Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, distinguished Members of Congress, honored guests, and fellow citizens: Thank you very much for that warm reception. You know, with the big buildup this address has had, I wanted to make sure it would be a big hit, but I couldn't convince Barbara to deliver it for me. [Laughter] I see the Speaker and the Vice President are laughing. They saw what I did in Japan, and they're just happy they're sitting behind me. [Laughter] I mean to speak tonight of big things, of big changes and the promises they hold, and of some big problems and how, together, we can solve them and move our country forward as the undisputed leader of the age. We gather tonight at a dramatic and deeply promising time in our history and in the history of man on Earth. For in the past 12 months, the world has known changes of almost Biblical proportions. And even now, months after the failed coup that doomed a failed system, I'm not sure we've absorbed the full impact, the full import of what happened. But communism died this year. Even as President, with the most fascinating possible vantage point, there were times when I was so busy managing progress and helping to lead change that I didn't always show the joy that was in my heart. But the biggest thing that has happened in the world in my life, in our lives, is this: By the grace of God, America won the cold war. I mean to speak this evening of the changes that can take place in our country, now that we can stop making the sacrifices we had to make when we had an avowed enemy that was a superpower. Now we can look homeward even more and move to set right what needs to be set right. I will speak of those things. But let me tell you something I've been thinking these past few months. It's a kind of rollcall of honor. For the cold war didn't end; it was won. And I think of those who won it, in places like Korea and Vietnam. And some of them didn't come back. Back then they were heroes, but this year they were victors. The long rollcall, all the G.I. Joes and Janes, all the ones who fought faithfully for freedom, who hit the ground and sucked the dust and knew their share of horror. This may seem frivolous, and I don't mean it so, but it's moving to me how the world saw them. The world saw not only their special valor but their special style: their rambunctious, optimistic bravery, their do-or-die unity unhampered by class or race or region. What a group we've put forth, for generations now, from the ones who wrote "Kilroy was here" on the walls of the German stalags to those who left signs in the Iraqi desert that said, "I saw Elvis." What a group of kids we've sent out into the world. And there's another to be singled out, though it may seem inelegant, and I mean a mass of people called the American taxpayer. No one ever thinks to thank the people who pay a country's bill or an alliance's bill. But for half a century now, the American people have shouldered the burden and paid taxes that were higher than they would have been to support a defense that was bigger than it would have been if imperial communism had never existed. But it did; doesn't anymore. And here's a fact I wouldn't mind the world acknowledging: The American taxpayer bore the brunt of the burden and deserves a hunk of the glory. So now, for the first time in 35 years, our strategic bombers stand down. No longer are they on 'round-the-clock alert. Tomorrow our children will go to school and study history and how plants grow. And they won't have, as my children did, air raid drills in which they crawl under their desks and cover their heads in case of nuclear war. My grandchildren don't have to do that and won't have the bad dreams children had once, in decades past. There are still threats. But the long, drawn-out dread is over. A year ago tonight, I spoke to you at a moment of high peril. American forces had just unleashed Operation Desert Storm. And after 40 days in the desert skies and 4 days on the ground, the men and women of America's Armed Forces and our allies accomplished the goals that I declared and that you endorsed: We liberated Kuwait. Soon after, the Arab world and Israel sat down to talk seriously and comprehensively about peace, an historic first. And soon after that, at Christmas, the last American hostages came home. Our policies were vindicated. Much good can come from the prudent use of power. And much good can come of this: A world once divided into two armed camps now recognizes one sole and preeminent power, the United States of America. And they regard this with no dread. For the world trusts us with power, and the world is right. They trust us to be fair and restrained. They trust us to be on the side of decency. They trust us to do what's right. I use those words advisedly. A few days after the war began, I received a telegram from Joanne Speicher, the wife of the first pilot killed in the Gulf, Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher. Even in her grief, she wanted me to know that some day when her children were old enough, she would tell them "that their father went away to war because it was the right thing to do." And she said it all: It was the right thing to do. And we did it together. There were honest differences right here in this Chamber. But when the war began, you put partisanship aside, and we supported our troops. This is still a time for pride, but this is no time to boast. For problems face us, and we must stand together once again and solve them and not let our country down. Two years ago, I began planning cuts in military spending that reflected the changes of the new era. But now, this year, with imperial communism gone, that process can be accelerated. Tonight I can tell you of dramatic changes in our strategic nuclear force. These are actions we are taking on our own because they are the right thing to do. After completing 20 planes for which we have begun procurement, we will shut down further production of the B - 2 bombers. We will cancel the small ICBM program. We will cease production of new warheads for our sea-based ballistic missiles. We will stop all new production of the Peacekeeper missile. And we will not purchase any more advanced cruise missiles. This weekend I will meet at Camp David with Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation. I've informed President Yeltsin that if the Commonwealth, the former Soviet Union, will eliminate all land-based multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, I will do the following: We will eliminate all Peacekeeper missiles. We will reduce the number of warheads on Minuteman missiles to one and reduce the number of warheads on our sea-based missiles by about one-third. And we will convert a substantial portion of our strategic bombers to primarily conventional use. President Yeltsin's early response has been very positive, and I expect our talks at Camp David to be fruitful. I want you to know that for half a century, American Presidents have longed to make such decisions and say such words. But even in the midst of celebration, we must keep caution as a friend. For the world is still a dangerous place. Only the dead have seen the end of conflict. And though yesterday's challenges are behind us, tomorrow's are being born. The Secretary of Defense recommended these cuts after consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And I make them with confidence. But do not misunderstand me. The reductions I have approved will save us an additional $50 billion over the next 5 years. By 1997, we will have cut defense by 30 percent since I took office. These cuts are deep, and you must know my resolve: This deep, and no deeper. To do less would be insensible to progress, but to do more would be ignorant of history. We must not go back to the days of "the hollow army." We cannot repeat the mistakes made twice in this century when armistice was followed by recklessness and defense was purged as if the world were permanently safe. I remind you this evening that I have asked for your support in funding a program to protect our country from limited nuclear missile attack. We must have this protection because too many people in too many countries have access to nuclear arms. And I urge you again to pass the Strategic Defense Initiative, SDI. There are those who say that now we can turn away from the world, that we have no special role, no special place. But we are the United States of America, the leader of the West that has become the leader of the world. And as long as I am President, I will continue to lead in support of freedom everywhere, not out of arrogance, not out of altruism, but for the safety and security of our children. This is a fact: Strength in the pursuit of peace is no vice; isolationism in the pursuit of security is no virtue. And now to our troubles at home. They're not all economic; the primary problem is our economy. There are some good signs. Inflation, that thief, is down. And interest rates are down. But unemployment is too high, some industries are in trouble, and growth is not what it should be. Let me tell you right from the start and right from the heart, I know we're in hard times. But I know something else: This will not stand. In this Chamber, in this Chamber we can bring the same courage and sense of common purpose to the economy that we brought to Desert Storm. And we can defeat hard times together. I believe you'll help. One reason is that you're patriots, and you want the best for your country. And I believe that in your hearts you want to put partisanship aside and get the job done because it's the right thing to do. The power of America rests in a stirring but simple idea, that people will do great things if only you set them free. Well, we're going to set the economy free. For if this age of miracles and wonders has taught us anything, it's that if we can change the world we can change America. We must encourage investment. We must make it easier for people to invest money and create new products, new industries, and new jobs. We must clear away the obstacles to growth: high taxes, high regulation, redtape, and yes, wasteful Government spending. None of this will happen with a snap of the fingers, but it will happen. And the test of a plan isn't whether it's called new or dazzling. The American people aren't impressed by gimmicks; they're smarter on this score than all of us in this room. The only test of a plan is: Is it sound, and will it work? We must have a short-term plan to address our immediate needs and heat up the economy. And then we need a longer term plan to keep combustion going and to guarantee our place in the world economy. There are certain things that a President can do without Congress, and I'm going to do them. I have, this evening, asked major Cabinet departments and Federal agencies to institute a 90-day moratorium on any new Federal regulations that could hinder growth. In those 90 days, major departments and agencies will carry out a top-to-bottom review of all regulations, old and new, to stop the ones that will hurt growth and speed up those that will help growth. Further, for the untold number of hard-working, responsible American workers and business men and women who've been forced to go without needed bank loans, the banking credit crunch must end. I won't neglect my responsibility for sound regulations that serve the public good, but regulatory overkill must be stopped. And I've instructed our Government regulators to stop it. I have directed Cabinet departments and Federal agencies to speed up progrowth expenditures as quickly as possible. This should put an extra $10 billion into the economy in the next 6 months. And our new transportation bill provides more than $150 billion for construction and maintenance projects that are vital to our growth and well-being. And that means jobs building roads, jobs building bridges, and jobs building railways. And I have, this evening, directed the Secretary of the Treasury to change the Federal tax withholding tables. With this change, millions of Americans from whom the Government withholds more than necessary can now choose to have the Government withhold less from their paychecks. Something tells me a number of taxpayers may take us up on this one. This initiative could return about $25 billion back into our economy over the next 12 months, money people can use to help pay for clothing, college, or to get a new car. Finally, working with the Federal Reserve, we will continue to support monetary policy that keeps both interest rates and inflation down. Now, these are the things I can do. And now, Members of Congress, let me tell you what you can do for your country. You must pass the other elements of my plan to meet our economic needs. Everyone knows that investment spurs recovery. I am proposing this evening a change in the alternative minimum tax and the creation of a new 15-percent investment tax allowance. This will encourage businesses to accelerate investment and bring people back to work. Real estate has led our economy out of almost all the tough times we've ever had. Once building starts, carpenters and plumbers work; people buy homes and take out mortgages. My plan would modify the passive loss rule for active real estate developers. And it would make it easier for pension plans to purchase real estate. For those Americans who dream of buying a first home but who can't quite afford it, my plan would allow first-time homebuyers to withdraw savings from IRA's without penalty and provide a $5,000 tax credit for the first purchase of that home. And finally, my immediate plan calls on Congress to give crucial help to people who own a home, to everyone who has a business or a farm or a single investment. This time, at this hour, I cannot take no for an answer. You must cut the capital gains tax on the people of our country. Never has an issue been more demagogued by its opponents. But the demagogs are wrong. They are wrong, and they know it. Sixty percent of the people who benefit from lower capital gains have incomes under $50,000. A cut in the capital gains tax increases jobs and helps just about everyone in our country. And so, I'm asking you to cut the capital gains tax to a maximum of 15.4 percent. I'll tell you, those of you who say, "Oh, no, someone who's comfortable may benefit from that," you kind of remind me of the old definition of the Puritan who couldn't sleep at night, worrying that somehow, someone somewhere was out having a good time. [Laughter] The opponents of this measure and those who have authored various so-called soak-the-rich bills that are floating around this Chamber should be reminded of something: When they aim at the big guy, they usually hit the