Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, fellow citizens: As a new Congress gathers, all of us in the elected branches of Government share a great privilege: We've been placed in office by the votes of the people we serve. And tonight that is a privilege we share with newly elected leaders of Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, and a free and sovereign Iraq. Two weeks ago, I stood on the steps of this Capitol and renewed the commitment of our Nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all. This evening I will set forth policies to advance that ideal at home and around the world. Tonight, with a healthy, growing economy, with more Americans going back to work, with our Nation an active force for good in the world, the state of our Union is confident and strong. Our generation has been blessed by the expansion of opportunity, by advances in medicine, by the security purchased by our parents' sacrifice. Now, as we see a little gray in the mirror—or a lot of gray— [ ]—and we watch our children moving into adulthood, we ask the question: What will be the state of their Union? Members of Congress, the choices we make together will answer that question. Over the next several months, on issue after issue, let us do what Americans have always done and build a better world for our children and our grandchildren. First, we must be good stewards of this economy and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely. America's economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation. In the past 4 years, we've provided tax relief to every person who pays income taxes, overcome a recession, opened up new markets abroad, prosecuted corporate criminals, raised homeownership to its highest level in history. And in the last year alone, the United States has added 2.3 million new jobs. When action was needed, the Congress delivered, and the Nation is grateful. Now we must add to these achievements. By making our economy more flexible, more innovative, and more competitive, we will keep America the economic leader of the world. America's prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the Federal Government. I welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline. I will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 Government programs that are not getting results or duplicate current efforts or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all. To make our economy stronger and more dynamic, we must prepare a rising generation to fill the jobs of the 21st century. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, standards are higher, test scores are on the rise, and we're closing the achievement gap for minority students. Now we must demand better results from our high schools, so every high school diploma is a ticket to success. We will help an additional 200,000 workers to get training for a better career by reforming our job training system and strengthening America's community colleges. And we'll make it easier for Americans to afford a college education by increasing the size of Pell grants. To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. Small business is the path of advancement, especially for women and minorities, so we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest job-creators from junk lawsuits. Justice is distorted and our economy is held back by irresponsible class actions and frivolous asbestos claims, and I urge Congress to pass legal reforms this year. To make our economy stronger and more productive, we must make health care more affordable and give families greater access to good coverage and more control over their health decisions. I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with tax credits to help low-income workers buy insurance, a community health center in every poor county, improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs, association health plans for small businesses and their employees, expanded health savings accounts, and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need. To keep our economy growing, we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. Nearly 4 years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home, including safe, clean nuclear energy. My Clear Skies legislation will cut powerplant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology, from hydrogen-fueled cars to clean coal to renewable sources such as ethanol. Four years of debate is enough. I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy. All these proposals are essential to expand this economy and add new jobs, but they are just the beginning of our duty. To build the prosperity of future generations, we must update institutions that were created to meet the needs of an earlier time. Year after year, Americans are burdened by an archaic, incoherent Federal Tax Code. I've appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the Tax Code from top to bottom. And when their recommendations are delivered, you and I will work together to give this Nation a Tax Code that is progrowth, easy to understand, and fair to all. America's immigration system is also outdated, unsuited to the needs of our economy and to the values of our country. We should not be content with laws that punish hard-working people who want only to provide for their families and deny businesses willing workers and invite chaos at our border. It is time for an immigration policy that permits temporary-guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take, that rejects amnesty, that tells us who is entering and leaving our country, and that closes the border to drug dealers and terrorists. One of America's most important institutions, a symbol of the trust between generations, is also in need of wise and effective reform. Social Security was a great moral success of the 20th century, and we must honor its great purposes in this new century. The system, however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security. Today, more than 45 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and millions more are nearing retirement. And for them the system is sound and fiscally strong. I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you; for you, the Social Security system will not change in any way. For younger workers, the Social Security system has serious problems that will grow worse with time. Social Security was created decades ago for a very different era. In those days, people did not live as long. Benefits were much lower than they are today. And a half century ago, about 16 workers paid into the system for each person drawing benefits. Our society has changed in ways the founders of Social Security could not have foreseen. In today's world, people are living longer and, therefore, drawing benefits longer. And those benefits are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few decades. And instead of 16 workers paying in for every beneficiary, right now it's only about 3 workers. And over the next few decades, that number will fall to just 2 workers per beneficiary. With each passing year, fewer workers are paying ever-higher benefits to an ever-larger number of retirees. So here is the result: Thirteen years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in. And every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. For example, in the year 2027, the Government will somehow have to come up with an extra $200 billion to keep the system afloat, and by 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than $300 billion. By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt. If steps are not taken to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other Government programs. I recognize that 2018 and 2042 may seem a long way off. But those dates are not so distant, as any parent will tell you. If you have a 5-year-old, you're already concerned about how you'll pay for college tuition 13 years down the road. If you've got children in their twenties, as some of us do, the idea of Social Security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter. And it should not be a small matter to the United States Congress. You and I share a responsibility. We must pass reforms that solve the financial problems of Social Security once and for all. Fixing Social Security permanently will require an open, candid review of the options. Some have suggested limiting benefits for wealthy retirees. Former Congressman Tim Penny has raised the possibility of indexing benefits to prices rather than wages. During the 1990s, my predecessor, President Clinton, spoke of increasing the retirement age. Former Senator John Breaux suggested discouraging early collection of Social Security benefits. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan recommended changing the way benefits are calculated. All these ideas are on the table. I know that none of these reforms would be easy. But we have to move ahead with courage and honesty, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics. I will work with Members of Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer. We must, however, be guided by some basic principles. We must make Social Security permanently sound, not leave that task for another day. We must not jeopardize our economic strength by increasing payroll taxes. We must ensure that lower income Americans get the help they need to have dignity and peace of mind in their retirement. We must guarantee there is no change for those now retired or nearing retirement. And we must take care that any changes in the system are gradual, so younger workers have years to prepare and plan for their future. As we fix Social Security, we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers. And the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts. Here is how the idea works. Right now, a set portion of the money you earn is taken out of your paycheck to pay for the Social Security benefits of today's retirees. If you're a younger worker, I believe you should be able to set aside part of that money in your own retirement account, so you can build a nest egg for your own future. Here's why the personal accounts are a better deal. Your money will grow over time at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver, and your account will provide money for retirement over and above the check you will receive from Social Security. In addition, you'll be able to pass along the money that accumulates in your personal account, if you wish, to your children and—or grandchildren. And best of all, the money in the account is yours, and the Government can never take it away. The goal here is greater security in retirement, so we will set careful guidelines for personal accounts. We'll make sure the money can only go into a conservative mix of bonds and stock funds. We'll make sure that your earnings are not eaten up by hidden Wall Street fees. We'll make sure there are good options to protect your investments from sudden market swings on the eve of your retirement. We'll make sure a personal account cannot be emptied out all at once but rather paid out over time as an addition to traditional Social Security benefits. And we'll make sure this plan is fiscally responsible by starting personal retirement accounts gradually and raising the yearly limits on contributions over time, eventually permitting all workers to set aside 4 percentage points of their payroll taxes in their accounts. Personal retirement accounts should be familiar to Federal employees, because you already have something similar called the Thrift Savings Plan, which lets workers deposit a portion of their paychecks into any of five different broadly based investment funds. It's time to extend the same security and choice and ownership to young Americans. Our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honor and to pass along the values that sustain a free society. So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but Government should never undermine them. Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be redefined by activist judges. For the good of families, children, and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage. Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life. Medical research can help us reach that goal by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities, and I thank the Congress for doubling the funding of the National Institutes of Health. To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others. We should all be able to agree on some clear standards. I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts and that human life is never bought or sold as a commodity. America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and always ethical. Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench. As President, I have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy and are well-qualified to serve on the bench, and I have done so. The Constitution also gives the Senate a responsibility: Every judicial nominee deserves an up-or-down vote. Because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our Government will continue to support faith-based and community groups that bring hope to harsh places. Now we need to focus on giving young people, especially young men in our cities, better options than apathy or gangs or jail. Tonight I propose a 3-year initiative to help organizations keep young people out of gangs and show young men an ideal of manhood that respects women and rejects violence. Taking on gang life will be one part of a broader outreach to at-risk youth, which involves parents and pastors, coaches and community leaders in programs ranging from literacy to sports. And I am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our First Lady, Laura Bush. Because HIV/AIDS brings suffering and fear into so many lives, I ask you to reauthorize the Ryan White Act to encourage prevention and provide care and treatment to the victims of that disease. And as we update this important law, we must focus our efforts on fellow citizens with the highest rates of new cases, African American men and women. Because one of the main sources of our national unity is our belief in equal justice, we need to make sure Americans of all races and backgrounds have confidence in the system that provides justice. In America, we must make doubly sure no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit, so we are dramatically expanding the use of DNA evidence to prevent wrongful conviction. Soon I will send to Congress a proposal to fund special training for defense counsel in capital cases, because people on trial for their lives must have competent lawyers by their side. Our third responsibility to future generations is to leave them an America that is safe from danger and protected by peace.We will pass along to our children all the freedoms we enjoy, and chief among them is freedom from fear. In the 3 1/2 years since September the 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented actions to protect Americans. We've created a new department of Government to defend our homeland, focused the FBI on preventing