tax credit expand opportunity family soften double payment pay public school tax private school tuition proposal would target assistance family incentives need within school great competition need among school without standard competition champion record broken excellence education walk life subject day member observe tradition meant signify america one nation god must ask begin day member clergy stand right lead prayer freedom acknowledge god enjoy child every schoolroom across land america found people believe god rock safety recognize must cautious claim god side think right keep ask side first 3 year join bipartisan effort restore protection law unborn child know issue controversial unless proven unborn child live human justify assume without proof one yet offer proof indeed evidence contrary rise bitterness reproach american could come together spirit understand help could find positive solution tragedy abortion economic recovery well education rededication value show spirit renewal gain upper hand improve family life eighty family need need assurance love one walk street america without afraid parent need know child victim child pornography abduction year intensify drive horrible crime like sexual abuse family violence already effort crack career criminal organize crime drugpushers enforce tough sentence parole effect 1982 crime rate drop percent big decline since 1972 protect victim important safeguard right defendant opportunity american increase move forward fair housing work ensure woman right provide equitable treatment pension benefit individual retirement account facilitate child care enforce delinquent parent support payment home workplace community sustain value shape future ask help assist community break bondage dependency help u free enterprise permit debate vote yes proposal enterprise zone america 2 year passage help area create job restore neighborhood society burst opportunity reach future confidence sustain faith fair play conviction good courageous people flourish secret strong prosperous america peace world last meaningful peace fourth great goal high aspiration record clear american resort force must never aggressors always struggle defend freedom democracy territorial ambition occupy country build wall lock people americans build future vision well life farmer merchant work people americas asia begin simple premise future best decide ballot bullet government rest upon consent govern wage war neighbor people give personal stake decide destiny benefit risk create society prosperous progressive free tonight democracy offer hope feed hungry prolong life eliminate drudgery come keep america strong free peace republicans democrat patriotic american decide tough issue right right together continue advance agenda peace establish stable basis peaceful relation soviet union strengthen ally relation across board achieve real equitable reduction level nuclear arm reinforce peacemaking effort middle east central america southern africa assist develop country particularly neighbor western hemisphere assist development democratic institution throughout world wisdom bipartisan cooperation see work scowcroft commission strengthen ability deter war protect peace spirit urge move forward henry jackson plan implement recommendation bipartisan commission central america joint resolution multinational peacekeeping force lebanon also serve peace make progress lebanon nearly 10 year lebanese live tragedy tragedy hope future multinational peacekeeping force marine help break cycle despair hope free independent sovereign lebanon must courage give peace chance must drive objective peace lebanon terrorism see ugly specter beirut kuwait rangoon demand international attention forward shortly legislative proposal help combat terrorism seek support ally concert action nato alliance strong 1983 banner year political courage strengthen partnership friendship far east committed dialog deterrence promote prosperity work trade partner new round negotiation support free world trade great competition open market rebirth bipartisan cooperation economic growth military deterrence grow spirit unity among people home ally abroad underline fundamental change united state safer strong secure 1984 move confidence seize opportunity peace tonight want speak people soviet union tell true government serious difference son daughter never fight war american way never people soviet union one sane policy country mine preserve civilization modern age nuclear war must never fight value two nation possess nuclear weapon make sure never use would better away entirely people soviet president dwight eisenhower fought side world war ii say essential struggle merely man man nation nation man war americans people peace government want peace peace come together faith friendship build safer far good world child child child whole world rejoice message day life seem hard reach value sustain u friend help u find person remind u mean american sergeant stephen trujillo medic 2d ranger battalion 75th infantry first helicopter land compound hold cuban force grenada saw three helicopter crash despite imminent explosion burning aircraft never hesitate ran across 25 yard open terrain enemy fire rescue wound soldier direct two medic administer first aid return crash site carry wound friend safety sergeant trujillo fellow service men woman save innocent life set nation free inspire u force freedom despotism yes peace conquest god bless unsung hero single parent couple church civic volunteer heart carry without complaint pain family community problem soothe sorrow heal wound calm fear share joy person like father ritter always covenant house program new york houston provide shelter help thousand frighten abused child year true charles carson paralyzed plane crash still believe nothing impossible today minnesota work 80 hour week without pay help pioneer field walk give hope paralyzed american day may walk believe greatness america right need preserve last best hope man earth struggle restore america revive confidence country hope future victory earn patience courage every citizen must turn back finish job could less american carl sandburg say see america set sun black night despair see america crimson light rise sun fresh burning creative hand god see great day ahead men woman vision never felt strongly america best day democracy best day lie ahead powerful force good faith courage perform great deed take freedom next step carry tradition good worthy people bring light darkness warmth cold medicine disease food hunger peace bloodshed let u sure come say u time time everything could do finish race keep free kept faith thank much god bless god bless america