little guy. And maybe it's time that stopped. This, then, is my short-term plan. Your part, Members of Congress, requires enactment of these commonsense proposals that will have a strong effect on the economy without breaking the budget agreement and without raising tax rates. While my plan is being passed and kicking in, we've got to care for those in trouble today. I have provided for up to $4.4 billion in my budget to extend Federal unemployment benefits. And I ask for congressional action right away. And I thank the committee. [Applause] Well, at last. Let's be frank. Let's be frank. Let me level with you. I know and you know that my plan is unveiled in a political season. [Laughter] I know and you know that everything I propose will be viewed by some in merely partisan terms. But I ask you to know what is in my heart. And my aim is to increase our Nation's good. I'm doing what I think is right, and I am proposing what I know will help. I pride myself that I'm a prudent man, and I believe that patience is a virtue. But I understand that politics is, for some, a game and that sometimes the game is to stop all progress and then decry the lack of improvement. [Laughter] But let me tell you: Far more important than my political future and far more important than yours is the well-being of our country. Members of this Chamber are practical people, and I know you won't resent some practical advice. When people put their party's fortunes, whatever the party, whatever side of this aisle, before the public good, they court defeat not only for their country but for themselves. And they will certainly deserve it. I submit my plan tomorrow, and I'm asking you to pass it by March 20th. And I ask the American people to let you know they want this action by March 20th. From the day after that, if it must be, the battle is joined. And you know, when principle is at stake I relish a good, fair fight. I said my plan has two parts, and it does. And it's the second part that is the heart of the matter. For it's not enough to get an immediate burst. We need long-term improvement in our economic position. We all know that the key to our economic future is to ensure that America continues as an economic leader of the world. We have that in our power. Here, then, is my long-term plan to guarantee our future. First, trade: We will work to break down the walls that stop world trade. We will work to open markets everywhere. And in our major trade negotiations, I will continue pushing to eliminate tariffs and subsidies that damage America's farmers and workers. And we'll get more good American jobs within our own hemisphere through the North American free trade agreement and through the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. But changes are here, and more are coming. The workplace of the future will demand more highly skilled workers than ever, more people who are computer-literate, highly educated. We must be the world's leader in education. And we must revolutionize America's schools. My America 2000 strategy will help us reach that goal. My plan will give parents more choice, give teachers more flexibility, and help communities create new American schools. Thirty States across the Nation have established America 2000 programs. Hundreds of cities and towns have joined in. Now Congress must join this great movement: Pass my proposals for new American schools. That was my second long-term proposal, and here's my third: We must make commonsense investments that will help us compete, long-term, in the marketplace. We must encourage research and development. My plan is to make the R&D tax credit permanent and to provide record levels of support, over $76 billion this year alone, for people who will explore the promise of emerging technologies. Fourth, we must do something about crime and drugs. It is time for a major, renewed investment in fighting violent street crime. It saps our strength and hurts our faith in our society and in our future together. Surely a tired woman on her way to work at 6 in the morning on a subway deserves the right to get there safely. And surely it's true that everyone who changes his or her life because of crime, from those afraid to go out at night to those afraid to walk in the parks they pay for, surely these people have been denied a basic civil right. It is time to restore it. Congress, pass my comprehensive crime bill. It is tough on criminals and supportive of police, and it has been languishing in these hallowed halls for years now. Pass it. Help your country. Fifth, I ask you tonight to fund our HOPE housing proposal and to pass my enterprise zone legislation which will get businesses into the inner city. We must empower the poor with the pride that comes from owning a home, getting a job, becoming a part of things. My plan would encourage real estate construction by extending tax incentives for mortgage revenue bonds and low-income housing. And I ask tonight for record expenditures for the program that helps children born into want move into excellence, Head Start. Step six, we must reform our health care system. For this, too, bears on whether or not we can compete in the world. American health costs have been exploding. This year America will spend over $800 billion on health, and that is expected to grow to 1.6 trillion by the end of the decade. We simply cannot afford this. The cost of health care shows up not only in your family budget but in the price of everything we buy and everything we sell. When health coverage for a fellow on an assembly line costs thousands of dollars, the cost goes into the products he makes, and you pay the bill. We must make a choice. Now, some pretend we can have it both ways. They call it "play or pay," but that expensive approach is unstable. It will mean higher taxes, fewer jobs, and eventually a system under complete Government control. Really, there are only two options. And we can move toward a nationalized system, a system which will restrict patient choice in picking a doctor and force the Government to ration services arbitrarily. And what we'll get is patients in long lines, indifferent service, and a huge new tax burden. Or we can reform our own private health care system, which still gives us, for all its flaws, the best quality health care in the world. Well, let's build on our strengths. My plan provides insurance security for all Americans while preserving and increasing the idea of choice. We make basic health insurance affordable for all low-income people not now covered, and we do it by providing a health insurance tax credit of up to $3,750 for each low-income family. And the middle class gets help, too. And by reforming the health insurance market, my plan assures that Americans will have access to basic health insurance even if they change jobs or develop serious health problems. We must bring costs under control, preserve quality, preserve choice, and reduce the people's nagging daily worry about health insurance. My plan, the details of which I'll announce very shortly, does just that. Seventh, we must get the Federal deficit under control. We now have, in law, enforceable spending caps and a requirement that we pay for the programs we create. There are those in Congress who would ease that discipline now. But I cannot let them do it, and I won't. My plan would freeze all domestic discretionary budget authority, which means no more next year than this year. I will not tamper with Social Security, but I would put real caps on the growth of uncontrolled spending. And I would also freeze Federal domestic Government employment. And with the help of Congress, my plan will get rid of 246 programs that don't deserve Federal funding. Some of them have noble titles, but none of them is indispensable. We can get rid of each and every one of them. You know, it's time we rediscovered a home truth the American people have never forgotten: This Government is too big and spends too much. And I call upon Congress to adopt a measure that will help put an end to the annual ritual of filling the budget with pork barrel appropriations. Every year, the press has a field day making fun of outrageous examples: a Lawrence Welk museum, research grants for Belgian endive. We all know how these things get into the budget, and maybe you need someone to help you say no. I know how to say it, and I know what I need to make it stick. Give me the same thing 43 Governors have, the line-item veto, and let me help you control spending. We must put an end to unfinanced Federal Government mandates. These are the requirements Congress puts on our cities, counties, and States without supplying the money. If Congress passes a mandate, it should be forced to pay for it and balance the cost with savings elsewhere. After all, a mandate just increases someone else's burden, and that means higher taxes at the State and local level. Step eight, Congress should enact the bold reform proposals that are still awaiting congressional action: bank reform, civil justice reform, tort reform, and my national energy strategy. And finally, we must strengthen the family because it is the family that has the greatest bearing on our future. When Barbara holds an AIDS baby in her arms and reads to children, she's saying to every person in this country: Family matters. And I am announcing tonight a new Commission on America's Urban Families. I've asked Missouri's Governor John Ashcroft to be Chairman, former Dallas Mayor Annette Strauss to be Cochair. You know, I had mayors, the leading mayors from the League of Cities, in the other day at the White House, and they told me something striking. They said that every one of them, Republican or Democrat, agreed on one thing, that the major cause of the problems of the cities is the dissolution of the family. They asked for this Commission, and they were right to ask because it's time to determine what we can do to keep families together, strong and sound. There's one thing we can do right away: Ease the burden of rearing a child. I ask you tonight to raise the personal exemption by $500 per child for every family. For a family with four kids, that's an increase of $2,000. This is a good start in the right direction, and it's what we can afford. It's time to allow families to deduct the interest they pay on student loans. I am asking you to do just that. And I'm asking you to allow people to use money from their IRA's to pay medical and education expenses, all without penalties. And I'm asking for more. Ask American parents what they dislike about how things are going in our country, and chances are good that pretty soon they'll get to welfare. Americans are the most generous people on Earth. But we have to go back to the insight of Franklin Roosevelt who, when he spoke of what became the welfare program, warned that it must not become "a narcotic" and a "subtle destroyer" of the spirit. Welfare was never meant to be a lifestyle. It was never meant to be a habit. It was never supposed to be passed from generation to generation like a legacy. It's time to replace the assumptions of the welfare state and help reform the welfare system. States throughout the country are beginning to operate with new assumptions that when able-bodied people receive Government assistance, they have responsibilities to the taxpayer: A responsibility to seek work, education, or job training; a responsibility to get their lives in order; a responsibility to hold their families together and refrain from having children out of wedlock; and a responsibility to obey the law. We are going to help this movement. Often, State reform requires waiving certain Federal regulations. I will act to make that process easier and quicker for every State that asks for our help. I want to add, as we make these changes, we work together to improve this system, that our intention is not scapegoating or finger-pointing. If you read the papers and watch TV, you know there's been a rise these days in a certain kind of ugliness: racist comments, anti-Semitism, an increased sense of division. Really, this is not us. This is not who we are. And this is not acceptable. And so, you have my plan for America. And I'm asking for big things, but I believe in my heart you'll do what's right. You know, it's kind of an American tradition to show a certain skepticism toward our democratic institutions. I myself have sometimes thought the aging process could be delayed if it had to make its way through Congress. [Laughter] You will deliberate, and you will discuss, and that is fine. But, my friends, the people cannot wait. They need help now. There's a mood among us. People are worried. There's been talk of decline. Someone even said our workers are lazy and uninspired. And I thought: Really? You go tell Neil Armstrong standing on the moon. Tell the men and women who put him there. Tell the American farmer who feeds his country and the world. Tell the men and women of Desert Storm. Moods come and go, but greatness endures. Ours does. And maybe for a moment it's good to remember what, in the dailiness of our lives, we forget: We are still and ever the freest nation on Earth, the kindest nation on Earth, the strongest nation on Earth. And we have always risen to the occasion. And we are going to lift this Nation out of hard times inch by inch and day by day, and those who would stop us had better step aside. Because I look at hard times, and I make this vow: This will not stand. And so, we move on together, a rising nation, the once and future miracle that is still, this night, the hope of the world. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless our beloved country. Thank you very, very much.
Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, distinguished Members of Congress, honored guests, and fellow citizens: Thank you very much for that warm reception. You know, with the big buildup this address has had, I wanted to make sure it would be a big hit, but I could not convince Barbara to deliver it for me. [Laughter] I see the Speaker and the Vice President are laughing. They saw what I did in Japan, and they are just happy they are sitting behind me. [Laughter] I mean to speak tonight of big things, of big changes and the promises they hold, and of some big problems and how, together, we can solve them and move our country forward as the undisputed leader of the age. We gather tonight at a dramatic and deeply promising time in our history and in the history of man on Earth. For in the past 12 months, the world has known changes of almost Biblical proportions. And even now, months after the failed coup that doomed a failed system, I am not sure we have absorbed the full impact, the full import of what happened. But communism died this year. Even as President, with the most fascinating possible vantage point, there were times when I was so busy managing progress and helping to lead change that I did not always show the joy that was in my heart. But the biggest thing that has happened in the world in my life, in our lives, is this: By the grace of God, America won the cold war. I mean to speak this evening of the changes that can take place in our country, now that we can stop making the sacrifices we had to make when we had an avowed enemy that was a superpower. Now we can look homeward even more and move to set right what needs to be set right. I will speak of those things. But let me tell you something I have been thinking these past few months. It is a kind of rollcall of honor. For the cold war did not end; it was won. And I think of those who won it, in places like Korea and Vietnam. And some of them did not come back. Back then they were heroes, but this year they were victors. The long rollcall, all the G.I. Joes and Janes, all the ones who fought faithfully for freedom, who hit the ground and sucked the dust and knew their share of horror. This may seem frivolous, and I do not mean it so, but it is moving to me how the world saw them. The world saw not only their special valor but their special style: their rambunctious, optimistic bravery, their do-or-die unity unhampered by class or race or region. What a group we have put forth, for generations now, from the ones who wrote "Kilroy was here" on the walls of the German stalags to those who left signs in the Iraqi desert that said, "I saw Elvis." What a group of kids we have sent out into the world. And there is another to be singled out, though it may seem inelegant, and I mean a mass of people called the American taxpayer. No one ever thinks to thank the people who pay a country's bill or an alliance's bill. But for half a century now, the American people have shouldered the burden and paid taxes that were higher than they would have been to support a defense that was bigger than it would have been if imperial communism had never existed. But it did; does not anymore. And here is a fact I would not mind the world acknowledging: The American taxpayer bore the brunt of the burden and deserves a hunk of the glory. So now, for the first time in 35 years, our strategic bombers stand down. No longer are they on 'round-the-clock alert. Tomorrow our children will go to school and study history and how plants grow. And they will not have, as my children did, air raid drills in which they crawl under their desks and cover their heads in case of nuclear war. My grandchildren do not have to do that and will not have the bad dreams children had once, in decades past. There are still threats. But the long, drawn-out dread is over. A year ago tonight, I spoke to you at a moment of high peril. American forces had just unleashed Operation Desert Storm. And after 40 days in the desert skies and 4 days on the ground, the men and women of America's Armed Forces and our allies accomplished the goals that I declared and that you endorsed: We liberated Kuwait. Soon after, the Arab world and Israel sat down to talk seriously and comprehensively about peace, an historic first. And soon after that, at Christmas, the last American hostages came home. Our policies were vindicated. Much good can come from the prudent use of power. And much good can come of this: A world once divided into two armed camps now recognizes one sole and preeminent power, the United States of America. And they regard this with no dread. For the world trusts us with power, and the world is right. They trust us to be fair and restrained. They trust us to be on the side of decency. They trust us to do what is right. I use those words advisedly. A few days after the war began, I received a telegram from Joanne Speicher, the wife of the first pilot killed in the Gulf, Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher. Even in her grief, she wanted me to know that some day when her children were old enough, she would tell them "that their father went away to war because it was the right thing to do." And she said it all: It was the right thing to do. And we did it together. There were honest differences right here in this Chamber. But when the war began, you put partisanship aside, and we supported our troops. This is still a time for pride, but this is no time to boast. For problems face us, and we must stand together once again and solve them and not let our country down. Two years ago, I began planning cuts in military spending that reflected the changes of the new era. But now, this year, with imperial communism gone, that process can be accelerated. Tonight I can tell you of dramatic changes in our strategic nuclear force. These are actions we are taking on our own because they are the right thing to do. After completing 20 planes for which we have begun procurement, we will shut down further production of the B - 2 bombers. We will cancel the small ICBM program. We will cease production of new warheads for our sea-based ballistic missiles. We will stop all new production of the Peacekeeper missile. And we will not purchase any more advanced cruise missiles. This weekend I will meet at Camp David with Boris Yeltsin of the Russian Federation. I have informed President Yeltsin that if the Commonwealth, the former Soviet Union, will eliminate all land-based multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, I will do the following: We will eliminate all Peacekeeper missiles. We will reduce the number of warheads on Minuteman missiles to one and reduce the number of warheads on our sea-based missiles by about one-third. And we will convert a substantial portion of our strategic bombers to primarily conventional use. President Yeltsin's early response has been very positive, and I expect our talks at Camp David to be fruitful. I want you to know that for half a century, American Presidents have longed to make such decisions and say such words. But even in the midst of celebration, we must keep caution as a friend. For the world is still a dangerous place. Only the dead have seen the end of conflict. And though yesterday's challenges are behind us, tomorrow's are being born. The Secretary of Defense recommended these cuts after consultation with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And I make them with confidence. But do not misunderstand me. The reductions I have approved will save us an additional $50 billion over the next 5 years. By 1997, we will have cut defense by 30 percent since I took office. These cuts are deep, and you must know my resolve: This deep, and no deeper. To do less would be insensible to progress, but to do more would be ignorant of history. We must not go back to the days of "the hollow army." We cannot repeat the mistakes made twice in this century when armistice was followed by recklessness and defense was purged as if the world were permanently safe. I remind you this evening that I have asked for your support in funding a program to protect our country from limited nuclear missile attack. We must have this protection because too many people in too many countries have access to nuclear arms. And I urge you again to pass the Strategic Defense Initiative, SDI. There are those who say that now we can turn away from the world, that we have no special role, no special place. But we are the United States of America, the leader of the West that has become the leader of the world. And as long as I am President, I will continue to lead in support of freedom everywhere, not out of arrogance, not out of altruism, but for the safety and security of our children. This is a fact: Strength in the pursuit of peace is no vice; isolationism in the pursuit of security is no virtue. And now to our troubles at home. They are not all economic; the primary problem is our economy. There are some good signs. Inflation, that thief, is down. And interest rates are down. But unemployment is too high, some industries are in trouble, and growth is not what it should be. Let me tell you right from the start and right from the heart, I know we are in hard times. But I know something else: This will not stand. In this Chamber, in this Chamber we can bring the same courage and sense of common purpose to the economy that we brought to Desert Storm. And we can defeat hard times together. I believe you will help. One reason is that you are patriots, and you want the best for your country. And I believe that in your hearts you want to put partisanship aside and get the job done because it is the right thing to do. The power of America rests in a stirring but simple idea, that people will do great things if only you set them free. Well, we are going to set the economy free. For if this age of miracles and wonders has taught us anything, it is that if we can change the world we can change America. We must encourage investment. We must make it easier for people to invest money and create new products, new industries, and new jobs. We must clear away the obstacles to growth: high taxes, high regulation, redtape, and yes, wasteful Government spending. None of this will happen with a snap of the fingers, but it will happen. And the test of a plan is not whether it is called new or dazzling. The American people are not impressed by gimmicks; they are smarter on this score than all of us in this room. The only test of a plan is: Is it sound, and will it work? We must have a short-term plan to address our immediate needs and heat up the economy. And then we need a longer term plan to keep combustion going and to guarantee our place in the world economy. There are certain things that a President can do without Congress, and I am going to do them. I have, this evening, asked major Cabinet departments and Federal agencies to institute a 90-day moratorium on any new Federal regulations that could hinder growth. In those 90 days, major departments and agencies will carry out a top-to-bottom review of all regulations, old and new, to stop the ones that will hurt growth and speed up those that will help growth. Further, for the untold number of hard-working, responsible American workers and business men and women who have been forced to go without needed bank loans, the banking credit crunch must end. I will not neglect my responsibility for sound regulations that serve the public good, but regulatory overkill must be stopped. And I have instructed our Government regulators to stop it. I have directed Cabinet departments and Federal agencies to speed up progrowth expenditures as quickly as possible. This should put an extra $10 billion into the economy in the next 6 months. And our new transportation bill provides more than $150 billion for construction and maintenance projects that are vital to our growth and well-being. And that means jobs building roads, jobs building bridges, and jobs building railways. And I have, this evening, directed the Secretary of the Treasury to change the Federal tax withholding tables. With this change, millions of Americans from whom the Government withholds more than necessary can now choose to have the Government withhold less from their paychecks. Something tells me a number of taxpayers may take us up on this one. This initiative could return about $25 billion back into our economy over the next 12 months, money people can use to help pay for clothing, college, or to get a new car. Finally, working with the Federal Reserve, we will continue to support monetary policy that keeps both interest rates and inflation down. Now, these are the things I can do. And now, Members of Congress, let me tell you what you can do for your country. You must pass the other elements of my plan to meet our economic needs. Everyone knows that investment spurs recovery. I am proposing this evening a change in the alternative minimum tax and the creation of a new 15-percent investment tax allowance. This will encourage businesses to accelerate investment and bring people back to work. Real estate has led our economy out of almost all the tough times we have ever had. Once building starts, carpenters and plumbers work; people buy homes and take out mortgages. My plan would modify the passive loss rule for active real estate developers. And it would make it easier for pension plans to purchase real estate. For those Americans who dream of buying a first home but who cannot quite afford it, my plan would allow first-time homebuyers to withdraw savings from IRA's without penalty and provide a $5,000 tax credit for the first purchase of that home. And finally, my immediate plan calls on Congress to give crucial help to people who own a home, to everyone who has a business or a farm or a single investment. This time, at this hour, I cannot take no for an answer. You must cut the capital gains tax on the people of our country. Never has an issue been more demagogued by its opponents. But the demagogs are wrong. They are wrong, and they know it. Sixty percent of the people who benefit from lower capital gains have incomes under $50,000. A cut in the capital gains tax increases jobs and helps just about everyone in our country. And so, I am asking you to cut the capital gains tax to a maximum of 15.4 percent. I will tell you, those of you who say, "Oh, no, someone who is comfortable may benefit from that," you kind of remind me of the old definition of the Puritan who could not sleep at night, worrying that somehow, someone somewhere was out having a good time. [Laughter] The opponents of this measure and those who have authored various so-called soak-the-rich bills that are floating around this Chamber should be reminded of something: When they aim at the big guy, they usually hit the little guy. And maybe it is time that stopped. This, then, is my short-term plan. Your part, Members of Congress, requires enactment of these commonsense proposals that will have a strong effect on the economy without breaking the budget agreement and without raising tax rates. While my plan is being passed and kicking in, we have got to care for those in trouble today. I have provided for up to $4.4 billion in my budget to extend Federal unemployment benefits. And I ask for congressional action right away. And I thank the committee. [Applause] Well, at last. Let us be frank. Let us be frank. Let me level with you. I know and you know that my plan is unveiled in a political season. [Laughter] I know and you know that everything I propose will be viewed by some in merely partisan terms. But I ask you to know what is in my heart. And my aim is to increase our Nation's good. I am doing what I think is right, and I am proposing what I know will help. I pride myself that I am a prudent man, and I