terrorism, begun to reform our intelligence agencies, broken up terror cells across the country, expanded research on defenses against biological and chemical attack, improved border security, and trained more than a half million first-responders. Police and firefighters, air marshals, researchers, and so many others are working every day to make our homeland safer, and we thank them all. Our Nation, working with allies and friends, has also confronted the enemy abroad with measures that are determined, successful, and continuing. The Al Qaida terror network that attacked our country still has leaders, but many of its top commanders have been removed. There are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists, but their number has declined. There are still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction but no longer without attention and without consequence. Our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many and intimidate us all, and we will stay on the offensive against them until the fight is won. Pursuing our enemies is a vital commitment of the war on terror, and I thank the Congress for providing our service men and women with the resources they have needed. During this time of war, we must continue to support our military and give them the tools for victory. Other nations around the globe have stood with us. In Afghanistan, an international force is helping provide security. In Iraq, 28 countries have troops on the ground, the United Nations and the European Union provided technical assistance for the elections, and NATO is leading a mission to help train Iraqi officers. We're cooperating with 60 governments in the Proliferation Security Initiative to detect and stop the transit of dangerous materials. We're working closely with the governments in Asia to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and nine other countries have captured or detained Al Qaida terrorists. In the next 4 years, my administration will continue to build the coalitions that will defeat the dangers of our time. In the long term, the peace we seek will only be achieved by eliminating the conditions that feed radicalism and ideologies of murder. If whole regions of the world remain in despair and grow in hatred, they will be the recruiting grounds for terror, and that terror will stalk America and other free nations for decades. The only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror and replace hatred with hope is the force of human freedom. Our enemies know this, and that is why the terrorist Zarqawi recently declared war on what he called the "evil principle" of democracy. And we've declared our own intention: America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. The United States has no right, no desire, and no intention to impose our form of government on anyone else. That is one of the main differences between us and our enemies. They seek to impose and expand an empire of oppression in which a tiny group of brutal, self-appointed rulers control every aspect of every life. Our aim is to build and preserve a community of free and independent nations, with governments that answer to their citizens and reflect their own cultures. And because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors, the advance of freedom will lead to peace. That advance has great momentum in our time, shown by women voting in Afghanistan and Palestinians choosing a new direction and the people of Ukraine asserting their democratic rights and electing a President. We are witnessing landmark events in the history of liberty, and in the coming years, we will add to that story. The beginnings of reform and democracy in the Palestinian Territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure. Tomorrow morning Secretary of State Rice departs on a trip that will take her to Israel and the West Bank for meetings with Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas. She will discuss with them how we and our friends can help the Palestinian people end terror and build the institutions of a peaceful, independent, democratic state. To promote this democracy, I will ask Congress for $350 million to support Palestinian political, economic, and security reforms. The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace is within reach, and America will help them achieve that goal. To promote peace and stability in the broader Middle East, the United States will work with our friends in the region to fight the common threat of terror, while we encourage a higher standard of freedom. Hopeful reform is already taking hold in an arc from Morocco to Jordan to Bahrain. The Government of Saudi Arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role of its people in determining their future. And the great and proud nation of Egypt, which showed the way toward peace in the Middle East, can now show the way toward democracy in the Middle East. To promote peace in the broader Middle East, we must confront regimes that continue to harbor terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder. Syria still allows its territory and parts of Lebanon to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region. You have passed and we are applying the Syrian Accountability Act, and we expect the Syrian Government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom. Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror, pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. We are working with European allies to make clear to the Iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and any plutonium reprocessing and end its support for terror. And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you. Our generational commitment to the advance of freedom, especially in the Middle East, is now being tested and honored in Iraq. That country is a vital front in the war on terror, which is why the terrorists have chosen to make a stand there. Our men and women in uniform are fighting terrorists in Iraq so we do not have to face them here at home. And the victory of freedom in Iraq will strengthen a new ally in the war on terror, inspire democratic reformers from Damascus to Tehran, bring more hope and progress to a troubled region, and thereby lift a terrible threat from the lives of our children and grandchildren. We will succeed because the Iraqi people value their own liberty, as they showed the world last Sunday. Across Iraq, often at great risk, millions of citizens went to the polls and elected 275 men and women to represent them in a new Transitional National Assembly. A young woman in Baghdad told of waking to the sound of mortar fire on election day and wondering if it might be too dangerous to vote. She said, "Hearing those explosions, it occurred to me: The insurgents are weak; they are afraid of democracy; they are losing. So I got my husband and I got my parents, and we all came out and voted together." Americans recognize that spirit of liberty, because we share it. In any nation, casting your vote is an act of civic responsibility. For millions of Iraqis, it was also an act of personal courage, and they have earned the respect of us all. One of Iraq's leading democracy and human rights advocates is Safia Taleb al-Suhail. She says of her country, "We were occupied for 35 years by Saddam Hussein. That was the real occupation. Thank you to the American people who paid the cost but, most of all, to the soldiers." Eleven years ago, Safia's father was assassinated by Saddam's intelligence service. Three days ago in Baghdad, Safia was finally able to vote for the leaders of her country, and we are honored that she is with us tonight. The terrorists and insurgents are violently opposed to democracy and will continue to attack it. Yet the terrorists' most powerful myth is being destroyed. The whole world is seeing that the car bombers and assassins are not only fighting coalition forces; they are trying to destroy the hopes of Iraqis, expressed in free elections. And the whole world now knows that a small group of extremists will not overturn the will of the Iraqi people. We will succeed in Iraq because Iraqis are determined to fight for their own freedom and to write their own history. As Prime Minister Allawi said in his speech to Congress last September, "Ordinary Iraqis are anxious to shoulder all the security burdens of our country as quickly as possible." That is the natural desire of an independent nation, and it is also the stated mission of our coalition in Iraq. The new political situation in Iraq opens a new phase of our work in that country. At the recommendation of our commanders on the ground and in consultation with the Iraqi Government, we will increasingly focus our efforts on helping prepare more capable Iraqi security forces, forces with skilled officers and an effective command structure. As those forces become more self-reliant and take on greater security responsibilities, America and its coalition partners will increasingly be in a supporting role. In the end, Iraqis must be able to defend their own country, and we will help that proud new nation secure its liberty. Recently an Iraqi interpreter said to a reporter, "Tell America not to abandon us." He and all Iraqis can be certain: While our military strategy is adapting to circumstances, our commitment remains firm and unchanging. We are standing for the freedom of our Iraqi friends, and freedom in Iraq will make America safer for generations to come. We will not set an artificial timetable for leaving Iraq, because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out. We are in Iraq to achieve a result, a country that is democratic, representative of all its people, at peace with its neighbors, and able to defend itself. And when that result is achieved, our men and women serving in Iraq will return home with the honor they have earned. Right now, Americans in uniform are serving at posts across the world, often taking great risks on my orders. We have given them training and equipment, and they have given us an example of idealism and character that makes every American proud. The volunteers of our military are unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, unmatched in honor and decency, and every day they're making our Nation more secure. Some of our service men and women have survived terrible injuries, and this grateful country will do everything we can to help them recover. And we have said farewell to some very good men and women who died for our freedom and whose memory this Nation will honor forever. One name we honor is Marine Corps Sergeant Byron Norwood of Pflugerville, Texas, who was killed during the assault on Fallujah. His mom, Janet, sent me a letter and told me how much Byron loved being a marine and how proud he was to be on the frontline against terror. She wrote, "When Byron was home the last time, I said that I wanted to protect him like I had since he was born. He just hugged me and said, 'You've done your job, Mom. Now it is my turn to protect you."' Ladies and gentlemen, with grateful hearts we honor freedom's defenders and our military families, represented here this evening by Sergeant Norwood's mom and dad, Janet and Bill Norwood. [ ] In these 4 years, Americans have seen the unfolding of large events. We have known times of sorrow and hours of uncertainty and days of victory. In all this history, even when we have disagreed, we have seen threads of purpose that unite us. The attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom's power to change the world. We are all part of a great venture: To extend the promise of freedom in our country, to renew the values that sustain our liberty, and to spread the peace that freedom brings. As Franklin Roosevelt once reminded Americans, "Each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth." And we live in the country where the biggest dreams are born. The abolition of slavery was only a dream until it was fulfilled. The liberation of Europe from fascism was only a dream until it was achieved. The fall of imperial communism was only a dream until, one day, it was accomplished. Our generation has dreams of its own, and we also go forward with confidence. The road of providence is uneven and unpredictable, yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom. Thank you, and may God bless America.
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, fellow citizens: As a new Congress gathers, all of us in the elected branches of Government share a great privilege: We have been placed in office by the votes of the people we serve. And tonight that is a privilege we share with newly elected leaders of Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, and a free and sovereign Iraq. Two weeks ago, I stood on the steps of this Capitol and renewed the commitment of our Nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all. This evening I will set forth policies to advance that ideal at home and around the world. Tonight, with a healthy, growing economy, with more Americans going back to work, with our Nation an active force for good in the world, the state of our Union is confident and strong. Our generation has been blessed by the expansion of opportunity, by advances in medicine, by the security purchased by our parents' sacrifice. Now, as we see a little gray in the mirror—or a lot of gray— [ ]—and we watch our children moving into adulthood, we ask the question: What will be the state of their Union? Members of Congress, the choices we make together will answer that question. Over the next several months, on issue after issue, let us do what Americans have always done and build a better world for our children and our grandchildren. First, we must be good stewards of this economy and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely. America's economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation. In the past 4 years, we have provided tax relief to every person who pays income taxes, overcome a recession, opened up new markets abroad, prosecuted corporate criminals, raised homeownership to its highest level in history. And in the last year alone, the United States has added 2.3 million new jobs. When action was needed, the Congress delivered, and the Nation is grateful. Now we must add to these achievements. By making our economy more flexible, more innovative, and more competitive, we will keep America the economic leader of the world. America's prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the Federal Government. I welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline. I will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 Government programs that are not getting results or duplicate current efforts or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all. To make our economy stronger and more dynamic, we must prepare a rising generation to fill the jobs of the 21st century. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, standards are higher, test scores are on the rise, and we are closing the achievement gap for minority students. Now we must demand better results from our high schools, so every high school diploma is a ticket to success. We will help an additional 200,000 workers to get training for a better career by reforming our job training system and strengthening America's community colleges. And we will make it easier for Americans to afford a college education by increasing the size of Pell grants. To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. Small business is the path of advancement, especially for women and minorities, so we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest job-creators from junk lawsuits. Justice is distorted and our economy is held back by irresponsible class actions and frivolous asbestos claims, and I urge Congress to pass legal reforms this year. To make our economy stronger and more productive, we must make health care more affordable and give families greater access to good coverage and more control over their health decisions. I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with tax credits to help low-income workers buy insurance, a community health center in every poor county, improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs, association health plans for small businesses and their employees, expanded health savings accounts, and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need. To keep our economy growing, we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. Nearly 4 years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home, including safe, clean nuclear energy. My Clear Skies legislation will cut powerplant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology, from hydrogen-fueled cars to clean coal to renewable sources such as ethanol. Four years of debate is enough. I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy. All these proposals are essential to expand this economy and add new jobs, but they are just the beginning of our duty. To build the prosperity of future generations, we must update institutions that were created to meet the needs of an earlier time. Year after year, Americans are burdened by an archaic, incoherent Federal Tax Code. I have appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the Tax Code from top to bottom. And when their recommendations are delivered, you and I will work together to give this Nation a Tax Code that is progrowth, easy to understand, and fair to all. America's immigration system is also outdated, unsuited to the needs of our economy and to the values of our country. We should not be content with laws that punish hard-working people who want only to provide for their families and deny businesses willing workers and invite chaos at our border. It is time for an immigration policy that permits temporary-guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take, that rejects amnesty, that tells us who is entering and leaving our country, and that closes the border to drug dealers and terrorists. One of America's most important institutions, a symbol of the trust between generations, is also in need of wise and effective reform. Social Security was a great moral success of the 20th century, and we must honor its great purposes in this new century. The system, however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security. Today, more than 45 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and millions more are nearing retirement. And for them the system is sound and fiscally strong. I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you; for you, the Social Security system will not change in any way. For younger workers, the Social Security system has serious problems that will grow worse with time. Social Security was created decades ago for a very different era. In those days, people did not live as long. Benefits were much lower than they are today. And a half century ago, about 16 workers paid into the system for each person drawing benefits. Our society has changed in ways the founders of Social Security could not have foreseen. In today's world, people are living longer and, therefore, drawing benefits longer. And those benefits are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few decades. And instead of 16 workers paying in for every beneficiary, right now it is only about 3 workers. And over the next few decades, that number will fall to just 2 workers per beneficiary. With each passing year, fewer workers are paying ever-higher benefits to an ever-larger number of retirees. So here is the result: Thirteen years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in. And every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. For example, in the year 2027, the Government will somehow have to come up with an extra $200 billion to keep the system afloat, and by 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than $300 billion. By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt. If steps are not taken to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other Government programs. I recognize that 2018 and 2042 may seem a long way off. But those dates are not so distant, as any parent will tell you. If you have a 5-year-old, you are already concerned about how you will pay for college tuition 13 years down the road. If you have got children in their twenties, as some of us do, the idea of Social Security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter. And it should not be a small matter to the United States Congress. You and I share a responsibility. We must pass reforms that solve the financial problems of Social Security once and for all. Fixing Social Security permanently will require an open, candid review of the options. Some have suggested limiting benefits for wealthy retirees. Former Congressman Tim Penny has raised the possibility of indexing benefits to prices rather than wages. During the 1990s, my predecessor, President Clinton, spoke of increasing the retirement age. Former Senator John Breaux suggested discouraging early collection of Social Security benefits. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan recommended changing the way benefits are calculated. All these ideas are on the table. I know that none of these reforms would be easy. But we have to move ahead with courage and honesty, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics. I will work with Members of Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer. We must, however, be guided by some basic principles. We must make Social Security permanently sound, not leave that task for another day. We must not jeopardize our economic strength by increasing payroll taxes. We must ensure that lower income Americans get the help they need to have dignity and peace of mind in their retirement. We must guarantee there is no change for those now retired or nearing retirement. And we must take care that any changes in the system are gradual, so younger workers have years to prepare and plan for their future. As we fix Social Security, we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers. And the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts. Here is how the idea works. Right now, a set portion of the money you earn is taken out of your paycheck to pay for the Social Security benefits of today's retirees. If you are a younger worker, I believe you should be able to set aside part of that money in your own retirement account, so you can build a nest egg for your own future. Here is why the personal accounts are a better deal. Your money will grow over time at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver, and your account will provide money for retirement over and above the check you will receive from Social Security. In addition, you will be able to pass along the money that accumulates in your personal account, if you wish, to your children and—or grandchildren. And best of all, the money in the account is yours, and the Government can never take it away. The goal here is greater security in retirement, so we will set careful guidelines for personal accounts. We will make sure the money can only go into a conservative mix of bonds and stock funds. We will make sure that your earnings are not eaten up by hidden Wall Street fees. We will make sure there are good options to protect your investments from sudden market swings on the eve of your retirement. We will make sure a personal account cannot be emptied out all at once but rather paid out over time as an addition to traditional Social Security benefits. And we will make sure this plan is fiscally responsible by starting personal retirement accounts gradually and raising the yearly limits on contributions over time, eventually permitting all workers to set aside 4 percentage points of their payroll taxes in their accounts. Personal retirement accounts should be familiar to Federal employees, because you already have something similar called the Thrift Savings Plan, which let us workers deposit a portion of their paychecks into any of five different broadly based investment funds. It is time to extend the same security and choice and ownership to young Americans. Our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honor and to pass along the values that sustain a free society. So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but Government should never undermine them. Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be redefined by activist judges. For the good of families, children, and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage. Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life. Medical research can help us reach that goal by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities, and I thank the Congress for doubling the funding of the National Institutes of Health. To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others. We should all be able to agree on some clear standards. I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts and that human life is never bought or sold as a commodity. America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and always ethical. Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench. As President, I have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy and are well-qualified to serve on the bench, and I have done so. The Constitution also gives the Senate a responsibility: Every judicial nominee deserves an up-or-down vote. Because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our Government will continue to support faith-based and community groups that bring hope to harsh places. Now we need to focus on giving young people, especially young men in our cities, better options than apathy or gangs or jail. Tonight I propose a 3-year initiative to help organizations keep young people out of gangs and show young men an ideal of manhood that respects women and rejects violence. Taking on gang life will be one part of a broader outreach to at-risk youth, which involves parents and pastors, coaches and community leaders in programs ranging from literacy to sports. And I am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our First Lady, Laura Bush. Because HIV/AIDS brings suffering and fear into so many lives, I ask you to reauthorize the Ryan White Act to encourage prevention and provide care and treatment to the victims of that disease. And as we update this important law, we must focus our efforts on fellow citizens with the highest rates of new cases, African American men and women. Because one of the main sources of our national unity is our belief in equal justice, we need to make sure Americans of all races and backgrounds have confidence in the system that provides justice. In America, we must make doubly sure no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit, so we are dramatically expanding the use of DNA evidence to prevent wrongful conviction. Soon I will send to Congress a proposal to fund special training for defense counsel in capital cases, because people on trial for their lives must have competent lawyers by their side. Our third responsibility to future generations is to leave them an America that is safe from danger and protected by peace.We will pass along to our children all the freedoms we enjoy, and chief among them is freedom from fear. In the 3 1/2 years since September the 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented actions to protect Americans. We have created a new department of Government to defend our homeland, focused the FBI on preventing terrorism, begun to reform our intelligence agencies, broken up terror cells across the country, expanded research on defenses against biological and chemical attack, improved border security, and trained more than a half million first-responders. Police and firefighters, air marshals, researchers, and so many others are working every day to make our homeland safer, and we thank them all. Our Nation, working with allies and friends, has also confronted the enemy abroad with measures that are determined, successful, and continuing. The Al Qaida terror network that attacked our country still has leaders, but many of its top commanders have been removed. There are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists, but their number has declined. There are still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction but no longer without attention and without consequence. Our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many and intimidate us all, and we will stay on the offensive against them until the fight is won. Pursuing our enemies is a vital commitment of the war on terror, and I thank the Congress for providing our service men and women with the resources they have needed. During this time of war, we must continue to support our military and give them the tools for victory. Other nations around the globe have stood with us. In Afghanistan, an international force is helping provide security. In Iraq, 28 countries have troops on the ground, the United Nations and the European Union provided technical assistance for the elections, and NATO is leading a mission to help train Iraqi officers. We are cooperating with 60 governments in the Proliferation Security Initiative to detect and stop the transit of dangerous materials. We are working closely with the governments in Asia to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and nine other countries have captured or detained Al Qaida terrorists. In the next 4 years, my administration will continue to build the coalitions that will defeat the dangers of our time. In the long term, the peace we seek will only be achieved by eliminating the conditions that feed radicalism and ideologies of murder. If whole regions of the world remain in despair and grow in hatred, they will be the recruiting grounds for terror, and that terror will stalk America and other free nations for decades. The only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror and replace hatred with hope is the force of human freedom. Our enemies know this, and that is why the terrorist Zarqawi recently declared war on what he called the "evil principle" of democracy. And we have declared our own intention: America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. The United States has no right, no desire, and no