Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens: As we gather tonight, our Nation is at war; our economy is in recession; and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet, the state of our Union has never been stronger. We last met in an hour of shock and suffering. In 4 short months, our Nation has comforted the victims, begun to rebuild New York and the Pentagon, rallied a great coalition, captured, arrested, and rid the world of thousands of terrorists, destroyed Afghanistan's terrorist training camps, saved a people from starvation, and freed a country from brutal oppression. The American flag flies again over our Embassy in Kabul. Terrorists who once occupied Afghanistan now occupy cells at Guantanamo Bay. And terrorist leaders who urged followers to sacrifice their lives are running for their own. America and Afghanistan are now allies against terror. We'll be partners in rebuilding that country. And this evening we welcomed the distinguished interim leader of a liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamid Karzai. The last time we met in this Chamber, the mothers and daughters of Afghanistan were captives in their own homes, forbidden from working or going to school. Today, women are free and are part of Afghanistan's new Government. And we welcome the new Minister of Women's Affairs, Dr. Sima Samar. Our progress is a tribute to the spirit of the Afghan people, to the resolve of our coalition, and to the might of the United States military. When I called our troops into action, I did so with complete confidence in their courage and skill. And tonight, thanks to them, we are winning the war on terror. The men and women of our Armed Forces have delivered a message now clear to every enemy of the United States: Even 7,000 miles away, across oceans and continents, on mountaintops and in caves, you will not escape the justice of this Nation. For many Americans, these 4 months have brought sorrow and pain that will never completely go away. Every day a retired firefighter returns to Ground Zero to feel closer to his two sons who died there. At a memorial in New York, a little boy left his football with a note for his lost father: "Dear Daddy, please take this to heaven. I don't want to play football until I can play with you again some day." Last month, at the grave of her husband, Micheal, a CIA officer and marine who died in Mazar-e-Sharif, Shannon Spann said these words of farewell, "Semper Fi, my love." Shannon is with us tonight. Shannon, I assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our cause is just, and our country will never forget the debt we owe Micheal and all who gave their lives for freedom. Our cause is just, and it continues. Our discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed our worst fears and showed us the true scope of the task ahead. We have seen the depth of our enemies' hatred in videos where they laugh about the loss of innocent life. And the depth of their hatred is equaled by the madness of the destruction they design. We have found diagrams of American nuclear powerplants and public water facilities, detailed instructions for making chemical weapons, surveillance maps of American cities, and thorough descriptions of landmarks in America and throughout the world. What we have found in Afghanistan confirms that, far from ending there, our war against terror is only beginning. Most of the 19 men who hijacked planes on September the 11th were trained in Afghanistan's camps, and so were tens of thousands of others. Thousands of dangerous killers, schooled in the methods of murder, often supported by outlaw regimes, are now spread throughout the world like ticking timebombs, set to go off without warning. Thanks to the work of our law enforcement officials and coalition partners, hundreds of terrorists have been arrested. Yet, tens of thousands of trained terrorists are still at large. These enemies view the entire world as a battlefield, and we must pursue them wherever they are. So long as training camps operate, so long as nations harbor terrorists, freedom is at risk. And America and our allies must not and will not allow it. Our Nation will continue to be steadfast and patient and persistent in the pursuit of two great objectives. First, we will shut down terrorist camps, disrupt terrorist plans, and bring terrorists to justice. And second, we must prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons from threatening the United States and the world. Our military has put the terror training camps of Afghanistan out of business, yet camps still exist in at least a dozen countries. A terrorist underworld, including groups like Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, Jaish-e-Mohammed, operates in remote jungles and deserts and hides in the centers of large cities. While the most visible military action is in Afghanistan, America is acting elsewhere. We now have troops in the Philippines, helping to train that country's armed forces to go after terrorist cells that have executed an American and still hold hostages. Our soldiers, working with the Bosnian Government, seized terrorists who were plotting to bomb our Embassy. Our Navy is patrolling the coast of Africa to block the shipment of weapons and the establishment of terrorist camps in Somalia. My hope is that all nations will heed our call and eliminate the terrorist parasites who threaten their countries and our own. Many nations are acting forcefully. Pakistan is now cracking down on terror, and I admire the strong leadership of President Musharraf. But some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake about it: If they do not act, America will. Our second goal is to prevent regimes that sponsor terror from threatening America or our friends and allies with weapons of mass destruction. Some of these regimes have been pretty quiet since September the 11th, but we know their true nature. North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens. Iran aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an unelected few repress the Iranian people's hope for freedom. Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax and nerve gas and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens, leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections, then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world. States like these and their terrorist allies constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic. We will work closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state sponsors the materials, technology, and expertise to make and deliver weapons of mass destruction. We will develop and deploy effective missile defenses to protect America and our allies from sudden attack. And all nations should know: America will do what is necessary to ensure our Nation's security. We'll be deliberate; yet, time is not on our side. I will not wait on events while dangers gather. I will not stand by as peril draws closer and closer. The United States of America will not permit the world's most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the world's most destructive weapons. Our war on terror is well begun, but it is only begun. This campaign may not be finished on our watch; yet, it must be and it will be waged on our watch. We can't stop short. If we stop now, leaving terror camps intact and terrorist states unchecked, our sense of security would be false and temporary. History has called America and our allies to action, and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom's fight. Our first priority must always be the security of our Nation, and that will be reflected in the budget I send to Congress. My budget supports three great goals for America: We will win this war; we will protect our homeland; and we will revive our economy. September the 11th brought out the best in America and the best in this Congress. And I join the American people in applauding your unity and resolve. Now Americans deserve to have this same spirit directed toward addressing problems here at home. I'm a proud member of my party. Yet as we act to win the war, protect our people, and create jobs in America, we must act, first and foremost, not as Republicans, not as Democrats but as Americans. It costs a lot to fight this war. We have spent more than a billion dollars a month, over $30 million a day, and we must be prepared for future operations. Afghanistan proved that expensive precision weapons defeat the enemy and spare innocent lives, and we need more of them. We need to replace aging aircraft and make our military more agile to put our troops anywhere in the world quickly and safely. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best weapons, the best equipment, the best training, and they also deserve another pay raise. My budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two decades, because while the price of freedom and security is high, it is never too high. Whatever it costs to defend our country, we will pay. The next priority of my budget is to do everything possible to protect our citizens and strengthen our Nation against the ongoing threat of another attack. Time and distance from the events of September the 11th will not make us safer unless we act on its lessons. America is no longer protected by vast oceans. We are protected from attack only by vigorous action abroad and increased vigilance at home. My budget nearly doubles funding for a sustained strategy of homeland security, focused on four key areas: bioterrorism, emergency response, airport and border security, and improved intelligence. We will develop vaccines to fight anthrax and other deadly diseases. We'll increase funding to help States and communities train and equip our heroic police and firefighters. We will improve intelligence collection and sharing, expand patrols at our borders, strengthen the security of air travel, and use technology to track the arrivals and departures of visitors to the United States. Homeland security will make America not only stronger but, in many ways, better. Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health. Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods. Stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. And as government works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens. A few days before Christmas, an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting a match. The crew and passengers quickly subdued the man, who had been trained by Al Qaida and was armed with explosives. The people on that plane were alert and, as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives. And tonight we welcome and thank flight attendants Hermis Moutardier and Christina Jones. Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people. To achieve these great national objectives—to win the war, protect the homeland, and revitalize our economy—our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. We have clear priorities, and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas. We'll prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession. Americans who have lost their jobs need our help, and I support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage. Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks; they want a steady paycheck. When America works, America prospers, so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word: jobs. Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we've made a fine start. Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve historic education reform so that no child is left behind. I was proud to work with members of both parties: Chairman John Boehner and Congressman George Miller; Senator Judd Gregg. And I was so proud of our work, I even had nice things to say about my friend Ted Kennedy. [ ] I know the folks at the Crawford coffee shop couldn't believe I'd say such a thing— [ ]—but our work on this bill shows what is possible if we set aside posturing and focus on results. There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs. We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America, a quality teacher in every classroom. Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil. Good jobs depend on expanded trade. Selling into new markets creates new jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion authority. On these two key issues, trade and energy, the House of Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation. Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. Last year, some in this Hall thought my tax relief plan was too small; some thought it was too big. But when the checks arrived in the mail, most Americans thought tax relief was just about right. Congress listened to the people and responded by reducing tax rates, doubling the child credit, and ending the death tax. For the sake of long-term growth and to help Americans plan for the future, let's make these tax cuts permanent. The way out of this recession, the way to create jobs, is to grow the economy by encouraging investment in factories and equipment and by speeding up tax relief so people have more money to spend. For the sake of American workers, let's pass a stimulus package. Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform. As we reauthorize these important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on government and offer every American the dignity of a job. Americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without health security. I ask Congress to join me this year to enact a patients' bill of rights, to give uninsured workers credits to help buy health coverage, to approve an historic increase in the spending for veterans' health, and to give seniors a sound and modern Medicare system that includes coverage for prescription drugs. A good job should lead to security in retirement. I ask Congress to enact new safeguards for 401(k) and pension plans. Employees who have worked hard and saved all their lives should not have to risk losing everything if their company fails. Through stricter accounting standards and tougher disclosure requirements, corporate America must be made more accountable to employees and shareholders and held to the highest standards of conduct. Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of Social Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them. Members, you and I will work together in the months ahead on other issues: productive farm policy; a cleaner environment; broader homeownership, especially among minorities; and ways to encourage the good work of charities and faith-based groups. I ask you to join me on these important domestic issues in the same spirit of cooperation we've applied to our war against terrorism. During these last few months, I've been humbled and privileged to see the true character of this country in a time of testing. Our enemies believed America was weak and materialistic, that we would splinter in fear and selfishness. They were as wrong as they are evil. The American people have responded magnificently, with courage and compassion, strength and resolve. As I have met the heroes, hugged the families, and looked into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood in awe of the American people. And I hope you will join me—I hope you will join me in expressing thanks to one American for the strength and calm and comfort she brings to our Nation in crisis, our First Lady, Laura Bush. None of us would ever wish the evil that was done on September the 11th. Yet, after America was attacked, it was as if our entire country looked into a mirror and saw our better selves. We were reminded that we are citizens with obligations to each other, to our country, and to history. We began to think less of the goods we can accumulate and more about the good we can do. For too long our culture has said, "If it feels good, do it." Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed, "Let's roll." In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass. My call tonight is for every American to commit at least 2 years, 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime, to the service of your neighbors and your Nation. Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you aren't sure how to help, I've got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout the world. One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps will be homeland security. America needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies, volunteers to help police and fire departments, transportation and utility workers well-trained in spotting danger. Our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities. We need mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison. And we need more talented teachers in troubled schools. USA Freedom Corps will expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 new volunteers. And America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world. So we will renew the promise of the Peace Corps, double its volunteers over the next 5 years, and ask it to join a new effort to encourage development and education and opportunity in the Islamic world. This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity, a moment we must seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater good. And we have a great opportunity during this time of war to lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace. All fathers and mothers, in all societies, want their children to be educated and live free from poverty and violence. No people on Earth yearn to be oppressed or aspire to servitude or eagerly await the midnight knock of the secret police. If anyone doubts this, let them look to Afghanistan, where the Islamic "street" greeted the fall of tyranny with song and celebration. Let the skeptics look to Islam's own rich history, with its centuries of learning and tolerance and progress. America will lead by defending liberty and justice because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere. No nation owns these aspirations, and no nation is exempt from them. We have no intention of imposing our culture. But America will always stand firm for the nonnegotiable demands of human dignity: the rule of law; limits on the power of the state; respect for women; private property; free speech; equal justice; and religious tolerance. America will take the side of brave men and women who advocate these values around the world, including the Islamic world, because we have a greater objective than eliminating threats and containing resentment. We seek a just and peaceful world beyond the war on terror. In this moment of opportunity, a common danger is erasing old rivalries. America is working with Russia and China and India, in ways we have never before, to achieve peace and prosperity. In every region, free markets and free trade and free societies are proving their power to lift lives. Together with friends and allies from Europe to Asia and Africa to Latin America, we will demonstrate that the forces of terror cannot stop the momentum of freedom. The last time I spoke here, I expressed the hope that life would return to normal. In some ways, it has. In others, it never will. Those of us who have lived through these challenging times have been changed by them. We've come to know truths that we will never question: Evil is real, and it must be opposed. Beyond all differences of race or creed, we are one country, mourning together and facing danger together. Deep in the American character, there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again that even in tragedy—especially in tragedy— God is near. In a single instant, we realized that this will be a decisive decade in the history of liberty, that we've been called to a unique role in human events. Rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or consequential. Our enemies send other people's children on missions of suicide and murder. They embrace tyranny and death as a cause and a creed. We stand for a different choice, made long ago on the day of our founding. We affirm it again today. We choose freedom and the dignity of every life. Steadfast in our purpose, we now press on. We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. And in this great conflict, my fellow Americans, we will see freedom's victory. Thank you all. May God bless.
Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens: As we gather tonight, our Nation is at war; our economy is in recession; and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet, the state of our Union has never been stronger. We last met in an hour of shock and suffering. In 4 short months, our Nation has comforted the victims, begun to rebuild New York and the Pentagon, rallied a great coalition, captured, arrested, and rid the world of thousands of terrorists, destroyed Afghanistan's terrorist training camps, saved a people from starvation, and freed a country from brutal oppression. The American flag flies again over our Embassy in Kabul. Terrorists who once occupied Afghanistan now occupy cells at Guantanamo Bay. And terrorist leaders who urged followers to sacrifice their lives are running for their own. America and Afghanistan are now allies against terror. We will be partners in rebuilding that country. And this evening we welcomed the distinguished interim leader of a liberated Afghanistan, Chairman Hamid Karzai. The last time we met in this Chamber, the mothers and daughters of Afghanistan were captives in their own homes, forbidden from working or going to school. Today, women are free and are part of Afghanistan's new Government. And we welcome the new Minister of Women's Affairs, Dr. Sima Samar. Our progress is a tribute to the spirit of the Afghan people, to the resolve of our coalition, and to the might of the United States military. When I called our troops into action, I did so with complete confidence in their courage and skill. And tonight, thanks to them, we are winning the war on terror. The men and women of our Armed Forces have delivered a message now clear to every enemy of the United States: Even 7,000 miles away, across oceans and continents, on mountaintops and in caves, you will not escape the justice of this Nation. For many Americans, these 4 months have brought sorrow and pain that will never completely go away. Every day a retired firefighter returns to Ground Zero to feel closer to his two sons who died there. At a memorial in New York, a little boy left his football with a note for his lost father: "Dear Daddy, please take this to heaven. I do not want to play football until I can play with you again some day." Last month, at the grave of her husband, Micheal, a CIA officer and marine who died in Mazar-e-Sharif, Shannon Spann said these words of farewell, "Semper Fi, my love." Shannon is with us tonight. Shannon, I assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our because is just, and our country will never forget the debt we owe Micheal and all who gave their lives for freedom. Our because is just, and it continues. Our discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed our worst fears and showed us the true scope of the task ahead. We have seen the depth of our enemies' hatred in videos where they laugh about the loss of innocent life. And the depth of their hatred is equaled by the madness of the destruction they design. We have found diagrams of American nuclear powerplants and public water facilities, detailed instructions for making chemical weapons, surveillance maps of American cities, and thorough descriptions of landmarks in America and throughout the world. What we have found in Afghanistan confirms that, far from ending there, our war against terror is only beginning. Most of the 19 men who hijacked planes on September the 11th were trained in Afghanistan's camps, and so were tens of thousands of others. Thousands of dangerous killers, schooled in the methods of murder, often supported by outlaw regimes, are now spread throughout the world like ticking timebombs, set to go off without warning. Thanks to the work of our law enforcement officials and coalition partners, hundreds of terrorists have been arrested. Yet, tens of thousands of trained terrorists are still at large. These enemies view the entire world as a battlefield, and we must pursue them wherever they are. So long as training camps operate, so long as nations harbor terrorists, freedom is at risk. And America and our allies must not and will not allow it. Our Nation will continue to be steadfast and patient and persistent in the pursuit of two great objectives. First, we will shut down terrorist camps, disrupt terrorist plans, and bring terrorists to justice. And second, we must prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons from threatening the United States and the world. Our military has put the terror training camps of Afghanistan out of business, yet camps still exist in at least a dozen countries. A terrorist underworld, including groups like Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, Jaish-e-Mohammed, operates in remote jungles and deserts and hides in the centers of large cities. While the most visible military action is in Afghanistan, America is acting elsewhere. We now have troops in the Philippines, helping to train that country's armed forces to go after terrorist cells that have executed an American and still hold hostages. Our soldiers, working with the Bosnian Government, seized terrorists who were plotting to bomb our Embassy. Our Navy is patrolling the coast of Africa to block the shipment of weapons and the establishment of terrorist camps in Somalia. My hope is that all nations will heed our call and eliminate the terrorist parasites who threaten their countries and our own. Many nations are acting forcefully. Pakistan is now cracking down on terror, and I admire the strong leadership of President Musharraf. But some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake about it: If they do not act, America will. Our second goal is to prevent regimes that sponsor terror from threatening America or our friends and allies with weapons of mass destruction. Some of these regimes have been pretty quiet since September the 11th, but we know their true nature. North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens. Iran aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an unelected few repress the Iranian people's hope for freedom. Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax and nerve gas and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens, leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections, then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world. States like these and their terrorist allies constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic. We will work closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state sponsors the materials, technology, and expertise to make and deliver weapons of mass destruction. We will develop and deploy effective missile defenses to protect America and our allies from sudden attack. And all nations should know: America will do what is necessary to ensure our Nation's security. We will be deliberate; yet, time is not on our side. I will not wait on events while dangers gather. I will not stand by as peril draws closer and closer. The United States of America will not permit the world's most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the world's most destructive weapons. Our war on terror is well begun, but it is only begun. This campaign may not be finished on our watch; yet, it must be and it will be waged on our watch. We cannot stop short. If we stop now, leaving terror camps intact and terrorist states unchecked, our sense of security would be false and temporary. History has called America and our allies to action, and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom's fight. Our first priority must always be the security of our Nation, and that will be reflected in the budget I send to Congress. My budget supports three great goals for America: We will win this war; we will protect our homeland; and we will revive our economy. September the 11th brought out the best in America and the best in this Congress. And I join the American people in applauding your unity and resolve. Now Americans deserve to have this same spirit directed toward addressing problems here at home. I am a proud member of my party. Yet as we act to win the war, protect our people, and create jobs in America, we must act, first and foremost, not as Republicans, not as Democrats but as Americans. It costs a lot to fight this war. We have spent more than a billion dollars a month, over $30 million a day, and we must be prepared for future operations. Afghanistan proved that expensive precision weapons defeat the enemy and spare innocent lives, and we need more of them. We need to replace aging aircraft and make our military more agile to put our troops anywhere in the world quickly and safely. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best weapons, the best equipment, the best training, and they also deserve another pay raise. My budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two decades, because while the price of freedom and security is high, it is never too high. Whatever it costs to defend our country, we will pay. The next priority of my budget is to do everything possible to protect our citizens and strengthen our Nation against the ongoing threat of another attack. Time and distance from the events of September the 11th will not make us safer unless we act on its lessons. America is no longer protected by vast oceans. We are protected from attack only by vigorous action abroad and increased vigilance at home. My budget nearly doubles funding for a sustained strategy of homeland security, focused on four key areas: bioterrorism, emergency response, airport and border security, and improved intelligence. We will develop vaccines to fight anthrax and other deadly diseases. We will increase funding to help States and communities train and equip our heroic police and firefighters. We will improve intelligence collection and sharing, expand patrols at our borders, strengthen the security of air travel, and use technology to track the arrivals and departures of visitors to the United States. Homeland security will make America not only stronger but, in many ways, better. Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health. Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods. Stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. And as government works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens. A few days before Christmas, an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting a match. The crew and passengers quickly subdued the man, who had been trained by Al Qaida and was armed with explosives. The people on that plane were alert and, as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives. And tonight we welcome and thank flight attendants Hermis Moutardier and Christina Jones. Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people. To achieve these great national objectives—to win the war, protect the homeland, and revitalize our economy—our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. We have clear priorities, and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas. We will prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession. Americans who have lost their jobs need our help, and I support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage. Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks; they want a steady paycheck. When America works, America prospers, so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word: jobs. Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we have made a fine start. Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve historic education reform so that no child is left behind. I was proud to work with members of both parties: Chairman John Boehner and Congressman George Miller; Senator Judd Gregg. And I was so proud of our work, I even had nice things to say about my friend Ted Kennedy. [ ] I know the folks at the Crawford coffee shop could not believe I would say such a thing— [ ]—but our work on this bill shows what is possible if we set aside posturing and focus on results. There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs. We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America, a quality teacher in every classroom. Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil. Good jobs depend on expanded trade. Selling into new markets creates new jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion authority. On these two key issues, trade and energy, the House of Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation. Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. Last year, some in this Hall thought my tax relief plan was too small; some thought it was too big. But when the checks arrived in the mail, most Americans thought tax relief was just about right. Congress listened to the people and responded by reducing tax rates, doubling the child credit, and ending the death tax. For the sake of long-term growth and to help Americans plan for the future, let us make these tax cuts permanent. The way out of this recession, the way to create jobs, is to grow the economy by encouraging investment in factories and equipment and by speeding up tax relief so people have more money to spend. For the sake of American workers, let us pass a stimulus package. Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform. As we reauthorize these important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on government and offer every American the dignity of a job. Americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without health security. I ask Congress to join me this year to enact a patients' bill of rights, to give uninsured workers credits to help buy health coverage, to approve an historic increase in the spending for veterans' health, and to give seniors a sound and modern Medicare system that includes coverage for prescription drugs. A good job should lead to security in retirement. I ask Congress to enact new safeguards for 401(k) and pension plans. Employees who have worked hard and saved all their lives should not have to risk losing everything if their company fails. Through stricter accounting standards and tougher disclosure requirements, corporate America must be made more accountable to employees and shareholders and held to the highest standards of conduct. Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of Social Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them. Members, you and I will work together in the months ahead on other issues: productive farm policy; a cleaner environment; broader homeownership, especially among minorities; and ways to encourage the good work of charities and faith-based groups. I ask you to join me on these important domestic issues in the same spirit of cooperation we have applied to our war against terrorism. During these last few months, I have been humbled and privileged to see the true character of this country in a time of testing. Our enemies believed America was weak and materialistic, that we would splinter in fear and selfishness. They were as wrong as they are evil. The American people have responded magnificently, with courage and compassion, strength and resolve. As I have met the heroes, hugged the families, and looked into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood in awe of the American people. And I hope you will join me—I hope you will join me in expressing thanks to one American for the strength and calm and comfort she brings to our Nation in crisis, our First Lady, Laura Bush. None of us would ever wish the evil that was done on September the 11th. Yet, after America was attacked, it was as if our entire country looked into a mirror and saw our better selves. We were reminded that we are citizens with obligations to each other, to our country, and to history. We began to think less of the goods we can accumulate and more about the good we can do. For too long our culture has said, "If it feels good, do it." Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed, "Let us roll." In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We have been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass. My call tonight is for every American to commit at least 2 years, 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime, to the service of your neighbors and your Nation. Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you are not sure how to help, I have got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout the world. One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps will be homeland security. America needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies, volunteers to help police and fire departments, transportation and utility workers well-trained in spotting danger. Our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities. We need mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison. And we need more talented teachers in troubled schools. USA Freedom Corps will expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit more than 200,000 new volunteers. And America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world. So we will renew the promise of the Peace Corps, double its volunteers over the next 5 years, and ask it to join a new effort to encourage development and education and opportunity in the Islamic world. This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity, a moment we must seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater good. And we have a great opportunity during this time of war to lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace. All fathers and mothers, in all societies, want their children to be educated and live free from poverty and violence. No people on Earth yearn to be oppressed or aspire to servitude or eagerly await the midnight knock of the secret police. If anyone doubts this, let them look to Afghanistan, where the Islamic "street" greeted the fall of tyranny with song and celebration. Let the skeptics look to Islam's own rich history, with its centuries of learning and tolerance and progress. America will lead by defending liberty and justice because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere. No nation owns these aspirations, and no nation is exempt from them. We have no intention of imposing our culture. But America will always stand firm for the nonnegotiable demands of human dignity: the rule of law; limits on the power of the state; respect for women; private property; free speech; equal justice; and religious tolerance. America will take the side of brave men and women who advocate these values around the world, including the Islamic world, because we have a greater objective than eliminating threats and containing resentment. We seek a just and peaceful world beyond the war on terror. In this moment of opportunity, a common danger is erasing old