believe that patience is a virtue. But I understand that politics is, for some, a game and that sometimes the game is to stop all progress and then decry the lack of improvement. [Laughter] But let me tell you: Far more important than my political future and far more important than yours is the well-being of our country. Members of this Chamber are practical people, and I know you will not resent some practical advice. When people put their party's fortunes, whatever the party, whatever side of this aisle, before the public good, they court defeat not only for their country but for themselves. And they will certainly deserve it. I submit my plan tomorrow, and I am asking you to pass it by March 20th. And I ask the American people to let you know they want this action by March 20th. From the day after that, if it must be, the battle is joined. And you know, when principle is at stake I relish a good, fair fight. I said my plan has two parts, and it does. And it is the second part that is the heart of the matter. For it is not enough to get an immediate burst. We need long-term improvement in our economic position. We all know that the key to our economic future is to ensure that America continues as an economic leader of the world. We have that in our power. Here, then, is my long-term plan to guarantee our future. First, trade: We will work to break down the walls that stop world trade. We will work to open markets everywhere. And in our major trade negotiations, I will continue pushing to eliminate tariffs and subsidies that damage America's farmers and workers. And we will get more good American jobs within our own hemisphere through the North American free trade agreement and through the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. But changes are here, and more are coming. The workplace of the future will demand more highly skilled workers than ever, more people who are computer-literate, highly educated. We must be the world's leader in education. And we must revolutionize America's schools. My America 2000 strategy will help us reach that goal. My plan will give parents more choice, give teachers more flexibility, and help communities create new American schools. Thirty States across the Nation have established America 2000 programs. Hundreds of cities and towns have joined in. Now Congress must join this great movement: Pass my proposals for new American schools. That was my second long-term proposal, and here is my third: We must make commonsense investments that will help us compete, long-term, in the marketplace. We must encourage research and development. My plan is to make the R&D tax credit permanent and to provide record levels of support, over $76 billion this year alone, for people who will explore the promise of emerging technologies. Fourth, we must do something about crime and drugs. It is time for a major, renewed investment in fighting violent street crime. It saps our strength and hurts our faith in our society and in our future together. Surely a tired woman on her way to work at 6 in the morning on a subway deserves the right to get there safely. And surely it is true that everyone who changes his or her life because of crime, from those afraid to go out at night to those afraid to walk in the parks they pay for, surely these people have been denied a basic civil right. It is time to restore it. Congress, pass my comprehensive crime bill. It is tough on criminals and supportive of police, and it has been languishing in these hallowed halls for years now. Pass it. Help your country. Fifth, I ask you tonight to fund our HOPE housing proposal and to pass my enterprise zone legislation which will get businesses into the inner city. We must empower the poor with the pride that comes from owning a home, getting a job, becoming a part of things. My plan would encourage real estate construction by extending tax incentives for mortgage revenue bonds and low-income housing. And I ask tonight for record expenditures for the program that helps children born into want move into excellence, Head Start. Step six, we must reform our health care system. For this, too, bears on whether or not we can compete in the world. American health costs have been exploding. This year America will spend over $800 billion on health, and that is expected to grow to 1.6 trillion by the end of the decade. We simply cannot afford this. The cost of health care shows up not only in your family budget but in the price of everything we buy and everything we sell. When health coverage for a fellow on an assembly line costs thousands of dollars, the cost goes into the products he makes, and you pay the bill. We must make a choice. Now, some pretend we can have it both ways. They call it "play or pay," but that expensive approach is unstable. It will mean higher taxes, fewer jobs, and eventually a system under complete Government control. Really, there are only two options. And we can move toward a nationalized system, a system which will restrict patient choice in picking a doctor and force the Government to ration services arbitrarily. And what we will get is patients in long lines, indifferent service, and a huge new tax burden. Or we can reform our own private health care system, which still gives us, for all its flaws, the best quality health care in the world. Well, let us build on our strengths. My plan provides insurance security for all Americans while preserving and increasing the idea of choice. We make basic health insurance affordable for all low-income people not now covered, and we do it by providing a health insurance tax credit of up to $3,750 for each low-income family. And the middle class gets help, too. And by reforming the health insurance market, my plan assures that Americans will have access to basic health insurance even if they change jobs or develop serious health problems. We must bring costs under control, preserve quality, preserve choice, and reduce the people's nagging daily worry about health insurance. My plan, the details of which I will announce very shortly, does just that. Seventh, we must get the Federal deficit under control. We now have, in law, enforceable spending caps and a requirement that we pay for the programs we create. There are those in Congress who would ease that discipline now. But I cannot let them do it, and I will not. My plan would freeze all domestic discretionary budget authority, which means no more next year than this year. I will not tamper with Social Security, but I would put real caps on the growth of uncontrolled spending. And I would also freeze Federal domestic Government employment. And with the help of Congress, my plan will get rid of 246 programs that do not deserve Federal funding. Some of them have noble titles, but none of them is indispensable. We can get rid of each and every one of them. You know, it is time we rediscovered a home truth the American people have never forgotten: This Government is too big and spends too much. And I call upon Congress to adopt a measure that will help put an end to the annual ritual of filling the budget with pork barrel appropriations. Every year, the press has a field day making fun of outrageous examples: a Lawrence Welk museum, research grants for Belgian endive. We all know how these things get into the budget, and maybe you need someone to help you say no. I know how to say it, and I know what I need to make it stick. Give me the same thing 43 Governors have, the line-item veto, and let me help you control spending. We must put an end to unfinanced Federal Government mandates. These are the requirements Congress puts on our cities, counties, and States without supplying the money. If Congress passes a mandate, it should be forced to pay for it and balance the cost with savings elsewhere. After all, a mandate just increases someone else's burden, and that means higher taxes at the State and local level. Step eight, Congress should enact the bold reform proposals that are still awaiting congressional action: bank reform, civil justice reform, tort reform, and my national energy strategy. And finally, we must strengthen the family because it is the family that has the greatest bearing on our future. When Barbara holds an AIDS baby in her arms and reads to children, she is saying to every person in this country: Family matters. And I am announcing tonight a new Commission on America's Urban Families. I have asked Missouri's Governor John Ashcroft to be Chairman, former Dallas Mayor Annette Strauss to be Cochair. You know, I had mayors, the leading mayors from the League of Cities, in the other day at the White House, and they told me something striking. They said that every one of them, Republican or Democrat, agreed on one thing, that the major because of the problems of the cities is the dissolution of the family. They asked for this Commission, and they were right to ask because it is time to determine what we can do to keep families together, strong and sound. There is one thing we can do right away: Ease the burden of rearing a child. I ask you tonight to raise the personal exemption by $500 per child for every family. For a family with four kids, that is an increase of $2,000. This is a good start in the right direction, and it is what we can afford. It is time to allow families to deduct the interest they pay on student loans. I am asking you to do just that. And I am asking you to allow people to use money from their IRA's to pay medical and education expenses, all without penalties. And I am asking for more. Ask American parents what they dislike about how things are going in our country, and chances are good that pretty soon they will get to welfare. Americans are the most generous people on Earth. But we have to go back to the insight of Franklin Roosevelt who, when he spoke of what became the welfare program, warned that it must not become "a narcotic" and a "subtle destroyer" of the spirit. Welfare was never meant to be a lifestyle. It was never meant to be a habit. It was never supposed to be passed from generation to generation like a legacy. It is time to replace the assumptions of the welfare state and help reform the welfare system. States throughout the country are beginning to operate with new assumptions that when able-bodied people receive Government assistance, they have responsibilities to the taxpayer: A responsibility to seek work, education, or job training; a responsibility to get their lives in order; a responsibility to hold their families together and refrain from having children out of wedlock; and a responsibility to obey the law. We are going to help this movement. Often, State reform requires waiving certain Federal regulations. I will act to make that process easier and quicker for every State that asks for our help. I want to add, as we make these changes, we work together to improve this system, that our intention is not scapegoating or finger-pointing. If you read the papers and watch TV, you know there is been a rise these days in a certain kind of ugliness: racist comments, anti-Semitism, an increased sense of division. Really, this is not us. This is not who we are. And this is not acceptable. And so, you have my plan for America. And I am asking for big things, but I believe in my heart you will do what is right. You know, it is kind of an American tradition to show a certain skepticism toward our democratic institutions. I myself have sometimes thought the aging process could be delayed if it had to make its way through Congress. [Laughter] You will deliberate, and you will discuss, and that is fine. But, my friends, the people cannot wait. They need help now. There is a mood among us. People are worried. There is been talk of decline. Someone even said our workers are lazy and uninspired. And I thought: Really? You go tell Neil Armstrong standing on the moon. Tell the men and women who put him there. Tell the American farmer who feeds his country and the world. Tell the men and women of Desert Storm. Moods come and go, but greatness endures. Ours does. And maybe for a moment it is good to remember what, in the dailiness of our lives, we forget: We are still and ever the freest nation on Earth, the kindest nation on Earth, the strongest nation on Earth. And we have always risen to the occasion. And we are going to lift this Nation out of hard times inch by inch and day by day, and those who would stop us had better step aside. Because I look at hard times, and I make this vow: This will not stand. And so, we move on together, a rising nation, the once and future miracle that is still, this night, the hope of the world. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless our beloved country. Thank you very, very much.