intention to impose our form of government on anyone else. That is one of the main differences between us and our enemies. They seek to impose and expand an empire of oppression in which a tiny group of brutal, self-appointed rulers control every aspect of every life. Our aim is to build and preserve a community of free and independent nations, with governments that answer to their citizens and reflect their own cultures. And because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors, the advance of freedom will lead to peace. That advance has great momentum in our time, shown by women voting in Afghanistan and Palestinians choosing a new direction and the people of Ukraine asserting their democratic rights and electing a President. We are witnessing landmark events in the history of liberty, and in the coming years, we will add to that story. The beginnings of reform and democracy in the Palestinian Territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure. Tomorrow morning Secretary of State Rice departs on a trip that will take her to Israel and the West Bank for meetings with Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas. She will discuss with them how we and our friends can help the Palestinian people end terror and build the institutions of a peaceful, independent, democratic state. To promote this democracy, I will ask Congress for $350 million to support Palestinian political, economic, and security reforms. The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace is within reach, and America will help them achieve that goal. To promote peace and stability in the broader Middle East, the United States will work with our friends in the region to fight the common threat of terror, while we encourage a higher standard of freedom. Hopeful reform is already taking hold in an arc from Morocco to Jordan to Bahrain. The Government of Saudi Arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role of its people in determining their future. And the great and proud nation of Egypt, which showed the way toward peace in the Middle East, can now show the way toward democracy in the Middle East. To promote peace in the broader Middle East, we must confront regimes that continue to harbor terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder. Syria still allows its territory and parts of Lebanon to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region. You have passed and we are applying the Syrian Accountability Act, and we expect the Syrian Government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom. Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror, pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. We are working with European allies to make clear to the Iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and any plutonium reprocessing and end its support for terror. And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you. Our generational commitment to the advance of freedom, especially in the Middle East, is now being tested and honored in Iraq. That country is a vital front in the war on terror, which is why the terrorists have chosen to make a stand there. Our men and women in uniform are fighting terrorists in Iraq so we do not have to face them here at home. And the victory of freedom in Iraq will strengthen a new ally in the war on terror, inspire democratic reformers from Damascus to Tehran, bring more hope and progress to a troubled region, and thereby lift a terrible threat from the lives of our children and grandchildren. We will succeed because the Iraqi people value their own liberty, as they showed the world last Sunday. Across Iraq, often at great risk, millions of citizens went to the polls and elected 275 men and women to represent them in a new Transitional National Assembly. A young woman in Baghdad told of waking to the sound of mortar fire on election day and wondering if it might be too dangerous to vote. She said, "Hearing those explosions, it occurred to me: The insurgents are weak; they are afraid of democracy; they are losing. So I got my husband and I got my parents, and we all came out and voted together." Americans recognize that spirit of liberty, because we share it. In any nation, casting your vote is an act of civic responsibility. For millions of Iraqis, it was also an act of personal courage, and they have earned the respect of us all. One of Iraq's leading democracy and human rights advocates is Safia Taleb al-Suhail. She says of her country, "We were occupied for 35 years by Saddam Hussein. That was the real occupation. Thank you to the American people who paid the cost but, most of all, to the soldiers." Eleven years ago, Safia's father was assassinated by Saddam's intelligence service. Three days ago in Baghdad, Safia was finally able to vote for the leaders of her country, and we are honored that she is with us tonight. The terrorists and insurgents are violently opposed to democracy and will continue to attack it. Yet the terrorists' most powerful myth is being destroyed. The whole world is seeing that the car bombers and assassins are not only fighting coalition forces; they are trying to destroy the hopes of Iraqis, expressed in free elections. And the whole world now knows that a small group of extremists will not overturn the will of the Iraqi people. We will succeed in Iraq because Iraqis are determined to fight for their own freedom and to write their own history. As Prime Minister Allawi said in his speech to Congress last September, "Ordinary Iraqis are anxious to shoulder all the security burdens of our country as quickly as possible." That is the natural desire of an independent nation, and it is also the stated mission of our coalition in Iraq. The new political situation in Iraq opens a new phase of our work in that country. At the recommendation of our commanders on the ground and in consultation with the Iraqi Government, we will increasingly focus our efforts on helping prepare more capable Iraqi security forces, forces with skilled officers and an effective command structure. As those forces become more self-reliant and take on greater security responsibilities, America and its coalition partners will increasingly be in a supporting role. In the end, Iraqis must be able to defend their own country, and we will help that proud new nation secure its liberty. Recently an Iraqi interpreter said to a reporter, "Tell America not to abandon us." He and all Iraqis can be certain: While our military strategy is adapting to circumstances, our commitment remains firm and unchanging. We are standing for the freedom of our Iraqi friends, and freedom in Iraq will make America safer for generations to come. We will not set an artificial timetable for leaving Iraq, because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out. We are in Iraq to achieve a result, a country that is democratic, representative of all its people, at peace with its neighbors, and able to defend itself. And when that result is achieved, our men and women serving in Iraq will return home with the honor they have earned. Right now, Americans in uniform are serving at posts across the world, often taking great risks on my orders. We have given them training and equipment, and they have given us an example of idealism and character that makes every American proud. The volunteers of our military are unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, unmatched in honor and decency, and every day they are making our Nation more secure. Some of our service men and women have survived terrible injuries, and this grateful country will do everything we can to help them recover. And we have said farewell to some very good men and women who died for our freedom and whose memory this Nation will honor forever. One name we honor is Marine Corps Sergeant Byron Norwood of Pflugerville, Texas, who was killed during the assault on Fallujah. His mom, Janet, sent me a letter and told me how much Byron loved being a marine and how proud he was to be on the frontline against terror. She wrote, "When Byron was home the last time, I said that I wanted to protect him like I had since he was born. He just hugged me and said, 'You have done your job, Mom. Now it is my turn to protect you."' Ladies and gentlemen, with grateful hearts we honor freedom's defenders and our military families, represented here this evening by Sergeant Norwood's mom and dad, Janet and Bill Norwood. [ ] In these 4 years, Americans have seen the unfolding of large events. We have known times of sorrow and hours of uncertainty and days of victory. In all this history, even when we have disagreed, we have seen threads of purpose that unite us. The attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom's power to change the world. We are all part of a great venture: To extend the promise of freedom in our country, to renew the values that sustain our liberty, and to spread the peace that freedom brings. As Franklin Roosevelt once reminded Americans, "Each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth." And we live in the country where the biggest dreams are born. The abolition of slavery was only a dream until it was fulfilled. The liberation of Europe from fascism was only a dream until it was achieved. The fall of imperial communism was only a dream until, one day, it was accomplished. Our generation has dreams of its own, and we also go forward with confidence. The road of providence is uneven and unpredictable, yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom. Thank you, and may God bless America.
speaker vice president cheney members of congress fellow citizens as a new congress gathers all of us in the elected branches of government share a great privilege we have been placed in office by the votes of the people we serve and tonight that is a privilege we share with newly elected leaders of afghanistan the palestinian territories ukraine and a free and sovereign iraq two weeks ago i stood on the steps of this capitol and renewed the commitment of our nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all this evening i will set forth policies to advance that ideal at home and around the world tonight with a healthy growing economy with more americans going back to work with our nation an active force for good in the world the state of our union is confident and strong our generation has been blessed by the expansion of opportunity by advances in medicine by the security purchased by our parents sacrifice now as we see a little gray in the a lot of we watch our children moving into adulthood we ask the question what will be the state of their union members of congress the choices we make together will answer that question over the next several months on issue after issue let us do what americans have always done and build a better world for our children and our grandchildren first we must be good stewards of this economy and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely america economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation in the past 4 years we have provided tax relief to every person who pays income taxes overcome a recession opened up new markets abroad prosecuted corporate criminals raised homeownership to its highest level in history and in the last year alone the united states has added million new jobs when action was needed the congress delivered and the nation is grateful now we must add to these achievements by making our economy more flexible more innovative and more competitive we will keep america the economic leader of the world america prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the federal government i welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline i will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation makes tax relief permanent and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009 my budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results or duplicate current efforts or do not fulfill essential priorities the principle here is clear taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all to make our economy stronger and more dynamic we must prepare a rising generation to fill the jobs of the 21st century under the no child left behind act standards are higher test scores are on the rise and we are closing the achievement gap for minority students now we must demand better results from our high schools so every high school diploma is a ticket to success we will help an additional workers to get training for a better career by reforming our job training system and strengthening america community colleges and we will make it easier for americans to afford a college education by increasing the size of pell grants to make our economy stronger and more competitive america must reward not punish the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs small business is the path of advancement especially for women and minorities so we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest from junk lawsuits justice is distorted and our economy is held back by irresponsible class actions and frivolous asbestos claims and i urge congress to pass legal reforms this year to make our economy stronger and more productive we must make health care more affordable and give families greater access to good coverage and more control over their health decisions i ask congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with tax credits to help workers buy insurance a community health center in every poor county improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs association health plans for small businesses and their employees expanded health savings accounts and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need to keep our economy growing we also need reliable supplies of affordable environmentally responsible energy nearly 4 years ago i submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation alternative sources a modernized electricity grid and more production here at home including safe clean nuclear energy my clear skies legislation will cut powerplant pollution and improve the health of our citizens and my budget provides strong funding for technology from cars to clean coal to renewable sources such as ethanol four years of debate is enough i urge congress to pass legislation that makes america more secure and less dependent on foreign energy all these proposals are essential to expand this economy and add new jobs but they are just the beginning of our duty to build the prosperity of future generations we must update institutions that were created to meet the needs of an earlier time year after year americans are burdened by an archaic incoherent federal tax code i have appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the tax code from top to bottom and when their recommendations are delivered you and i will work together to give this nation a tax code that is progrowth easy to understand and fair to all america immigration system is also outdated unsuited to the needs of our economy and to the values of our country we should not be content with laws that punish people who want only to provide for their