rivalries. America is working with Russia and China and India, in ways we have never before, to achieve peace and prosperity. In every region, free markets and free trade and free societies are proving their power to lift lives. Together with friends and allies from Europe to Asia and Africa to Latin America, we will demonstrate that the forces of terror cannot stop the momentum of freedom. The last time I spoke here, I expressed the hope that life would return to normal. In some ways, it has. In others, it never will. Those of us who have lived through these challenging times have been changed by them. We have come to know truths that we will never question: Evil is real, and it must be opposed. Beyond all differences of race or creed, we are one country, mourning together and facing danger together. Deep in the American character, there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again that even in tragedy—especially in tragedy— God is near. In a single instant, we realized that this will be a decisive decade in the history of liberty, that we have been called to a unique role in human events. Rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or consequential. Our enemies send other people's children on missions of suicide and murder. They embrace tyranny and death as a because and a creed. We stand for a different choice, made long ago on the day of our founding. We affirm it again today. We choose freedom and the dignity of every life. Steadfast in our purpose, we now press on. We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. And in this great conflict, my fellow Americans, we will see freedom's victory. Thank you all. May God bless.
thank you very much speaker vice president cheney members of congress distinguished guests fellow citizens as we gather tonight our nation is at war our economy is in recession and the civilized world faces unprecedented dangers yet the state of our union has never been stronger we last met in an hour of shock and suffering in 4 short months our nation has comforted the victims begun to rebuild new york and the pentagon rallied a great coalition captured arrested and rid the world of thousands of terrorists destroyed afghanistan terrorist training camps saved a people from starvation and freed a country from brutal oppression the american flag flies again over our embassy in kabul terrorists who once occupied afghanistan now occupy cells at guantanamo bay and terrorist leaders who urged followers to sacrifice their lives are running for their own america and afghanistan are now allies against terror we will be partners in rebuilding that country and this evening we welcomed the distinguished interim leader of a liberated afghanistan chairman hamid karzai the last time we met in this chamber the mothers and daughters of afghanistan were captives in their own homes forbidden from working or going to school today women are free and are part of afghanistan new government and we welcome the new minister of women affairs sima samar our progress is a tribute to the spirit of the afghan people to the resolve of our coalition and to the might of the united states military when i called our troops into action i did so with complete confidence in their courage and skill and tonight thanks to them we are winning the war on terror the men and women of our armed forces have delivered a message now clear to every enemy of the united states even miles away across oceans and continents on mountaintops and in caves you will not escape the justice of this nation for many americans these 4 months have brought sorrow and pain that will never completely go away every day a retired firefighter returns to ground zero to feel closer to his two sons who died there at a memorial in new york a little boy left his football with a note for his lost father dear daddy please take this to heaven i do not want to play football until i can play with you again some day last month at the grave of her husband micheal a cia officer and marine who died in shannon spann said these words of farewell semper fi my love shannon is with us tonight shannon i assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our because is just and our country will never forget the debt we owe micheal and all who gave their lives for freedom our because is just and it continues our discoveries in afghanistan confirmed our worst fears and showed us the true scope of the task ahead we have seen the depth of our enemies hatred in videos where they laugh about the loss of innocent life and the depth of their hatred is equaled by the madness of the destruction they design we have found diagrams of american nuclear powerplants and public water facilities detailed instructions for making chemical weapons surveillance maps of american cities and thorough descriptions of landmarks in america and throughout the world what we have found in afghanistan confirms that far from ending there our war against terror is only beginning most of the 19 men who hijacked planes on september the 11th were trained in afghanistan camps and so were tens of thousands of others thousands of dangerous killers schooled in the methods of murder often supported by outlaw regimes are now spread throughout the world like ticking timebombs set to go off without warning thanks to the work of our law enforcement officials and coalition partners hundreds of terrorists have been arrested yet tens of thousands of trained terrorists are still at large these enemies view the entire world as a battlefield and we must pursue them wherever they are so long as training camps operate so long as nations harbor terrorists freedom is at risk and america and our allies must not and will not allow it our nation will continue to be steadfast and patient and persistent in the pursuit of two great objectives first we will shut down terrorist camps disrupt terrorist plans and bring terrorists to justice and second we must prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical biological or nuclear weapons from threatening the united states and the world our military has put the terror training camps of afghanistan out of business yet camps still exist in at least a dozen countries a terrorist underworld including groups like hamas hizballah islamic jihad operates in remote jungles and deserts and hides in the centers of large cities while the most visible military action is in afghanistan america is acting elsewhere we now have troops in the philippines helping to train that country armed forces to go after terrorist cells that have executed an american and still hold hostages our soldiers working with the bosnian government seized terrorists who were plotting to bomb our embassy our navy is patrolling the coast of africa to block the shipment of weapons and the establishment of terrorist camps in somalia my hope is that all nations will heed our call and eliminate the terrorist parasites who threaten their countries and our own many nations are acting forcefully pakistan is now cracking down on terror and i admire the strong leadership of president musharraf but some governments will be timid in the face of terror and make no mistake about it if they do not act america will our second goal is to prevent regimes that sponsor terror from threatening america or our friends and allies with weapons of mass destruction some of these regimes have been pretty quiet since september the 11th but we know their true nature north korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction while starving its citizens iran aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror while an unelected few repress the iranian people hope for freedom iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward america and to support terror the iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax and nerve gas and nuclear weapons for over a decade this is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children this is a regime that agreed to international inspections then kicked out the inspectors this is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world states like these and their terrorist allies constitute an axis of evil arming to threaten the peace of the world by seeking weapons of mass destruction these regimes pose a grave and growing danger they could provide these arms to terrorists giving them the means to match their hatred they could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the united states in any of these cases the price of indifference would be catastrophic we will work closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state sponsors the materials technology and expertise to make and deliver weapons of mass destruction we will develop and deploy effective missile defenses to protect america and our allies from sudden attack and all nations should know america will do what is necessary to ensure our nation security we will be deliberate yet time is not on our side i will not wait on events while dangers gather i will not stand by as peril draws closer and closer the united states of america will not permit the world most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the world most destructive weapons our war on terror is well begun but it is only begun this campaign may not be finished on our watch yet it must be and it will be waged on our watch we can not stop short if we stop now leaving terror camps intact and terrorist states unchecked our sense of security would be false and temporary history has called america and our allies to action and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom fight our first priority must always be the security of our nation and that will be reflected in the budget i send to congress my budget supports three great goals for america we will win this war we will protect