speaker and president distinguished members of congress honored guests and fellow citizens thank you very much for that warm reception you know with the big buildup this address has had i wanted to make sure it would be a big hit but i could not convince barbara to deliver it for me laughter i see the speaker and the vice president are laughing they saw what i did in japan and they are just happy they are sitting behind me laughter i mean to speak tonight of big things of big changes and the promises they hold and of some big problems and how together we can solve them and move our country forward as the undisputed leader of the age we gather tonight at a dramatic and deeply promising time in our history and in the history of man on earth for in the past 12 months the world has known changes of almost biblical proportions and even now months after the failed coup that doomed a failed system i am not sure we have absorbed the full impact the full import of what happened but communism died this year even as president with the most fascinating possible vantage point there were times when i was so busy managing progress and helping to lead change that i did not always show the joy that was in my heart but the biggest thing that has happened in the world in my life in our lives is this by the grace of god america won the cold war i mean to speak this evening of the changes that can take place in our country now that we can stop making the sacrifices we had to make when we had an avowed enemy that was a superpower now we can look homeward even more and move to set right what needs to be set right i will speak of those things but let me tell you something i have been thinking these past few months it is a kind of rollcall of honor for the cold war did not end it was won and i think of those who won it in places like korea and vietnam and some of them did not come back back then they were heroes but this year they were victors the long rollcall all the joes and janes all the ones who fought faithfully for freedom who hit the ground and sucked the dust and knew their share of horror this may seem frivolous and i do not mean it so but it is moving to me how the world saw them the world saw not only their special valor but their special style their rambunctious optimistic bravery their unity unhampered by class or race or region what a group we have put forth for generations now from the ones who wrote kilroy was here on the walls of the german stalags to those who left signs in the iraqi desert that said i saw elvis what a group of kids we have sent out into the world and there is another to be singled out though it may seem inelegant and i mean a mass of people called the american taxpayer no one ever thinks to thank the people who pay a country bill or an alliance bill but for half a century now the american people have shouldered the burden and paid taxes that were higher than they would have been to support a defense that was bigger than it would have been if imperial communism had never existed but it did does not anymore and here is a fact i would not mind the world acknowledging the american taxpayer bore the brunt of the burden and deserves a hunk of the glory so now for the first time in 35 years our strategic bombers stand down no longer are they on alert tomorrow our children will go to school and study history and how plants grow and they will not have as my children did air raid drills in which they crawl under their desks and cover their heads in case of nuclear war my grandchildren do not have to do that and will not have the bad dreams children had once in decades past there are still threats but the long dread is over a year ago tonight i spoke to you at a moment of high peril american forces had just unleashed operation desert storm and after 40 days in the desert skies and 4 days on the ground the men and women of america armed forces and our allies accomplished the goals that i declared and that you endorsed we liberated kuwait soon after the arab world and israel sat down to talk seriously and comprehensively about peace an historic first and soon after that at christmas the last american hostages came home our policies were vindicated much good can come from the prudent use of power and much good can come of this a world once divided into two armed camps now recognizes one sole and preeminent power the united states of america and they regard this with no dread for the world trusts us with power and the world is right they trust us to be fair and restrained they trust us to be on the side of decency they trust us to do what is right i use those words advisedly a few days after the war began i received a telegram from joanne speicher the wife of the first pilot killed in the gulf lieutenant commander scott speicher even in her grief she wanted me to know that some day when her children were old enough she would tell them that their father went away to war because it was the right thing to do and she said it all it was the right thing to do and we did it together there were honest differences right here in this chamber but when the war began you put partisanship aside and we supported our troops this is still a time for pride but this is no time to boast for problems face us and we must stand together once again and solve them and not let our country down two years ago i began planning cuts in military spending that reflected the changes of the new era but now this year with imperial communism gone that process can be accelerated tonight i can tell you of dramatic changes in our strategic nuclear force these are actions we are taking on our own because they are the right thing to do after completing 20 planes for which we have begun procurement we will shut down further production of the b 2 bombers we will cancel the small icbm program we will cease production of new warheads for our ballistic missiles we will stop all new production of the peacekeeper missile and we will not purchase any more advanced cruise missiles this weekend i will meet at camp david with boris yeltsin of the russian federation i have informed president yeltsin that if the commonwealth the former soviet union will eliminate all ballistic missiles i will do the following we will eliminate all peacekeeper missiles we will reduce the number of warheads on minuteman missiles to one and reduce the number of warheads on our missiles by about and we will convert a substantial portion of our strategic bombers to primarily conventional use president yeltsin early response has been very positive and i expect our talks at camp david to be fruitful i want you to know that for half a century american presidents have longed to make such decisions and say such words but even in the midst of celebration we must keep caution as a friend for the world is still a dangerous place only the dead have seen the end of conflict and though yesterday challenges are behind us tomorrow are being born the secretary of defense recommended these cuts after consultation with the joint chiefs of staff and i make them with confidence but do not misunderstand me the reductions i have approved will save us an additional 50 billion over the next 5 years by 1997 we will have cut defense by 30 percent since i took office these cuts are deep and you must know my resolve this deep and no deeper to do less would be insensible to progress but to do more would be ignorant of history we must not go back to the days of the hollow army we can not repeat the mistakes made twice in this century when armistice was followed by recklessness and defense was purged as if the world were permanently safe i remind you this evening that i have asked for your support in funding a program to protect our country from limited nuclear missile attack we must have this protection because too many people in too many countries have access to nuclear arms and i urge you again to pass the strategic defense initiative sdi there are those who say that now we can turn away from the world that we have no special role no special place but we are the united states of america the leader of the west that has become the leader of the world and as long as i am president i will continue to lead in support of freedom everywhere not out of arrogance not out of altruism but for the safety and security of our children this is a fact strength in the pursuit of peace is no vice isolationism in the pursuit of security is no virtue and now to our troubles at home they are not all economic the primary problem is our economy there are some good signs inflation that thief is down and interest rates are down but unemployment is too high some industries are in trouble and growth is not what it should be let me tell you right from the start and right from the heart i know we are in hard times but i know something else this will not stand in this chamber in this chamber we can bring the same courage and sense of common purpose to the economy that we brought to desert storm and we can defeat hard times together i believe you will help one reason is that you are patriots and you want the best for your country and i believe that in your hearts you want to put partisanship aside and get the job done because it is the right thing to do the power of america rests in a stirring but simple idea that people will do great things if only you set them free well we are going to set the economy free for if this age of miracles and wonders has taught us anything it is that if we can change the world we can change america we must encourage investment we must make it easier for people to invest money and create new products new industries and new jobs we must clear away the obstacles to growth high taxes high regulation redtape and yes wasteful government spending none of this will happen with a snap of the fingers but it will happen and the test of a plan is not whether it is called new or dazzling the american people are not impressed by gimmicks they are smarter on this score than all of us in this room the only test of a plan is is it sound and will it work we must have a plan to address our immediate needs and heat up the economy and then we need a longer term plan to keep combustion going and to guarantee our place in the world economy there are certain things that a president can do without congress and i am going to do them i have this evening asked major cabinet departments and federal agencies to institute a moratorium on any new federal regulations that could hinder growth in those 90 days major departments and agencies will carry out a review of all regulations old and new to stop the ones that will hurt growth and speed up those that will help growth further for the untold number of responsible american workers and business men and women who have been forced to go without needed bank loans the banking credit crunch must end i will not neglect my responsibility for sound regulations that serve the public good but regulatory overkill must be stopped and i have instructed our government regulators to stop it i have directed cabinet departments and federal agencies to speed up progrowth expenditures as quickly as possible this should put an extra 10 billion into the economy in the next 6 months and our new transportation bill provides more than 150 billion for construction and maintenance projects that are vital to our growth and and that means jobs building roads jobs building bridges and jobs building railways and i have this evening directed the secretary of the treasury to change the federal tax withholding tables with this change millions of americans from whom the government withholds more than necessary can now choose to have the government withhold less from their paychecks something tells me a number of taxpayers may take us up on this one this initiative could return about 25 billion back into our economy over the next 12 months money people can use to help pay for clothing college or to get a new car finally working with the federal reserve we will continue to support monetary policy that keeps both interest rates and inflation down now these are the things i can do and now members of congress let me tell you what you can do for your country you must pass the other elements of my plan to meet our economic needs everyone knows that investment spurs recovery i am proposing this evening a change in the alternative minimum tax and the creation of a new investment tax allowance this will encourage businesses to accelerate investment and bring people back to work real estate has led our economy out of almost all the tough times we have ever had once building starts carpenters and plumbers work people buy homes and take out mortgages my plan would modify the passive loss rule for active real estate developers and it would make it easier for pension plans to purchase real estate for those americans who dream of buying a first home but who can not quite afford it my plan would allow homebuyers to withdraw savings from ira without penalty and provide a tax credit for the first purchase of that home and finally my immediate plan calls on congress to give crucial help to people who own a home to everyone who has a business or a farm or a single investment this time at this hour i can not take no for an answer you must cut the capital gains tax on the people of our country never has an issue been more demagogued by its opponents but the demagogs are wrong they are wrong and they know it sixty percent of the people who benefit from lower capital gains have incomes under a cut in the capital gains tax increases jobs and helps just about everyone in our country and so i am asking you to cut the capital gains tax to a maximum of percent i will tell you those of you who say oh no someone who is comfortable may benefit from that you kind of remind me of the old definition of the puritan who could not sleep at night worrying that somehow someone somewhere was out having a good time laughter the opponents of this measure and those who have authored various bills that are floating around this chamber should be reminded of something when they aim at the big guy they usually hit the little guy and maybe it is time that stopped this then is my plan your part members of congress requires enactment of these commonsense proposals that will have a strong effect on the economy without breaking the budget agreement and without raising tax rates while my plan is being passed and kicking in we have got to care for those in trouble today i have provided for up to billion in my budget to extend federal unemployment benefits and i ask for congressional action right away and i thank the committee applause well at last let us be frank let us be frank let me level with you i know and you know that my plan is unveiled in a political season laughter i know and you know that everything i propose will be viewed by some in merely partisan terms but i ask you to know what is in my heart and my aim is to increase our nation good i am doing what i think is right and i am proposing what i know will help i pride myself that i am a prudent man and i believe that patience is a virtue but i understand that politics is for some a game and that sometimes the game is to stop all progress and then decry the lack of improvement laughter but let me tell you far more important than my political future and far more important than yours is the of our country members of this chamber are practical people and i know you will not resent some practical advice when people put their party fortunes whatever the party whatever side of this aisle before the public good they court defeat not only for their country but for themselves and they will certainly deserve it i submit my plan tomorrow and i am asking you to pass it by march 20th and i ask the american people to let you know they want this action by march 20th from the day after that if it must be the battle is joined and you know when principle is at stake i relish a good fair fight i said my plan has two parts and it does and it is the second part that is the heart of the matter for it is not enough to get an immediate burst we need improvement in our economic position we all know that the key to our economic future is to ensure that america continues as an economic leader of the world we have that in our power here then is my plan to guarantee our future first trade we will work to break down the walls that stop world trade we will work to open markets everywhere and in our major trade negotiations i will continue pushing to eliminate tariffs and subsidies that damage america farmers and workers and we will get more good american jobs within our own hemisphere through the north american free trade agreement and through the enterprise for the americas initiative