families and deny businesses willing workers and invite chaos at our border it is time for an immigration policy that permits workers to fill jobs americans will not take that rejects amnesty that tells us who is entering and leaving our country and that closes the border to drug dealers and terrorists one of america most important institutions a symbol of the trust between generations is also in need of wise and effective reform social security was a great moral success of the 20th century and we must honor its great purposes in this new century the system however on its current path is headed toward bankruptcy and so we must join together to strengthen and save social security today more than 45 million americans receive social security benefits and millions more are nearing retirement and for them the system is sound and fiscally strong i have a message for every american who is 55 or older do not let anyone mislead you for you the social security system will not change in any way for younger workers the social security system has serious problems that will grow worse with time social security was created decades ago for a very different era in those days people did not live as long benefits were much lower than they are today and a half century ago about 16 workers paid into the system for each person drawing benefits our society has changed in ways the founders of social security could not have foreseen in today world people are living longer and therefore drawing benefits longer and those benefits are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few decades and instead of 16 workers paying in for every beneficiary right now it is only about 3 workers and over the next few decades that number will fall to just 2 workers per beneficiary with each passing year fewer workers are paying benefits to an number of retirees so here is the result thirteen years from now in 2018 social security will be paying out more than it takes in and every year afterward will bring a new shortfall bigger than the year before for example in the year 2027 the government will somehow have to come up with an extra 200 billion to keep the system afloat and by 2033 the annual shortfall would be more than 300 billion by the year 2042 the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt if steps are not taken to avert that outcome the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes massive new borrowing or sudden and severe cuts in social security benefits or other government programs i recognize that 2018 and 2042 may seem a long way off but those dates are not so distant as any parent will tell you if you have a you are already concerned about how you will pay for college tuition 13 years down the road if you have got children in their twenties as some of us do the idea of social security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter and it should not be a small matter to the united states congress you and i share a responsibility we must pass reforms that solve the financial problems of social security once and for all fixing social security permanently will require an open candid review of the options some have suggested limiting benefits for wealthy retirees former congressman tim penny has raised the possibility of indexing benefits to prices rather than wages during the 1990s my predecessor president clinton spoke of increasing the retirement age former senator john breaux suggested discouraging early collection of social security benefits the late senator daniel patrick moynihan recommended changing the way benefits are calculated all these ideas are on the table i know that none of these reforms would be easy but we have to move ahead with courage and honesty because our children retirement security is more important than partisan politics i will work with members of congress to find the most effective combination of reforms i will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer we must however be guided by some basic principles we must make social security permanently sound not leave that task for another day we must not jeopardize our economic strength by increasing payroll taxes we must ensure that lower income americans get the help they need to have dignity and peace of mind in their retirement we must guarantee there is no change for those now retired or nearing retirement and we must take care that any changes in the system are gradual so younger workers have years to prepare and plan for their future as we fix social security we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers and the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts here is how the idea works right now a set portion of the money you earn is taken out of your paycheck to pay for the social security benefits of today retirees if you are a younger worker i believe you should be able to set aside part of that money in your own retirement account so you can build a nest egg for your own future here is why the personal accounts are a better deal your money will grow over time at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver and your account will provide money for retirement over and above the check you will receive from social security in addition you will be able to pass along the money that accumulates in your personal account if you wish to your children grandchildren and best of all the money in the account is yours and the government can never take it away the goal here is greater security in retirement so we will set careful guidelines for personal accounts we will make sure the money can only go into a conservative mix of bonds and stock funds we will make sure that your earnings are not eaten up by hidden wall street fees we will make sure there are good options to protect your investments from sudden market swings on the eve of your retirement we will make sure a personal account can not be emptied out all at once but rather paid out over time as an addition to traditional social security benefits and we will make sure this plan is fiscally responsible by starting personal retirement accounts gradually and raising the yearly limits on contributions over time eventually permitting all workers to set aside 4 percentage points of their payroll taxes in their accounts personal retirement accounts should be familiar to federal employees because you already have something similar called the thrift savings plan which let us workers deposit a portion of their paychecks into any of five different broadly based investment funds it is time to extend the same security and choice and ownership to young americans our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honor and to pass along the values that sustain a free society so many of my generation after a long journey have come home to family and faith and are determined to bring up responsible moral children government is not the source of these values but government should never undermine them because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society it should not be redefined by activist judges for the good of families children and society i support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable we must strive to build a culture of life medical research can help us reach that goal by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities and i thank the congress for doubling the funding of the national institutes of health to build a culture of life we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others we should all be able to agree on some clear standards i will work with congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts and that human life is never bought or sold as a commodity america will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious aggressive and always ethical because courts must always deliver impartial justice judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law not legislate from the bench as president i have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy and are to serve on the bench and i have done so the constitution also gives the senate a responsibility every judicial nominee deserves an vote because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of america our government will continue to support and community groups that bring hope to harsh places now we need to focus on giving young people especially young men in our cities better options than apathy or gangs or jail tonight i propose a initiative to help organizations keep young people out of gangs and show young men an ideal of manhood that respects women and rejects violence taking on gang life will be one part of a broader outreach to youth which involves parents and pastors coaches and community leaders in programs ranging from literacy to sports and i am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our first lady laura bush because brings suffering and fear into so many lives i ask you to reauthorize the ryan white act to encourage prevention and provide care and treatment to the victims of that disease and as we update this important law we must focus our efforts on fellow citizens with the highest rates of new cases african american men and women because one of the main sources of our national unity is our belief in equal justice we need to make sure americans of all races and backgrounds have confidence in the system that provides justice in america we must make doubly sure no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit so we are dramatically expanding the use of dna evidence to prevent wrongful conviction soon i will send to congress a proposal to fund special training for defense counsel in capital cases because people on trial for their lives must have competent lawyers by their side our third responsibility to future generations is to leave them an america that is safe from danger and protected by will pass along to our children all the freedoms we enjoy and chief among them is freedom from fear in the 3 years since september the 11th 2001 we have taken unprecedented actions to protect americans we have created a new department of government to defend our homeland focused the fbi on preventing terrorism begun to reform our intelligence agencies broken up terror cells across the country expanded research on defenses against biological and chemical attack improved border security and trained more than a half million police and firefighters air marshals researchers and so many others are working every day to make our homeland safer and we thank them all our nation working with allies and friends has also confronted the enemy abroad with measures that are determined successful and continuing the al qaida terror network that attacked our country still has leaders but many of its top commanders have been removed there are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists but their number has declined there are still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction but no longer without attention and without consequence our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many and intimidate us all and we will stay on the offensive against them until the fight is won pursuing our enemies is a vital commitment of the war on terror and i thank the congress for providing our service men and women with the resources they have needed during this time of war we must continue to support our military and give them the tools for victory other nations around the globe have stood with us in afghanistan an international force is helping provide security in iraq 28 countries have troops on the ground the united nations and the european union provided technical assistance for the elections and nato is leading a mission to help train iraqi officers we are cooperating with 60 governments in the proliferation security initiative to detect and stop the transit of dangerous materials we are working closely with the governments in asia to convince north korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions pakistan saudi arabia and nine other countries have captured or detained al qaida terrorists in the next 4 years my administration will continue to build the coalitions that will defeat the dangers of our time in the long term the peace we seek will only be achieved by eliminating the conditions that feed radicalism and ideologies of murder if whole regions of the world remain in despair and grow in hatred they will be the recruiting grounds for terror and that terror will stalk america and other free nations for decades the only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror and replace hatred with hope is the force of human freedom our enemies know this and that is why the terrorist zarqawi recently declared war on what he called the evil principle of democracy and we have declared our own intention america will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the middle east and beyond with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world the united states has no right no desire and no intention to impose our form of government on anyone else that is one of the main differences between us and our enemies they seek to impose and expand an empire of oppression in which a tiny group of brutal rulers control every aspect of every life our aim is to build and preserve a community of free and independent nations with governments that answer to their citizens and reflect their own cultures and because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors the advance of freedom will lead to peace that advance has great momentum in our time shown by women voting in afghanistan and palestinians choosing a new direction and the people of ukraine asserting their democratic rights and electing a president we are witnessing landmark events in the history of liberty and in the coming years we will add to that story the beginnings of reform and democracy in the palestinian territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure tomorrow morning secretary of state rice departs on a trip that will take her to israel and the west bank for meetings with prime minister sharon and president abbas she will discuss with them how we and our friends can help the palestinian people end terror and build the institutions of a peaceful independent democratic state to promote this democracy i will ask congress for 350 million to support palestinian political economic and security reforms the goal of two democratic states israel and palestine living side by side in peace is within reach and america will help them achieve that goal to promote peace and stability in the broader middle east the united states will work with our friends in the region to fight the common threat of terror while we encourage a higher standard of freedom hopeful reform is already taking hold in an arc from morocco to jordan to bahrain the government of saudi arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role of its people in determining their future and the great and proud nation of egypt which showed the way toward peace in the middle east can now show the way toward democracy in the middle east to promote peace in the broader middle east we must confront