our homeland and we will revive our economy september the 11th brought out the best in america and the best in this congress and i join the american people in applauding your unity and resolve now americans deserve to have this same spirit directed toward addressing problems here at home i am a proud member of my party yet as we act to win the war protect our people and create jobs in america we must act first and foremost not as republicans not as democrats but as americans it costs a lot to fight this war we have spent more than a billion dollars a month over 30 million a day and we must be prepared for future operations afghanistan proved that expensive precision weapons defeat the enemy and spare innocent lives and we need more of them we need to replace aging aircraft and make our military more agile to put our troops anywhere in the world quickly and safely our men and women in uniform deserve the best weapons the best equipment the best training and they also deserve another pay raise my budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two decades because while the price of freedom and security is high it is never too high whatever it costs to defend our country we will pay the next priority of my budget is to do everything possible to protect our citizens and strengthen our nation against the ongoing threat of another attack time and distance from the events of september the 11th will not make us safer unless we act on its lessons america is no longer protected by vast oceans we are protected from attack only by vigorous action abroad and increased vigilance at home my budget nearly doubles funding for a sustained strategy of homeland security focused on four key areas bioterrorism emergency response airport and border security and improved intelligence we will develop vaccines to fight anthrax and other deadly diseases we will increase funding to help states and communities train and equip our heroic police and firefighters we will improve intelligence collection and sharing expand patrols at our borders strengthen the security of air travel and use technology to track the arrivals and departures of visitors to the united states homeland security will make america not only stronger but in many ways better knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs and as government works to better secure our homeland america will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens a few days before christmas an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting a match the crew and passengers quickly subdued the man who had been trained by al qaida and was armed with explosives the people on that plane were alert and as a result likely saved nearly 200 lives and tonight we welcome and thank flight attendants hermis moutardier and christina jones once we have funded our national security and our homeland security the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the american people to achieve these great national win the war protect the homeland and revitalize our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short term so long as congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner we have clear priorities and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas we will prevail in the war and we will defeat this recession americans who have lost their jobs need our help and i support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage yet american workers want more than unemployment checks they want a steady paycheck when america works america prospers so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word jobs good jobs begin with good schools and here we have made a fine start republicans and democrats worked together to achieve historic education reform so that no child is left behind i was proud to work with members of both parties chairman john boehner and congressman george miller senator judd gregg and i was so proud of our work i even had nice things to say about my friend ted kennedy i know the folks at the crawford coffee shop could not believe i would say such a our work on this bill shows what is possible if we set aside posturing and focus on results there is more to do we need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved head start and early childhood development programs we must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for america a quality teacher in every classroom good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy this congress must act to encourage conservation promote technology build infrastructure and it must act to increase energy production at home so america is less dependent on foreign oil good jobs depend on expanded trade selling into new markets creates new jobs so i ask congress to finally approve trade promotion authority on these two key issues trade and energy the house of representatives has acted to create jobs and i urge the senate to pass this legislation good jobs depend on sound tax policy last year some in this hall thought my tax relief plan was too small some thought it was too big but when the checks arrived in the mail most americans thought tax relief was just about right congress listened to the people and responded by reducing tax rates doubling the child credit and ending the death tax for the sake of growth and to help americans plan for the future let us make these tax cuts permanent the way out of this recession the way to create jobs is to grow the economy by encouraging investment in factories and equipment and by speeding up tax relief so people have more money to spend for the sake of american workers let us pass a stimulus package good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform as we reauthorize these important reforms we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on government and offer every american the dignity of a job americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without health security i ask congress to join me this year to enact a patients bill of rights to give uninsured workers credits to help buy health coverage to approve an historic increase in the spending for veterans health and to give seniors a sound and modern medicare system that includes coverage for prescription drugs a good job should lead to security in retirement i ask congress to enact new safeguards for 401 k and pension plans employees who have worked hard and saved all their lives should not have to risk losing everything if their company fails through stricter accounting standards and tougher disclosure requirements corporate america must be made more accountable to employees and shareholders and held to the highest standards of conduct retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of social security and we will we must make social security financially stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them members you and i will work together in the months ahead on other issues productive farm policy a cleaner environment broader homeownership especially among minorities and ways to encourage the good work of charities and groups i ask you to join me on these important domestic issues in the same spirit of cooperation we have applied to our war against terrorism during these last few months i have been humbled and privileged to see the true character of this country in a time of testing our enemies believed america was weak and materialistic that we would splinter in fear and selfishness they were as wrong as they are evil the american people have responded magnificently with courage and compassion strength and resolve as i have met the heroes hugged the families and looked into the tired faces of rescuers i have stood in awe of the american people and i hope you will join hope you will join me in expressing thanks to one american for the strength and calm and comfort she brings to our nation in crisis our first lady laura bush none of us would ever wish the evil that was done on september the 11th yet after america was attacked it was as if our entire country looked into a mirror and saw our better selves we were reminded that we are citizens with obligations to each other to our country and to history we began to think less of the goods we can accumulate and more about the good we can do for too long our culture has said if it feels good do it now america is embracing a new ethic and a new creed let us roll in the sacrifice of soldiers the fierce brotherhood of firefighters and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like we want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self we have been offered a unique opportunity and we must not let this moment pass my call tonight is for every american to commit at least 2 years hours over the rest of your lifetime to the service of your neighbors and your nation many are already serving and i thank you if you are not sure how to help i have got a good place to start to sustain and extend the best that has emerged in america i invite you to join the new usa freedom corps the freedom corps will focus on three areas of need responding in case of crisis at home rebuilding our communities and extending american compassion throughout the world one purpose of the usa freedom corps will be homeland security america needs retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies volunteers to help police and fire departments transportation and utility workers in spotting danger our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities we need mentors to love children especially children whose parents are in prison and we need more talented teachers in troubled schools usa freedom corps will expand and improve the good efforts of americorps and senior corps to recruit more than new volunteers and america needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world