but changes are here and more are coming the workplace of the future will demand more highly skilled workers than ever more people who are highly educated we must be the world leader in education and we must revolutionize america schools my america 2000 strategy will help us reach that goal my plan will give parents more choice give teachers more flexibility and help communities create new american schools thirty states across the nation have established america 2000 programs hundreds of cities and towns have joined in now congress must join this great movement pass my proposals for new american schools that was my second proposal and here is my third we must make commonsense investments that will help us compete in the marketplace we must encourage research and development my plan is to make the r d tax credit permanent and to provide record levels of support over 76 billion this year alone for people who will explore the promise of emerging technologies fourth we must do something about crime and drugs it is time for a major renewed investment in fighting violent street crime it saps our strength and hurts our faith in our society and in our future together surely a tired woman on her way to work at 6 in the morning on a subway deserves the right to get there safely and surely it is true that everyone who changes his or her life because of crime from those afraid to go out at night to those afraid to walk in the parks they pay for surely these people have been denied a basic civil right it is time to restore it congress pass my comprehensive crime bill it is tough on criminals and supportive of police and it has been languishing in these hallowed halls for years now pass it help your country fifth i ask you tonight to fund our hope housing proposal and to pass my enterprise zone legislation which will get businesses into the inner city we must empower the poor with the pride that comes from owning a home getting a job becoming a part of things my plan would encourage real estate construction by extending tax incentives for mortgage revenue bonds and housing and i ask tonight for record expenditures for the program that helps children born into want move into excellence head start step six we must reform our health care system for this too bears on whether or not we can compete in the world american health costs have been exploding this year america will spend over 800 billion on health and that is expected to grow to trillion by the end of the decade we simply can not afford this the cost of health care shows up not only in your family budget but in the price of everything we buy and everything we sell when health coverage for a fellow on an assembly line costs thousands of dollars the cost goes into the products he makes and you pay the bill we must make a choice now some pretend we can have it both ways they call it play or pay but that expensive approach is unstable it will mean higher taxes fewer jobs and eventually a system under complete government control really there are only two options and we can move toward a nationalized system a system which will restrict patient choice in picking a doctor and force the government to ration services arbitrarily and what we will get is patients in long lines indifferent service and a huge new tax burden or we can reform our own private health care system which still gives us for all its flaws the best quality health care in the world well let us build on our strengths my plan provides insurance security for all americans while preserving and increasing the idea of choice we make basic health insurance affordable for all people not now covered and we do it by providing a health insurance tax credit of up to for each family and the middle class gets help too and by reforming the health insurance market my plan assures that americans will have access to basic health insurance even if they change jobs or develop serious health problems we must bring costs under control preserve quality preserve choice and reduce the people nagging daily worry about health insurance my plan the details of which i will announce very shortly does just that seventh we must get the federal deficit under control we now have in law enforceable spending caps and a requirement that we pay for the programs we create there are those in congress who would ease that discipline now but i can not let them do it and i will not my plan would freeze all domestic discretionary budget authority which means no more next year than this year i will not tamper with social security but i would put real caps on the growth of uncontrolled spending and i would also freeze federal domestic government employment and with the help of congress my plan will get rid of 246 programs that do not deserve federal funding some of them have noble titles but none of them is indispensable we can get rid of each and every one of them you know it is time we rediscovered a home truth the american people have never forgotten this government is too big and spends too much and i call upon congress to adopt a measure that will help put an end to the annual ritual of filling the budget with pork barrel appropriations every year the press has a field day making fun of outrageous examples a lawrence welk museum research grants for belgian endive we all know how these things get into the budget and maybe you need someone to help you say no i know how to say it and i know what i need to make it stick give me the same thing 43 governors have the veto and let me help you control spending we must put an end to unfinanced federal government mandates these are the requirements congress puts on our cities counties and states without supplying the money if congress passes a mandate it should be forced to pay for it and balance the cost with savings elsewhere after all a mandate just increases someone else burden and that means higher taxes at the state and local level step eight congress should enact the bold reform proposals that are still awaiting congressional action bank reform civil justice reform tort reform and my national energy strategy and finally we must strengthen the family because it is the family that has the greatest bearing on our future when barbara holds an aids baby in her arms and reads to children she is saying to every person in this country family matters and i am announcing tonight a new commission on america urban families i have asked missouri governor john ashcroft to be chairman former dallas mayor annette strauss to be cochair you know i had mayors the leading mayors from the league of cities in the other day at the white house and they told me something striking they said that every one of them republican or democrat agreed on one thing that the major because of the problems of the cities is the dissolution of the family they asked for this commission and they were right to ask because it is time to determine what we can do to keep families together strong and sound there is one thing we can do right away ease the burden of rearing a child i ask you tonight to raise the personal exemption by 500 per child for every family for a family with four kids that is an increase of this is a good start in the right direction and it is what we can afford it is time to allow families to deduct the interest they pay on student loans i am asking you to do just that and i am asking you to allow people to use money from their ira to pay medical and education expenses all without penalties and i am asking for more ask american parents what they dislike about how things are going in our country and chances are good that pretty soon they will get to welfare americans are the most generous people on earth but we have to go back to the insight of franklin roosevelt who when he spoke of what became the welfare program warned that it must not become a narcotic and a subtle destroyer of the spirit welfare was never meant to be a lifestyle it was never meant to be a habit it was never supposed to be passed from generation to generation like a legacy it is time to replace the assumptions of the welfare state and help reform the welfare system states throughout the country are beginning to operate with new assumptions that when people receive government assistance they have responsibilities to the taxpayer a responsibility to seek work education or job training a responsibility to get their lives in order a responsibility to hold their families together and refrain from having children out of wedlock and a responsibility to obey the law we are going to help this movement often state reform requires waiving certain federal regulations i will act to make that process easier and quicker for every state that asks for our help i want to add as we make these changes we work together to improve this system that our intention is not scapegoating or if you read the papers and watch tv you know there is been a rise these days in a certain kind of ugliness racist comments an increased sense of division really this is not us this is not who we are and this is not acceptable and so you have my plan for america and i am asking for big things but i believe in my heart you will do what is right you know it is kind of an american tradition to show a certain skepticism toward our democratic institutions i myself have sometimes thought the aging process could be delayed if it had to make its way through congress laughter you will deliberate and you will discuss and that is fine but my friends the people can not wait they need help now there is a mood among us people are worried there is been talk of decline someone even said our workers are lazy and uninspired and i thought really you go tell neil armstrong standing on the moon tell the men and women who put him there tell the american farmer who feeds his country and the world tell the men and women of desert storm moods come and go but greatness endures ours does and maybe for a moment it is good to remember what in the dailiness of our lives we forget we are still and ever the freest nation on earth the kindest nation on earth the strongest nation on earth and we have always risen to the occasion and we are going to lift this nation out of hard times inch by inch and day by day and those who would stop us had better step aside because i look at hard times and i make this vow this will not stand and so we move on together a rising nation the once and future miracle that is still this night the hope of the world thank you god bless you and god bless our beloved country thank you very very much
speaker president distinguished members congress honored guests fellow citizens thank much warm reception know big buildup address wanted make sure would big hit could convince barbara deliver laughter see speaker vice president laughing saw japan happy sitting behind laughter mean speak tonight big things big changes promises hold big problems together solve move country forward undisputed leader age gather tonight dramatic deeply promising time history history man earth past 12 months world known changes almost biblical proportions even months failed coup doomed failed system sure absorbed full impact full import happened communism died year even president fascinating possible vantage point times busy managing progress helping lead change always show joy heart biggest thing happened world life lives grace god america cold war mean speak evening changes take place country stop making sacrifices make avowed enemy superpower look homeward even move set right needs set right speak things let tell something thinking past months kind rollcall honor cold war end think places like korea vietnam come back back heroes year victors long rollcall joes janes ones fought faithfully freedom hit ground sucked dust knew share horror may seem frivolous mean moving world saw world saw special valor special style rambunctious optimistic bravery unity unhampered class race region group put forth generations ones wrote kilroy walls german stalags left signs iraqi desert said saw elvis group kids sent world another singled though may seem inelegant mean mass people called american taxpayer one ever thinks thank people pay country bill alliance bill half century american people shouldered burden paid taxes higher would support defense bigger would imperial communism never existed anymore fact would mind world acknowledging american taxpayer bore brunt burden deserves hunk glory first time 35 years strategic bombers stand longer alert tomorrow children go school study history plants grow children air raid drills crawl desks cover heads case nuclear war grandchildren bad dreams children decades past still threats long dread year ago tonight spoke moment high peril american forces unleashed operation desert storm 40 days desert skies 4 days ground men women america armed forces allies accomplished goals declared endorsed liberated kuwait soon arab world israel sat talk seriously comprehensively peace historic first soon christmas last american hostages came home policies vindicated much good come prudent use power much good come world divided two armed camps recognizes one sole preeminent power united states america regard dread world trusts us power world right trust us fair restrained trust us side decency trust us right use words advisedly days war began received telegram joanne speicher wife first pilot killed gulf lieutenant commander scott speicher even grief wanted know day children old enough would tell father went away war right thing said right thing together honest differences right chamber war began put partisanship aside supported troops still time pride time boast problems face us must stand together solve let country two years ago began planning cuts military spending reflected changes new era year imperial communism gone process accelerated tonight tell dramatic changes strategic nuclear force actions taking right thing completing 20 planes begun procurement shut production b 2 bombers cancel small icbm program cease production new warheads ballistic missiles stop new production peacekeeper missile purchase advanced cruise missiles weekend meet camp david boris yeltsin russian federation informed president yeltsin commonwealth former soviet union eliminate ballistic missiles following eliminate peacekeeper missiles reduce number warheads minuteman missiles one reduce number warheads missiles convert substantial portion strategic bombers primarily conventional use president yeltsin early response positive expect talks camp david fruitful want know half century american presidents longed make decisions say words even midst celebration must keep caution friend world still dangerous place dead seen end conflict though yesterday challenges behind us tomorrow born secretary