regimes that continue to harbor terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder syria still allows its territory and parts of lebanon to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region you have passed and we are applying the syrian accountability act and we expect the syrian government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom today iran remains the world primary state sponsor of terror pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve we are working with european allies to make clear to the iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and any plutonium reprocessing and end its support for terror and to the iranian people i say tonight as you stand for your own liberty america stands with you our generational commitment to the advance of freedom especially in the middle east is now being tested and honored in iraq that country is a vital front in the war on terror which is why the terrorists have chosen to make a stand there our men and women in uniform are fighting terrorists in iraq so we do not have to face them here at home and the victory of freedom in iraq will strengthen a new ally in the war on terror inspire democratic reformers from damascus to tehran bring more hope and progress to a troubled region and thereby lift a terrible threat from the lives of our children and grandchildren we will succeed because the iraqi people value their own liberty as they showed the world last sunday across iraq often at great risk millions of citizens went to the polls and elected 275 men and women to represent them in a new transitional national assembly a young woman in baghdad told of waking to the sound of mortar fire on election day and wondering if it might be too dangerous to vote she said hearing those explosions it occurred to me the insurgents are weak they are afraid of democracy they are losing so i got my husband and i got my parents and we all came out and voted together americans recognize that spirit of liberty because we share it in any nation casting your vote is an act of civic responsibility for millions of iraqis it was also an act of personal courage and they have earned the respect of us all one of iraq leading democracy and human rights advocates is safia taleb she says of her country we were occupied for 35 years by saddam hussein that was the real occupation thank you to the american people who paid the cost but most of all to the soldiers eleven years ago safia father was assassinated by saddam intelligence service three days ago in baghdad safia was finally able to vote for the leaders of her country and we are honored that she is with us tonight the terrorists and insurgents are violently opposed to democracy and will continue to attack it yet the terrorists most powerful myth is being destroyed the whole world is seeing that the car bombers and assassins are not only fighting coalition forces they are trying to destroy the hopes of iraqis expressed in free elections and the whole world now knows that a small group of extremists will not overturn the will of the iraqi people we will succeed in iraq because iraqis are determined to fight for their own freedom and to write their own history as prime minister allawi said in his speech to congress last september ordinary iraqis are anxious to shoulder all the security burdens of our country as quickly as possible that is the natural desire of an independent nation and it is also the stated mission of our coalition in iraq the new political situation in iraq opens a new phase of our work in that country at the recommendation of our commanders on the ground and in consultation with the iraqi government we will increasingly focus our efforts on helping prepare more capable iraqi security forces forces with skilled officers and an effective command structure as those forces become more and take on greater security responsibilities america and its coalition partners will increasingly be in a supporting role in the end iraqis must be able to defend their own country and we will help that proud new nation secure its liberty recently an iraqi interpreter said to a reporter tell america not to abandon us he and all iraqis can be certain while our military strategy is adapting to circumstances our commitment remains firm and unchanging we are standing for the freedom of our iraqi friends and freedom in iraq will make america safer for generations to come we will not set an artificial timetable for leaving iraq because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out we are in iraq to achieve a result a country that is democratic representative of all its people at peace with its neighbors and able to defend itself and when that result is achieved our men and women serving in iraq will return home with the honor they have earned right now americans in uniform are serving at posts across the world often taking great risks on my orders we have given them training and equipment and they have given us an example of idealism and character that makes every american proud the volunteers of our military are unrelenting in battle unwavering in loyalty unmatched in honor and decency and every day they are making our nation more secure some of our service men and women have survived terrible injuries and this grateful country will do everything we can to help them recover and we have said farewell to some very good men and women who died for our freedom and whose memory this nation will honor forever one name we honor is marine corps sergeant byron norwood of pflugerville texas who was killed during the assault on fallujah his mom janet sent me a letter and told me how much byron loved being a marine and how proud he was to be on the frontline against terror she wrote when byron was home the last time i said that i wanted to protect him like i had since he was born he just hugged me and said have done your job mom now it is my turn to protect you ladies and gentlemen with grateful hearts we honor freedom defenders and our military families represented here this evening by sergeant norwood mom and dad janet and bill norwood in these 4 years americans have seen the unfolding of large events we have known times of sorrow and hours of uncertainty and days of victory in all this history even when we have disagreed we have seen threads of purpose that unite us the attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom power to change the world we are all part of a great venture to extend the promise of freedom in our country to renew the values that sustain our liberty and to spread the peace that freedom brings as franklin roosevelt once reminded americans each age is a dream that is dying or one that is coming to birth and we live in the country where the biggest dreams are born the abolition of slavery was only a dream until it was fulfilled the liberation of europe from fascism was only a dream until it was achieved the fall of imperial communism was only a dream until one day it was accomplished our generation has dreams of its own and we also go forward with confidence the road of providence is uneven and unpredictable yet we know where it leads it leads to freedom thank you and may god bless america
speaker vice president cheney members congress fellow citizens new congress gathers us elected branches government share great privilege placed office votes people serve tonight privilege share newly elected leaders afghanistan palestinian territories ukraine free sovereign iraq two weeks ago stood steps capitol renewed commitment nation guiding ideal liberty evening set forth policies advance ideal home around world tonight healthy growing economy americans going back work nation active force good world state union confident strong generation blessed expansion opportunity advances medicine security purchased parents sacrifice see little gray lot watch children moving adulthood ask question state union members congress choices make together answer question next several months issue issue let us americans always done build better world children grandchildren first must good stewards economy renew great institutions millions fellow citizens rely america economy fastest growing major industrialized nation past 4 years provided tax relief every person pays income taxes overcome recession opened new markets abroad prosecuted corporate criminals raised homeownership highest level history last year alone united states added million new jobs action needed congress delivered nation grateful must add achievements making economy flexible innovative competitive keep america economic leader world america prosperity requires restraining spending appetite federal government welcome bipartisan enthusiasm spending discipline send budget holds growth discretionary spending inflation makes tax relief permanent stays track cut deficit half 2009 budget substantially reduces eliminates 150 government programs getting results duplicate current efforts fulfill essential priorities principle clear taxpayer dollars must spent wisely make economy stronger dynamic must prepare rising generation fill jobs 21st century child left behind act standards higher test scores rise closing achievement gap minority students must demand better results high schools every high school diploma ticket success help additional workers get training better career reforming job training system strengthening america community colleges make easier americans afford college education increasing size pell grants make economy stronger competitive america must reward punish efforts dreams entrepreneurs small business path advancement especially women minorities must free small businesses needless regulation protect honest junk lawsuits justice distorted economy held back irresponsible class actions frivolous asbestos claims urge congress pass legal reforms year make economy stronger productive must make health care affordable give families greater access good coverage control health decisions ask congress move forward comprehensive health care agenda tax credits help workers buy insurance community health center every poor county improved information technology prevent medical error needless costs association health plans small businesses employees expanded health savings accounts medical liability reform reduce health care costs make sure patients doctors care need keep economy growing also need reliable supplies affordable environmentally responsible energy nearly 4 years ago submitted comprehensive energy strategy encourages conservation alternative sources modernized electricity grid production home including safe clean nuclear energy clear skies legislation cut powerplant pollution improve health citizens budget provides strong funding technology cars clean coal renewable sources ethanol four years debate enough urge congress pass legislation makes america secure less dependent foreign energy proposals essential expand economy add new jobs beginning duty build prosperity future generations must update institutions created meet needs earlier time year year americans burdened archaic incoherent federal tax code appointed bipartisan panel examine tax code top bottom recommendations delivered work together give nation tax code progrowth easy understand fair america immigration system also outdated unsuited needs economy values country content laws punish people want provide families deny businesses willing workers invite chaos border time immigration policy permits workers fill jobs americans take rejects amnesty tells us entering leaving country closes border drug dealers terrorists one america important institutions symbol trust generations also need wise effective reform social security great moral success 20th century must honor great purposes new century system however current path headed toward bankruptcy must join together strengthen save social security today 45 million americans receive social security benefits millions nearing retirement system sound fiscally strong message every american 55 older let anyone mislead social security system change way younger workers social security system serious problems grow worse time social security created decades ago different era days people live long benefits much lower today half century ago 16 workers paid system person drawing benefits society changed ways founders social security could foreseen today world people living longer therefore drawing benefits longer benefits scheduled rise dramatically next decades instead 16 workers paying every beneficiary right 3 workers next decades number fall 2 workers per beneficiary passing year fewer workers paying benefits number retirees result thirteen years 2018 social security paying takes every year afterward bring new shortfall bigger year example year 2027 government somehow come extra 200 billion keep system afloat 2033 annual shortfall would 300 billion year 2042 entire system would exhausted bankrupt steps taken avert outcome solutions would dramatically higher taxes massive new borrowing sudden severe cuts social security benefits government programs recognize 2018 2042 may seem long way dates distant parent tell already concerned pay college tuition 13 years road got children twenties us idea social security collapsing retire seem like small matter small matter united states congress share responsibility must pass reforms solve financial problems social security fixing social security permanently require open candid review options suggested limiting benefits wealthy retirees former congressman tim penny raised possibility indexing benefits prices rather wages 1990s predecessor president clinton spoke increasing retirement age former senator john breaux suggested discouraging early collection social security benefits late senator daniel patrick moynihan recommended changing way benefits calculated ideas table know none reforms would easy move ahead courage honesty children retirement security important partisan politics work members congress find effective combination reforms listen anyone good idea offer must however guided basic principles must make social security permanently sound leave task another day must jeopardize economic strength increasing payroll taxes must ensure lower income americans get help need dignity peace mind retirement must guarantee change retired nearing retirement must take care changes system gradual younger workers years prepare plan future fix social security also responsibility make system better deal younger workers best way reach goal voluntary personal retirement accounts idea works right set portion money earn taken paycheck pay social security benefits today retirees younger worker believe able set aside part money retirement account build nest egg future personal accounts better deal money grow time greater rate anything current system deliver account provide money retirement check receive social security addition able pass along money accumulates personal account wish children grandchildren best money account government never take away goal greater security retirement set careful guidelines personal accounts make sure money go conservative mix bonds stock funds make sure earnings