so we will renew the promise of the peace corps double its volunteers over the next 5 years and ask it to join a new effort to encourage development and education and opportunity in the islamic world this time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity a moment we must seize to change our culture through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness i know we can overcome evil with greater good and we have a great opportunity during this time of war to lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace all fathers and mothers in all societies want their children to be educated and live free from poverty and violence no people on earth yearn to be oppressed or aspire to servitude or eagerly await the midnight knock of the secret police if anyone doubts this let them look to afghanistan where the islamic street greeted the fall of tyranny with song and celebration let the skeptics look to islam own rich history with its centuries of learning and tolerance and progress america will lead by defending liberty and justice because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere no nation owns these aspirations and no nation is exempt from them we have no intention of imposing our culture but america will always stand firm for the nonnegotiable demands of human dignity the rule of law limits on the power of the state respect for women private property free speech equal justice and religious tolerance america will take the side of brave men and women who advocate these values around the world including the islamic world because we have a greater objective than eliminating threats and containing resentment we seek a just and peaceful world beyond the war on terror in this moment of opportunity a common danger is erasing old rivalries america is working with russia and china and india in ways we have never before to achieve peace and prosperity in every region free markets and free trade and free societies are proving their power to lift lives together with friends and allies from europe to asia and africa to latin america we will demonstrate that the forces of terror can not stop the momentum of freedom the last time i spoke here i expressed the hope that life would return to normal in some ways it has in others it never will those of us who have lived through these challenging times have been changed by them we have come to know truths that we will never question evil is real and it must be opposed beyond all differences of race or creed we are one country mourning together and facing danger together deep in the american character there is honor and it is stronger than cynicism and many have discovered again that even in in god is near in a single instant we realized that this will be a decisive decade in the history of liberty that we have been called to a unique role in human events rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or consequential our enemies send other people children on missions of suicide and murder they embrace tyranny and death as a because and a creed we stand for a different choice made long ago on the day of our founding we affirm it again today we choose freedom and the dignity of every life steadfast in our purpose we now press on we have known freedom price we have shown freedom power and in this great conflict my fellow americans we will see freedom victory thank you all may god bless
thank much speaker vice president cheney members congress distinguished guests fellow citizens gather tonight nation war economy recession civilized world faces unprecedented dangers yet state union never stronger last met hour shock suffering 4 short months nation comforted victims begun rebuild new york pentagon rallied great coalition captured arrested rid world thousands terrorists destroyed afghanistan terrorist training camps saved people starvation freed country brutal oppression american flag flies embassy kabul terrorists occupied afghanistan occupy cells guantanamo bay terrorist leaders urged followers sacrifice lives running america afghanistan allies terror partners rebuilding country evening welcomed distinguished interim leader liberated afghanistan chairman hamid karzai last time met chamber mothers daughters afghanistan captives homes forbidden working going school today women free part afghanistan new government welcome new minister women affairs sima samar progress tribute spirit afghan people resolve coalition might united states military called troops action complete confidence courage skill tonight thanks winning war terror men women armed forces delivered message clear every enemy united states even miles away across oceans continents mountaintops caves escape justice nation many americans 4 months brought sorrow pain never completely go away every day retired firefighter returns ground zero feel closer two sons died memorial new york little boy left football note lost father dear daddy please take heaven want play football play day last month grave husband micheal cia officer marine died shannon spann said words farewell semper fi love shannon us tonight shannon assure lost loved one country never forget debt owe micheal gave lives freedom continues discoveries afghanistan confirmed worst fears showed us true scope task ahead seen depth enemies hatred videos laugh loss innocent life depth hatred equaled madness destruction design found diagrams american nuclear powerplants public water facilities detailed instructions making chemical weapons surveillance maps american cities thorough descriptions landmarks america throughout world found afghanistan confirms far ending war terror beginning 19 men hijacked planes september 11th trained afghanistan camps tens thousands others thousands dangerous killers schooled methods murder often supported outlaw regimes spread throughout world like ticking timebombs set go without warning thanks work law enforcement officials coalition partners hundreds terrorists arrested yet tens thousands trained terrorists still large enemies view entire world battlefield must pursue wherever long training camps operate long nations harbor terrorists freedom risk america allies must allow nation continue steadfast patient persistent pursuit two great objectives first shut terrorist camps disrupt terrorist plans bring terrorists justice second must prevent terrorists regimes seek chemical biological nuclear weapons threatening united states world military put terror training camps afghanistan business yet camps still exist least dozen countries terrorist underworld including groups like hamas hizballah islamic jihad operates remote jungles deserts hides centers large cities visible military action afghanistan america acting elsewhere troops philippines helping train country armed forces go terrorist cells executed american still hold hostages soldiers working bosnian government seized terrorists plotting bomb embassy navy patrolling coast africa block shipment weapons establishment terrorist camps somalia hope nations heed call eliminate terrorist parasites threaten countries many nations acting forcefully pakistan cracking terror admire strong leadership president musharraf governments timid face terror make mistake act america second goal prevent regimes sponsor terror threatening america friends allies weapons mass destruction regimes pretty quiet since september 11th know true nature north korea regime arming missiles weapons mass destruction starving citizens iran aggressively pursues weapons exports terror unelected repress iranian people hope freedom iraq continues flaunt hostility toward america support terror iraqi regime plotted develop anthrax nerve gas nuclear weapons decade regime already used poison gas murder thousands citizens leaving bodies mothers huddled dead children regime agreed international inspections kicked inspectors regime something hide civilized world states like terrorist allies constitute axis evil arming threaten peace world seeking weapons mass destruction regimes pose grave growing danger could provide arms terrorists giving means match hatred could attack allies attempt blackmail united states cases price indifference would catastrophic work closely coalition deny terrorists state sponsors materials technology expertise make deliver weapons mass destruction develop deploy effective missile defenses protect america allies sudden attack nations know america necessary ensure nation security deliberate yet time side wait events dangers gather stand peril draws closer closer united states america permit world dangerous regimes threaten us world destructive weapons war terror well begun begun campaign may finished watch yet must waged watch stop short stop leaving terror camps intact terrorist states unchecked sense security would false temporary history called america allies action responsibility privilege fight freedom fight first priority must always security nation reflected budget send congress budget supports three great goals america win war protect homeland revive economy september 11th brought best america best congress join american people applauding unity resolve americans deserve spirit directed toward addressing problems home proud member party yet act win war protect people create jobs america must act first foremost republicans democrats americans costs lot fight war spent billion dollars month 30 million day must prepared future operations afghanistan proved expensive precision weapons defeat enemy spare innocent lives need need replace aging aircraft make military agile put troops anywhere world quickly safely men women uniform deserve best weapons best equipment best training also deserve another pay raise budget includes largest increase defense spending two decades price freedom security high never high whatever costs