defense recommended cuts consultation joint chiefs staff make confidence misunderstand reductions approved save us additional 50 billion next 5 years 1997 cut defense 30 percent since took office cuts deep must know resolve deep deeper less would insensible progress would ignorant history must go back days hollow army repeat mistakes made twice century armistice followed recklessness defense purged world permanently safe remind evening asked support funding program protect country limited nuclear missile attack must protection many people many countries access nuclear arms urge pass strategic defense initiative sdi say turn away world special role special place united states america leader west become leader world long president continue lead support freedom everywhere arrogance altruism safety security children fact strength pursuit peace vice isolationism pursuit security virtue troubles home economic primary problem economy good signs inflation thief interest rates unemployment high industries trouble growth let tell right start right heart know hard times know something else stand chamber chamber bring courage sense common purpose economy brought desert storm defeat hard times together believe help one reason patriots want best country believe hearts want put partisanship aside get job done right thing power america rests stirring simple idea people great things set free well going set economy free age miracles wonders taught us anything change world change america must encourage investment must make easier people invest money create new products new industries new jobs must clear away obstacles growth high taxes high regulation redtape yes wasteful government spending none happen snap fingers happen test plan whether called new dazzling american people impressed gimmicks smarter score us room test plan sound work must plan address immediate needs heat economy need longer term plan keep combustion going guarantee place world economy certain things president without congress going evening asked major cabinet departments federal agencies institute moratorium new federal regulations could hinder growth 90 days major departments agencies carry review regulations old new stop ones hurt growth speed help growth untold number responsible american workers business men women forced go without needed bank loans banking credit crunch must end neglect responsibility sound regulations serve public good regulatory overkill must stopped instructed government regulators stop directed cabinet departments federal agencies speed progrowth expenditures quickly possible put extra 10 billion economy next 6 months new transportation bill provides 150 billion construction maintenance projects vital growth means jobs building roads jobs building bridges jobs building railways evening directed secretary treasury change federal tax withholding tables change millions americans government withholds necessary choose government withhold less paychecks something tells number taxpayers may take us one initiative could return 25 billion back economy next 12 months money people use help pay clothing college get new car finally working federal reserve continue support monetary policy keeps interest rates inflation things members congress let tell country must pass elements plan meet economic needs everyone knows investment spurs recovery proposing evening change alternative minimum tax creation new investment tax allowance encourage businesses accelerate investment bring people back work real estate led economy almost tough times ever building starts carpenters plumbers work people buy homes take mortgages plan would modify passive loss rule active real estate developers would make easier pension plans purchase real estate americans dream buying first home quite afford plan would allow homebuyers withdraw savings ira without penalty provide tax credit first purchase home finally immediate plan calls congress give crucial help people home everyone business farm single investment time hour take answer must cut capital gains tax people country never issue demagogued opponents demagogs wrong wrong know sixty percent people benefit lower capital gains incomes cut capital gains tax increases jobs helps everyone country asking cut capital gains tax maximum percent tell say oh someone comfortable may benefit kind remind old definition puritan could sleep night worrying somehow someone somewhere good time laughter opponents measure authored various bills floating around chamber reminded something aim big guy usually hit little guy maybe time stopped plan part members congress requires enactment commonsense proposals strong effect economy without breaking budget agreement without raising tax rates plan passed kicking got care trouble today provided billion budget extend federal unemployment benefits ask congressional action right away thank committee applause well last let us frank let us frank let level know know plan unveiled political season laughter know know everything propose viewed merely partisan terms ask know heart aim increase nation good think right proposing know help pride prudent man believe patience virtue understand politics game sometimes game stop progress decry lack improvement laughter let tell far important political future far important country members chamber practical people know resent practical advice people put party fortunes whatever party whatever side aisle public good court defeat country certainly deserve submit plan tomorrow asking pass march 20th ask american people let know want action march 20th day must battle joined know principle stake relish good fair fight said plan two parts second part heart matter enough get immediate burst need improvement economic position know key economic future ensure america continues economic leader world power plan guarantee future first trade work break walls stop world trade work open markets everywhere major trade negotiations continue pushing eliminate tariffs subsidies damage america farmers workers get good american jobs within hemisphere north american free trade agreement enterprise americas initiative changes coming workplace future demand highly skilled workers ever people highly educated must world leader education must revolutionize america schools america 2000 strategy help us reach goal plan give parents choice give teachers flexibility help communities create new american schools thirty states across nation established america 2000 programs hundreds cities towns joined congress must join great movement pass proposals new american schools second proposal third must make commonsense investments help us compete marketplace must encourage research development plan make r tax credit permanent provide record levels support 76 billion year alone people explore promise emerging technologies fourth must something crime drugs time major renewed investment fighting violent street crime saps strength hurts faith society future together surely tired woman way work 6 morning subway deserves right get safely surely true everyone changes life crime afraid go night afraid walk parks pay surely people denied basic civil right time restore congress pass comprehensive crime bill tough criminals supportive police languishing hallowed halls years pass help country fifth ask tonight fund hope housing proposal pass enterprise zone legislation get businesses inner city must empower poor pride comes owning home getting job becoming part things plan would encourage real estate construction extending tax incentives mortgage revenue bonds housing ask tonight record expenditures program helps children born want move excellence head start step six must reform health care system bears whether compete world american health costs exploding year america spend 800 billion health expected grow trillion end decade simply afford cost health care shows family budget price everything buy everything sell health coverage fellow assembly line costs thousands dollars cost goes products makes pay bill must make choice pretend ways call play pay expensive approach unstable mean higher taxes fewer jobs eventually system complete government control really two options move toward nationalized system system restrict patient choice picking doctor force government ration services arbitrarily get patients long lines indifferent service huge new tax burden reform private health care system still gives us flaws best quality health care world well let us build strengths plan provides insurance security americans preserving increasing idea choice make basic health insurance affordable people covered providing health insurance tax credit family middle class gets help reforming health insurance market plan assures americans access basic health insurance even change jobs develop serious health problems must bring costs control preserve quality preserve choice reduce people nagging daily worry health insurance plan details announce shortly seventh must get federal deficit control law enforceable spending caps requirement pay programs create congress would ease discipline let plan would freeze domestic discretionary budget authority means next year year tamper social security would put real caps growth uncontrolled spending would also freeze federal domestic government employment help congress plan get rid 246 programs deserve federal funding noble titles none indispensable get rid every one know time rediscovered home truth american people never forgotten government big spends much call upon congress adopt measure help put end annual ritual filling budget pork barrel appropriations every year press field day making fun outrageous examples lawrence welk museum research grants belgian endive know things get budget maybe need someone help say know say know need make stick give thing 43 governors veto let help control spending must put end unfinanced federal government mandates requirements congress puts cities counties states without supplying money congress passes mandate forced pay balance cost savings elsewhere mandate increases someone else burden means higher taxes state local level step eight congress enact bold reform proposals still awaiting congressional action bank reform civil justice reform tort reform national energy strategy finally must strengthen family family greatest bearing future barbara holds aids baby arms reads children saying every person country family matters announcing tonight new commission america urban families asked missouri governor john ashcroft chairman former dallas mayor annette strauss cochair know mayors leading mayors league cities day white house told something striking said every one republican democrat agreed one thing major problems cities dissolution family asked commission right ask time determine keep families together strong sound one thing right away ease burden rearing child ask tonight raise personal exemption 500 per child every family family four kids increase good start right direction afford time allow families deduct interest pay student loans asking asking allow people use money ira pay medical education expenses without penalties asking ask american parents dislike things going country chances good pretty soon get welfare americans generous people earth go back insight franklin roosevelt spoke became welfare program warned must become narcotic subtle destroyer spirit welfare never meant lifestyle never meant habit never supposed passed generation generation like legacy time replace assumptions welfare state help reform welfare system states throughout country beginning operate new assumptions people receive government assistance responsibilities taxpayer responsibility seek work education job training responsibility get lives order responsibility hold families together refrain children wedlock responsibility obey law going help movement often state reform requires waiving certain federal regulations act make process easier quicker every state asks help want add make changes work together improve system intention scapegoating read papers watch tv know rise days certain kind ugliness racist comments increased sense division really us acceptable plan america asking big things believe heart right know kind american tradition show certain skepticism toward democratic institutions sometimes thought aging process could delayed make way congress laughter deliberate discuss fine friends people wait need help mood among us people worried talk decline someone even said workers lazy uninspired thought really go tell neil armstrong standing moon tell men women put tell american farmer feeds country world tell men women desert storm moods come go greatness endures maybe moment good remember dailiness lives forget still ever freest nation earth kindest nation earth strongest nation earth always risen occasion going lift nation hard times inch inch day day would stop us better step aside look hard times make vow stand move together rising nation future miracle still night hope world thank god bless god bless beloved country thank much