eaten hidden wall street fees make sure good options protect investments sudden market swings eve retirement make sure personal account emptied rather paid time addition traditional social security benefits make sure plan fiscally responsible starting personal retirement accounts gradually raising yearly limits contributions time eventually permitting workers set aside 4 percentage points payroll taxes accounts personal retirement accounts familiar federal employees already something similar called thrift savings plan let us workers deposit portion paychecks five different broadly based investment funds time extend security choice ownership young americans second great responsibility children grandchildren honor pass along values sustain free society many generation long journey come home family faith determined bring responsible moral children government source values government never undermine marriage sacred institution foundation society redefined activist judges good families children society support constitutional amendment protect institution marriage society measured treats weak vulnerable must strive build culture life medical research help us reach goal developing treatments cures save lives help people overcome disabilities thank congress doubling funding national institutes health build culture life must also ensure scientific advances always serve human dignity take advantage lives benefit others able agree clear standards work congress ensure human embryos created experimentation grown body parts human life never bought sold commodity america continue lead world medical research ambitious aggressive always ethical courts must always deliver impartial justice judges duty faithfully interpret law legislate bench president constitutional responsibility nominate men women understand role courts democracy serve bench done constitution also gives senate responsibility every judicial nominee deserves vote one deepest values country compassion must never turn away citizen feels isolated opportunities america government continue support community groups bring hope harsh places need focus giving young people especially young men cities better options apathy gangs jail tonight propose initiative help organizations keep young people gangs show young men ideal manhood respects women rejects violence taking gang life one part broader outreach youth involves parents pastors coaches community leaders programs ranging literacy sports proud leader nationwide effort first lady laura bush brings suffering fear many lives ask reauthorize ryan white act encourage prevention provide care treatment victims disease update important law must focus efforts fellow citizens highest rates new cases african american men women one main sources national unity belief equal justice need make sure americans races backgrounds confidence system provides justice america must make doubly sure person held account crime commit dramatically expanding use dna evidence prevent wrongful conviction soon send congress proposal fund special training defense counsel capital cases people trial lives must competent lawyers side third responsibility future generations leave america safe danger protected pass along children freedoms enjoy chief among freedom fear 3 years since september 11th 2001 taken unprecedented actions protect americans created new department government defend homeland focused fbi preventing terrorism begun reform intelligence agencies broken terror cells across country expanded research defenses biological chemical attack improved border security trained half million police firefighters air marshals researchers many others working every day make homeland safer thank nation working allies friends also confronted enemy abroad measures determined successful continuing al qaida terror network attacked country still leaders many top commanders removed still governments sponsor harbor terrorists number declined still regimes seeking weapons mass destruction longer without attention without consequence country still target terrorists want kill many intimidate us stay offensive fight pursuing enemies vital commitment war terror thank congress providing service men women resources needed time war must continue support military give tools victory nations around globe stood us afghanistan international force helping provide security iraq 28 countries troops ground united nations european union provided technical assistance elections nato leading mission help train iraqi officers cooperating 60 governments proliferation security initiative detect stop transit dangerous materials working closely governments asia convince north korea abandon nuclear ambitions pakistan saudi arabia nine countries captured detained al qaida terrorists next 4 years administration continue build coalitions defeat dangers time long term peace seek achieved eliminating conditions feed radicalism ideologies murder whole regions world remain despair grow hatred recruiting grounds terror terror stalk america free nations decades force powerful enough stop rise tyranny terror replace hatred hope force human freedom enemies know terrorist zarqawi recently declared war called evil principle democracy declared intention america stand allies freedom support democratic movements middle east beyond ultimate goal ending tyranny world united states right desire intention impose form government anyone else one main differences us enemies seek impose expand empire oppression tiny group brutal rulers control every aspect every life aim build preserve community free independent nations governments answer citizens reflect cultures democracies respect people neighbors advance freedom lead peace advance great momentum time shown women voting afghanistan palestinians choosing new direction people ukraine asserting democratic rights electing president witnessing landmark events history liberty coming years add story beginnings reform democracy palestinian territories showing power freedom break old patterns violence failure tomorrow morning secretary state rice departs trip take israel west bank meetings prime minister sharon president abbas discuss friends help palestinian people end terror build institutions peaceful independent democratic state promote democracy ask congress 350 million support palestinian political economic security reforms goal two democratic states israel palestine living side side peace within reach america help achieve goal promote peace stability broader middle east united states work friends region fight common threat terror encourage higher standard freedom hopeful reform already taking hold arc morocco jordan bahrain government saudi arabia demonstrate leadership region expanding role people determining future great proud nation egypt showed way toward peace middle east show way toward democracy middle east promote peace broader middle east must confront regimes continue harbor terrorists pursue weapons mass murder syria still allows territory parts lebanon used terrorists seek destroy every chance peace region passed applying syrian accountability act expect syrian government end support terror open door freedom today iran remains world primary state sponsor terror pursuing nuclear weapons depriving people freedom seek deserve working european allies make clear iranian regime must give uranium enrichment program plutonium reprocessing end support terror iranian people say tonight stand liberty america stands generational commitment advance freedom especially middle east tested honored iraq country vital front war terror terrorists chosen make stand men women uniform fighting terrorists iraq face home victory freedom iraq strengthen new ally war terror inspire democratic reformers damascus tehran bring hope progress troubled region thereby lift terrible threat lives children grandchildren succeed iraqi people value liberty showed world last sunday across iraq often great risk millions citizens went polls elected 275 men women represent new transitional national assembly young woman baghdad told waking sound mortar fire election day wondering might dangerous vote said hearing explosions occurred insurgents weak afraid democracy losing got husband got parents came voted together americans recognize spirit liberty share nation casting vote act civic responsibility millions iraqis also act personal courage earned respect us one iraq leading democracy human rights advocates safia taleb says country occupied 35 years saddam hussein real occupation thank american people paid cost soldiers eleven years ago safia father assassinated saddam intelligence service three days ago baghdad safia finally able vote leaders country honored us tonight terrorists insurgents violently opposed democracy continue attack yet terrorists powerful myth destroyed whole world seeing car bombers assassins fighting coalition forces trying destroy hopes iraqis expressed free elections whole world knows small group extremists overturn iraqi people succeed iraq iraqis determined fight freedom write history prime minister allawi said speech congress last september ordinary iraqis anxious shoulder security burdens country quickly possible natural desire independent nation also stated mission coalition iraq new political situation iraq opens new phase work country recommendation commanders ground consultation iraqi government increasingly focus efforts helping prepare capable iraqi security forces forces skilled officers effective command structure forces become take greater security responsibilities america coalition partners increasingly supporting role end iraqis must able defend country help proud new nation secure liberty recently iraqi interpreter said reporter tell america abandon us iraqis certain military strategy adapting circumstances commitment remains firm unchanging standing freedom iraqi friends freedom iraq make america safer generations come set artificial timetable leaving iraq would embolden terrorists make believe wait us iraq achieve result country democratic representative people peace neighbors able defend result achieved men women serving iraq return home honor earned right americans uniform serving posts across world often taking great risks orders given training equipment given us example idealism character makes every american proud volunteers military unrelenting battle unwavering loyalty unmatched honor decency every day making nation secure service men women survived terrible injuries grateful country everything help recover said farewell good men women died freedom whose memory nation honor forever one name honor marine corps sergeant byron norwood pflugerville texas killed assault fallujah mom janet sent letter told much byron loved marine proud frontline terror wrote byron home last time said wanted protect like since born hugged said done job mom turn protect ladies gentlemen grateful hearts honor freedom defenders military families represented evening sergeant norwood mom dad janet bill norwood 4 years americans seen unfolding large events known times sorrow hours uncertainty days victory history even disagreed seen threads purpose unite us attack freedom world reaffirmed confidence freedom power change world part great venture extend promise freedom country renew values sustain liberty spread peace freedom brings franklin roosevelt reminded americans age dream dying one coming birth live country biggest dreams born abolition slavery dream fulfilled liberation europe fascism dream achieved fall imperial communism dream one day accomplished generation dreams also go forward confidence road providence uneven unpredictable yet know leads leads freedom thank may god bless america
speaker vice president cheney member congress fellow citizen new congress gather u elect branch government share great privilege place office vote people serve tonight privilege share newly elect leader afghanistan palestinian territory ukraine free sovereign iraq two week ago stand step capitol renew commitment nation guide ideal liberty evening set forth policy advance ideal home around world tonight healthy grow economy americans go back work nation active force good world state union confident strong generation bless expansion opportunity advance medicine security purchase parent sacrifice see little gray lot watch child move adulthood ask question state union member congress choice make together answer question next several month issue issue let u americans always do build well world child grandchildren first must good steward economy renew great institution million fellow citizen rely america economy fast grow major industrialize nation past 4 year provide tax relief every person pay income tax overcome recession open new market abroad prosecute corporate criminal raise homeownership high level history last year alone united state add million new job action need congress deliver nation grateful must add achievement make economy flexible innovative competitive keep america economic leader world america prosperity require restrain spend appetite federal government welcome bipartisan enthusiasm spending discipline send budget hold growth discretionary spending inflation make tax relief permanent stay track cut deficit half 2009 budget substantially reduce eliminate 150 government program get result duplicate current effort fulfill essential priority principle clear taxpayer dollar must spend wisely make economy strong dynamic must prepare rise generation fill job 21st century child leave behind act standard higher test score rise close achievement gap minority student must demand good result high school every high school diploma ticket success help additional worker get train good career reform job training system strengthen america community college make easy american afford college education increase size pell grant make economy strong competitive america must reward punish effort dream entrepreneurs small business path advancement especially woman minority must free small business needless regulation protect honest junk lawsuit justice distort economy hold back irresponsible class action frivolous asbestos claim urge congress pass legal reform year make economy strong productive must make health care affordable give family great access good coverage control health decision ask congress move forward comprehensive health care agenda tax credit help worker buy insurance community health center every poor county improve information technology prevent medical error needless cost association health plan small business employee expand health saving account medical liability reform reduce health care cost make sure patient doctor care need keep economy grow also need reliable supply affordable environmentally responsible energy nearly 4 year ago submit comprehensive energy strategy encourage conservation alternative source modernize electricity grid production home include safe clean nuclear energy clear sky legislation cut powerplant pollution improve health citizen budget provide strong funding technology car clean coal renewable source ethanol four year debate enough urge congress pass legislation make america secure less dependent foreign energy