speaker president distinguish member congress honor guest fellow citizen thank much warm reception know big buildup address want make sure would big hit could convince barbara deliver laughter see speaker vice president laugh saw japan happy sit behind laughter mean speak tonight big thing big change promise hold big problem together solve move country forward undisputed leader age gather tonight dramatic deeply promising time history history man earth past 12 month world know change almost biblical proportion even month fail coup doom failed system sure absorb full impact full import happen communism die year even president fascinate possible vantage point time busy manage progress help lead change always show joy heart big thing happen world life live grace god america cold war mean speak evening change take place country stop make sacrifice make avow enemy superpower look homeward even move set right need set right speak thing let tell something think past month kind rollcall honor cold war end think place like korea vietnam come back back heroes year victor long rollcall joes janes one fought faithfully freedom hit ground suck dust knew share horror may seem frivolous mean move world saw world saw special valor special style rambunctious optimistic bravery unity unhampered class race region group put forth generation one write kilroy wall german stalags leave sign iraqi desert say saw elvis group kid send world another single though may seem inelegant mean mass people call american taxpayer one ever think thank people pay country bill alliance bill half century american people shoulder burden pay tax higher would support defense big would imperial communism never exist anymore fact would mind world acknowledge american taxpayer bore brunt burden deserve hunk glory first time 35 year strategic bomber stand long alert tomorrow child go school study history plant grow child air raid drill crawl desk cover head case nuclear war grandchild bad dream child decade past still threat long dread year ago tonight spoke moment high peril american force unleashed operation desert storm 40 day desert sky 4 day grind men woman america arm force ally accomplish goal declare endorse liberated kuwait soon arab world israel sit talk seriously comprehensively peace historic first soon christmas last american hostage come home policy vindicate much good come prudent use power much good come world divide two arm camp recognize one sole preeminent power united state america regard dread world trust u power world right trust u fair restrained trust u side decency trust u right use word advisedly day war begin received telegram joanne speicher wife first pilot kill gulf lieutenant commander scott speicher even grief want know day child old enough would tell father go away war right thing say right thing together honest difference right chamber war begin put partisanship aside support troop still time pride time boast problem face u must stand together solve let country two year ago begin plan cut military spending reflect change new era year imperial communism go process accelerate tonight tell dramatic change strategic nuclear force action take right thing complete 20 plane begin procurement shut production b 2 bomber cancel small icbm program cease production new warhead ballistic missile stop new production peacekeeper missile purchase advance cruise missile weekend meet camp david boris yeltsin russian federation inform president yeltsin commonwealth former soviet union eliminate ballistic missile follow eliminate peacekeeper missile reduce number warhead minuteman missiles one reduce number warhead missile convert substantial portion strategic bomber primarily conventional use president yeltsin early response positive expect talk camp david fruitful want know half century american president long make decision say word even midst celebration must keep caution friend world still dangerous place dead see end conflict though yesterday challenge behind u tomorrow bear secretary defense recommend cut consultation joint chiefs staff make confidence misunderstand reduction approve save u additional 50 billion next 5 year 1997 cut defense 30 percent since take office cut deep must know resolve deep deeper less would insensible progress would ignorant history must go back day hollow army repeat mistake make twice century armistice follow recklessness defense purge world permanently safe remind evening ask support funding program protect country limit nuclear missile attack must protection many people many country access nuclear arm urge pass strategic defense initiative sdi say turn away world special role special place united state america leader west become leader world long president continue lead support freedom everywhere arrogance altruism safety security child fact strength pursuit peace vice isolationism pursuit security virtue trouble home economic primary problem economy good sign inflation thief interest rate unemployment high industry trouble growth let tell right start right heart know hard time know something else stand chamber chamber bring courage sense common purpose economy bring desert storm defeat hard time together believe help one reason patriot want best country believe heart want put partisanship aside get job do right thing power america rest stir simple idea people great thing set free well go set economy free age miracles wonder teach u anything change world change america must encourage investment must make easy people invest money create new product new industry new job must clear away obstacle growth high tax high regulation redtape yes wasteful government spend none happen snap finger happen test plan whether call new dazzling american people impressed gimmick smarter score u room test plan sound work must plan address immediate need heat economy need long term plan keep combustion go guarantee place world economy certain thing president without congress go even ask major cabinet department federal agency institute moratorium new federal regulation could hinder growth 90 day major department agency carry review regulation old new stop one hurt growth speed help growth untold number responsible american worker business men woman force go without needed bank loan bank credit crunch must end neglect responsibility sound regulation serve public good regulatory overkill must stop instructed government regulator stop direct cabinet department federal agency speed progrowth expenditure quickly possible put extra 10 billion economy next 6 month new transportation bill provide 150 billion construction maintenance project vital growth mean job build road job build bridge job build railway even direct secretary treasury change federal tax withholding table change million american government withholds necessary choose government withhold less paycheck something tell number taxpayer may take u one initiative could return 25 billion back economy next 12 month money people use help pay clothe college get new car finally work federal reserve continue support monetary policy keep interest rate inflation thing member congress let tell country must pass element plan meet economic need everyone know investment spur recovery propose even change alternative minimum tax creation new investment tax allowance encourage business accelerate investment bring people back work real estate lead economy almost tough time ever build start carpenter plumber work people buy home take mortgage plan would modify passive loss rule active real estate developer would make easy pension plan purchase real estate american dream buy first home quite afford plan would allow homebuyers withdraw saving ira without penalty provide tax credit first purchase home finally immediate plan call congress give crucial help people home everyone business farm single investment time hour take answer must cut capital gain tax people country never issue demagogued opponent demagog wrong wrong know sixty percent people benefit low capital gain income cut capital gain tax increase job help everyone country ask cut capital gain tax maximum percent tell say oh someone comfortable may benefit kind remind old definition puritan could sleep night worry somehow someone somewhere good time laughter opponent measure author various bill float around chamber remind something aim big guy usually hit little guy maybe time stop plan part member congress require enactment commonsense proposal strong effect economy without break budget agreement without raise tax rate plan pass kicking get care trouble today provide billion budget extend federal unemployment benefit ask congressional action right away thank committee applause well last let u frank let u frank let level know know plan unveil political season laughter know know everything propose view merely partisan term ask know heart aim increase nation good think right propose know help pride prudent man believe patience virtue understand politics game sometimes game stop progress decry lack improvement laughter let tell far important political future far important country member chamber practical people know resent practical advice people put party fortune whatever party whatever side aisle public good court defeat country certainly deserve submit plan tomorrow ask pas march 20th ask american people let know want action march 20th day must battle join know principle stake relish good fair fight say plan two part second part heart matter enough get immediate burst need improvement economic position know key economic future ensure america continue economic leader world power plan guarantee future first trade work break wall stop world trade work open market everywhere major trade negotiation continue push eliminate tariff subsidy damage america farmer worker get good american job within hemisphere north american free trade agreement enterprise america initiative change come workplace future demand highly skilled worker ever people highly educate must world leader education must revolutionize america school america 2000 strategy help u reach goal plan give parent choice give teacher flexibility help community create new american school thirty state across nation establish america 2000 program hundreds city town join congress must join great movement pas proposal new american school second proposal third must make commonsense investment help u compete marketplace must encourage research development plan make r tax credit permanent provide record level support 76 billion year alone people explore promise emerge technology fourth must something crime drug time major renew investment fight violent street crime sap strength hurt faith society future together surely tired woman way work 6 morning subway deserves right get safely surely true everyone change life crime afraid go night afraid walk park pay surely people deny basic civil right time restore congress pas comprehensive crime bill tough criminal supportive police languish hallow hall year pass help country fifth ask tonight fund hope housing proposal pass enterprise zone legislation get business inner city must empower poor pride come own home get job become part thing plan would encourage real estate construction extend tax incentive mortgage revenue bond housing ask tonight record expenditures program help child bear want move excellence head start step six must reform health care system bear whether compete world american health cost explode year america spend 800 billion health expect grow trillion end decade simply afford cost health care show family budget price everything buy everything sell health coverage fellow assembly line cost thousand dollar cost go product make pay bill must make choice pretend way call play pay expensive approach unstable mean high tax few job eventually system complete government control really two option move toward nationalized system system restrict patient choice pick doctor force government ration service arbitrarily get patient long line indifferent service huge new tax burden reform private health care system still give u flaws best quality health care world well let u build strengths plan provide insurance security americans preserve increase idea choice make basic health insurance affordable people cover provide health insurance tax credit family middle class get help reform health insurance market plan assure americans access basic health insurance even change job develop serious health problem must bring cost control preserve quality preserve choice reduce people nag daily worry health insurance plan detail announce shortly seventh must get federal deficit control law enforceable spending cap requirement pay program create congress would ease discipline let plan would freeze domestic discretionary budget authority mean next year year tamper social security would put real cap growth uncontrolled spending would also freeze federal domestic government employment help congress plan get rid 246 program deserve federal funding noble title none indispensable get rid every one know time rediscover home truth american people never forget government big spends much call upon congress adopt measure help put end annual ritual filling budget pork barrel appropriation every year press field day make fun outrageous example lawrence welk museum research grant belgian endive know thing get budget maybe need someone help say know say know need make stick give thing 43 governor veto let help control spending must put end unfinanced federal government mandate requirement congress put city county state without supply money congress pass mandate forced pay balance cost saving elsewhere mandate increase someone else burden mean high tax state local level step eight congress enact bold reform proposal still await congressional action bank reform civil justice reform tort reform national energy strategy finally must strengthen family family great bearing future barbara hold aid baby arm read child say every person country family matter announce tonight new commission america urban family ask missouri governor john ashcroft chairman former dallas mayor annette strauss cochair know mayor lead mayor league city day white house tell something striking say every one republican democrat agree one thing major problem city dissolution family ask commission right ask time determine keep family together strong sound one thing right away ease burden rear child ask tonight raise personal exemption 500 per child every family family four kid increase good start right direction afford time allow family deduct interest pay student loan ask ask allow people use money ira pay medical education expense without penalty ask ask american parent dislike thing go country chance good pretty soon get welfare american generous people earth go back insight franklin roosevelt speak become welfare program warn must become narcotic subtle destroyer spirit welfare never mean lifestyle never mean habit never suppose pass generation generation like legacy time replace assumption welfare state help reform welfare system state throughout country begin operate new assumption people receive government assistance responsibility taxpayer responsibility seek work education job train responsibility get live order responsibility hold family together refrain child wedlock responsibility obey law go help movement often state reform require waive certain federal regulation act make process easy quicker every state asks help want add make change work together improve system intention scapegoating read paper watch tv know rise day certain kind ugliness racist comment increase sense division really u acceptable plan america ask big thing believe heart right know kind american tradition show certain skepticism toward democratic institution sometimes think age process could delay make way congress laughter deliberate discus fine friend people wait need help mood among u people worry talk decline someone even say worker lazy uninspired thought really go tell neil armstrong stand moon tell men woman put tell american farmer feed country world tell men woman desert storm mood come go greatness endures maybe moment good remember dailiness live forget still ever free nation earth kind nation earth strong nation earth always rise occasion go lift nation hard time inch inch day day would stop u good step aside look hard time make vow stand move together rise nation future miracle still night hope world thank god bless god bless beloved country thank much