proposal essential expand economy add new job begin duty build prosperity future generation must update institution create meet need earlier time year year american burden archaic incoherent federal tax code appoint bipartisan panel examine tax code top bottom recommendation deliver work together give nation tax code progrowth easy understand fair america immigration system also outdated unsuited need economy value country content law punish people want provide family deny business willing worker invite chaos border time immigration policy permit worker fill job american take reject amnesty tell u enter leave country close border drug dealer terrorists one america important institution symbol trust generation also need wise effective reform social security great moral success 20th century must honor great purpose new century system however current path head toward bankruptcy must join together strengthen save social security today 45 million american receive social security benefit million near retirement system sound fiscally strong message every american 55 old let anyone mislead social security system change way young worker social security system serious problem grow bad time social security create decade ago different era day people live long benefit much low today half century ago 16 worker pay system person draw benefit society change way founder social security could foresee today world people live long therefore draw benefit longer benefit schedule rise dramatically next decade instead 16 worker pay every beneficiary right 3 worker next decade number fall 2 worker per beneficiary passing year few worker pay benefit number retiree result thirteen year 2018 social security pay take every year afterward bring new shortfall big year example year 2027 government somehow come extra 200 billion keep system afloat 2033 annual shortfall would 300 billion year 2042 entire system would exhaust bankrupt step take avert outcome solution would dramatically high tax massive new borrowing sudden severe cut social security benefit government program recognize 2018 2042 may seem long way date distant parent tell already concerned pay college tuition 13 year road get child twenty u idea social security collapse retire seem like small matter small matter united state congress share responsibility must pass reform solve financial problem social security fix social security permanently require open candid review option suggest limit benefit wealthy retiree former congressman tim penny raise possibility index benefit price rather wag 1990s predecessor president clinton speak increase retirement age former senator john breaux suggest discourage early collection social security benefit late senator daniel patrick moynihan recommend change way benefit calculate idea table know none reform would easy move ahead courage honesty child retirement security important partisan politics work member congress find effective combination reform listen anyone good idea offer must however guide basic principle must make social security permanently sound leave task another day must jeopardize economic strength increase payroll tax must ensure low income american get help need dignity peace mind retirement must guarantee change retire nearing retirement must take care change system gradual young worker year prepare plan future fix social security also responsibility make system well deal young worker best way reach goal voluntary personal retirement account idea work right set portion money earn take paycheck pay social security benefit today retire young worker believe able set aside part money retirement account build nest egg future personal account well deal money grow time great rate anything current system deliver account provide money retirement check receive social security addition able pas along money accumulates personal account wish child grandchildren best money account government never take away goal great security retirement set careful guideline personal account make sure money go conservative mix bond stock fund make sure earnings eat hide wall street fee make sure good option protect investment sudden market swing eve retirement make sure personal account empty rather pay time addition traditional social security benefit make sure plan fiscally responsible start personal retirement account gradually raise yearly limit contribution time eventually permit worker set aside 4 percentage point payroll tax account personal retirement account familiar federal employee already something similar call thrift saving plan let u worker deposit portion paycheck five different broadly base investment fund time extend security choice ownership young american second great responsibility child grandchildren honor pas along value sustain free society many generation long journey come home family faith determine bring responsible moral child government source value government never undermine marriage sacred institution foundation society redefine activist judge good family child society support constitutional amendment protect institution marriage society measure treat weak vulnerable must strive build culture life medical research help u reach goal develop treatment cure save live help people overcome disability thank congress double fund national institute health build culture life must also ensure scientific advance always serve human dignity take advantage live benefit others able agree clear standard work congress ensure human embryo create experimentation grow body part human life never buy sell commodity america continue lead world medical research ambitious aggressive always ethical court must always deliver impartial justice judge duty faithfully interpret law legislate bench president constitutional responsibility nominate men woman understand role court democracy serve bench do constitution also give senate responsibility every judicial nominee deserves vote one deep value country compassion must never turn away citizen feel isolate opportunity america government continue support community group bring hope harsh place need focus give young people especially young men city better option apathy gang jail tonight propose initiative help organization keep young people gang show young men ideal manhood respect woman reject violence take gang life one part broad outreach youth involve parent pastor coach community leader program range literacy sport proud leader nationwide effort first lady laura bush bring suffer fear many life ask reauthorize ryan white act encourage prevention provide care treatment victim disease update important law must focus effort fellow citizen high rate new case african american men woman one main source national unity belief equal justice need make sure american race background confidence system provide justice america must make doubly sure person hold account crime commit dramatically expand use dna evidence prevent wrongful conviction soon send congress proposal fund special training defense counsel capital case people trial life must competent lawyer side third responsibility future generation leave america safe danger protect pas along child freedom enjoy chief among freedom fear 3 year since september 11th 2001 take unprecedented action protect american create new department government defend homeland focus fbi prevent terrorism begin reform intelligence agency break terror cell across country expand research defenses biological chemical attack improve border security train half million police firefighter air marshal researcher many others work every day make homeland safer thank nation work ally friend also confront enemy abroad measure determine successful continue al qaida terror network attack country still leader many top commander remove still government sponsor harbor terrorist number decline still regimes seek weapon mass destruction longer without attention without consequence country still target terrorist want kill many intimidate u stay offensive fight pursue enemy vital commitment war terror thank congress provide service men woman resource need time war must continue support military give tool victory nation around globe stand u afghanistan international force help provide security iraq 28 country troop ground united nation european union provide technical assistance election nato lead mission help train iraqi officer cooperate 60 government proliferation security initiative detect stop transit dangerous material work closely government asia convince north korea abandon nuclear ambition pakistan saudi arabia nine country capture detained al qaida terrorist next 4 year administration continue build coalition defeat danger time long term peace seek achieve eliminating condition fee radicalism ideology murder whole region world remain despair grow hatred recruit ground terror terror stalk america free nation decade force powerful enough stop rise tyranny terror replace hatred hope force human freedom enemy know terrorist zarqawi recently declare war call evil principle democracy declare intention america stand ally freedom support democratic movement middle east beyond ultimate goal end tyranny world unite state right desire intention impose form government anyone else one main difference u enemy seek impose expand empire oppression tiny group brutal ruler control every aspect every life aim build preserve community free independent nation government answer citizen reflect culture democracy respect people neighbor advance freedom lead peace advance great momentum time show woman vote afghanistan palestinian choose new direction people ukraine assert democratic right elect president witness landmark event history liberty come year add story beginning reform democracy palestinian territory show power freedom break old pattern violence failure tomorrow morning secretary state rice departs trip take israel west bank meeting prime minister sharon president abbas discus friend help palestinian people end terror build institution peaceful independent democratic state promote democracy ask congress 350 million support palestinian political economic security reform goal two democratic state israel palestine living side side peace within reach america help achieve goal promote peace stability broad middle east united state work friend region fight common threat terror encourage high standard freedom hopeful reform already take hold arc morocco jordan bahrain government saudi arabia demonstrate leadership region expand role people determine future great proud nation egypt show way toward peace middle east show way toward democracy middle east promote peace broad middle east must confront regime continue harbor terrorist pursue weapon mass murder syria still allow territory part lebanon use terrorist seek destroy every chance peace region pass apply syrian accountability act expect syrian government end support terror open door freedom today iran remain world primary state sponsor terror pursue nuclear weapon deprive people freedom seek deserve work european ally make clear iranian regime must give uranium enrichment program plutonium reprocess end support terror iranian people say tonight stand liberty america stand generational commitment advance freedom especially middle east test honor iraq country vital front war terror terrorists chosen make stand men woman uniform fight terrorist iraq face home victory freedom iraq strengthen new ally war terror inspire democratic reformer damascus tehran bring hope progress troubled region thereby lift terrible threat live child grandchild succeed iraqi people value liberty show world last sunday across iraq often great risk million citizen go poll elect 275 men woman represent new transitional national assembly young woman baghdad tell wake sound mortar fire election day wonder might dangerous vote say hearing explosion occur insurgent weak afraid democracy lose get husband get parent come vote together american recognize spirit liberty share nation cast vote act civic responsibility million iraqis also act personal courage earn respect u one iraq lead democracy human right advocate safia taleb say country occupy 35 year saddam hussein real occupation thank american people pay cost soldier eleven year ago safia father assassinate saddam intelligence service three day ago baghdad safia finally able vote leader country honor u tonight terrorist insurgent violently oppose democracy continue attack yet terrorists powerful myth destroy whole world see car bomber assassins fight coalition force try destroy hope iraqi express free election whole world know small group extremists overturn iraqi people succeed iraq iraqi determine fight freedom write history prime minister allawi say speech congress last september ordinary iraqis anxious shoulder security burden country quickly possible natural desire independent nation also state mission coalition iraq new political situation iraq open new phase work country recommendation commander grind consultation iraqi government increasingly focus effort help prepare capable iraqi security force force skilled officer effective command structure force become take great security responsibility america coalition partner increasingly support role end iraqi must able defend country help proud new nation secure liberty recently iraqi interpreter say reporter tell america abandon u iraqis certain military strategy adapt circumstance commitment remain firm unchanging stand freedom iraqi friend freedom iraq make america safe generation come set artificial timetable leave iraq would embolden terrorist make believe wait u iraq achieve result country democratic representative people peace neighbor able defend result achieve men woman serve iraq return home honor earn right american uniform serve post across world often take great risk order give training equipment give u example idealism character make every american proud volunteer military unrelenting battle unwavering loyalty unmatched honor decency every day make nation secure service men woman survive terrible injury grateful country everything help recover say farewell good men woman die freedom whose memory nation honor forever one name honor marine corp sergeant byron norwood pflugerville texas kill assault fallujah mom janet send letter tell much byron love marine proud frontline terror write byron home last time say wanted protect like since born hug say do job mom turn protect lady gentlemen grateful heart honor freedom defender military family represent even sergeant norwood mom dad janet bill norwood 4 year americans see unfold large event know time sorrow hour uncertainty day victory history even disagree see thread purpose unite u attack freedom world reaffirm confidence freedom power change world part great venture extend promise freedom country renew value sustain liberty spread peace freedom bring franklin roosevelt remind american age dream die one come birth live country big dream bear abolition slavery dream fulfil liberation europe fascism dream achieve fall imperial communism dream one day accomplish generation dream also go forward confidence road providence uneven unpredictable yet know lead lead freedom thank may god bless america