defend country pay next priority budget everything possible protect citizens strengthen nation ongoing threat another attack time distance events september 11th make us safer unless act lessons america longer protected vast oceans protected attack vigorous action abroad increased vigilance home budget nearly doubles funding sustained strategy homeland security focused four key areas bioterrorism emergency response airport border security improved intelligence develop vaccines fight anthrax deadly diseases increase funding help states communities train equip heroic police firefighters improve intelligence collection sharing expand patrols borders strengthen security air travel use technology track arrivals departures visitors united states homeland security make america stronger many ways better knowledge gained bioterrorism research improve public health stronger police fire departments mean safer neighborhoods stricter border enforcement help combat illegal drugs government works better secure homeland america continue depend eyes ears alert citizens days christmas airline flight attendant spotted passenger lighting match crew passengers quickly subdued man trained al qaida armed explosives people plane alert result likely saved nearly 200 lives tonight welcome thank flight attendants hermis moutardier christina jones funded national security homeland security final great priority budget economic security american people achieve great national win war protect homeland revitalize budget run deficit small short term long congress restrains spending acts fiscally responsible manner clear priorities must act home purpose resolve shown overseas prevail war defeat recession americans lost jobs need help support extending unemployment benefits direct assistance health care coverage yet american workers want unemployment checks want steady paycheck america works america prospers economic security plan summed one word jobs good jobs begin good schools made fine start republicans democrats worked together achieve historic education reform child left behind proud work members parties chairman john boehner congressman george miller senator judd gregg proud work even nice things say friend ted kennedy know folks crawford coffee shop could believe would say work bill shows possible set aside posturing focus results need prepare children read succeed school improved head start early childhood development programs must upgrade teacher colleges teacher training launch major recruiting drive great goal america quality teacher every classroom good jobs also depend reliable affordable energy congress must act encourage conservation promote technology build infrastructure must act increase energy production home america less dependent foreign oil good jobs depend expanded trade selling new markets creates new jobs ask congress finally approve trade promotion authority two key issues trade energy house representatives acted create jobs urge senate pass legislation good jobs depend sound tax policy last year hall thought tax relief plan small thought big checks arrived mail americans thought tax relief right congress listened people responded reducing tax rates doubling child credit ending death tax sake growth help americans plan future let us make tax cuts permanent way recession way create jobs grow economy encouraging investment factories equipment speeding tax relief people money spend sake american workers let us pass stimulus package good jobs must aim welfare reform reauthorize important reforms must always remember goal reduce dependency government offer every american dignity job americans know economic security vanish instant without health security ask congress join year enact patients bill rights give uninsured workers credits help buy health coverage approve historic increase spending veterans health give seniors sound modern medicare system includes coverage prescription drugs good job lead security retirement ask congress enact new safeguards 401 k pension plans employees worked hard saved lives risk losing everything company fails stricter accounting standards tougher disclosure requirements corporate america must made accountable employees shareholders held highest standards conduct retirement security also depends upon keeping commitments social security must make social security financially stable allow personal retirement accounts younger workers choose members work together months ahead issues productive farm policy cleaner environment broader homeownership especially among minorities ways encourage good work charities groups ask join important domestic issues spirit cooperation applied war terrorism last months humbled privileged see true character country time testing enemies believed america weak materialistic would splinter fear selfishness wrong evil american people responded magnificently courage compassion strength resolve met heroes hugged families looked tired faces rescuers stood awe american people hope join hope join expressing thanks one american strength calm comfort brings nation crisis first lady laura bush none us would ever wish evil done september 11th yet america attacked entire country looked mirror saw better selves reminded citizens obligations country history began think less goods accumulate good long culture said feels good america embracing new ethic new creed let us roll sacrifice soldiers fierce brotherhood firefighters bravery generosity ordinary citizens glimpsed new culture responsibility could look like want nation serves goals larger self offered unique opportunity must let moment pass call tonight every american commit least 2 years hours rest lifetime service neighbors nation many already serving thank sure help got good place start sustain extend best emerged america invite join new usa freedom corps freedom corps focus three areas need responding case crisis home rebuilding communities extending american compassion throughout world one purpose usa freedom corps homeland security america needs retired doctors nurses mobilized major emergencies volunteers help police fire departments transportation utility workers spotting danger country also needs citizens working rebuild communities need mentors love children especially children whose parents prison need talented teachers troubled schools usa freedom corps expand improve good efforts americorps senior corps recruit new volunteers america needs citizens extend compassion country every part world renew promise peace corps double volunteers next 5 years ask join new effort encourage development education opportunity islamic world time adversity offers unique moment opportunity moment must seize change culture gathering momentum millions acts service decency kindness know overcome evil greater good great opportunity time war lead world toward values bring lasting peace fathers mothers societies want children educated live free poverty violence people earth yearn oppressed aspire servitude eagerly await midnight knock secret police anyone doubts let look afghanistan islamic street greeted fall tyranny song celebration let skeptics look islam rich history centuries learning tolerance progress america lead defending liberty justice right true unchanging people everywhere nation owns aspirations nation exempt intention imposing culture america always stand firm nonnegotiable demands human dignity rule law limits power state respect women private property free speech equal justice religious tolerance america take side brave men women advocate values around world including islamic world greater objective eliminating threats containing resentment seek peaceful world beyond war terror moment opportunity common danger erasing old rivalries america working russia china india ways never achieve peace prosperity every region free markets free trade free societies proving power lift lives together friends allies europe asia africa latin america demonstrate forces terror stop momentum freedom last time spoke expressed hope life would return normal ways others never us lived challenging times changed come know truths never question evil real must opposed beyond differences race creed one country mourning together facing danger together deep american character honor stronger cynicism many discovered even god near single instant realized decisive decade history liberty called unique role human events rarely world faced choice clear consequential enemies send people children missions suicide murder embrace tyranny death creed stand different choice made long ago day founding affirm today choose freedom dignity every life steadfast purpose press known freedom price shown freedom power great conflict fellow americans see freedom victory thank may god bless
thank much speaker vice president cheney member congress distinguished guest fellow citizen gather tonight nation war economy recession civilize world face unprecedented danger yet state union never strong last meet hour shock suffer 4 short month nation comfort victim begin rebuild new york pentagon rally great coalition capture arrest rid world thousand terrorists destroyed afghanistan terrorist training camp save people starvation freed country brutal oppression american flag fly embassy kabul terrorist occupy afghanistan occupy cell guantanamo bay terrorist leader urge follower sacrifice life run america afghanistan ally terror partner rebuild country even welcome distinguish interim leader liberate afghanistan chairman hamid karzai last time meet chamber mother daughter afghanistan captive home forbid work go school today woman free part afghanistan new government welcome new minister woman affair sima samar progress tribute spirit afghan people resolve coalition might unite state military call troop action complete confidence courage skill tonight thanks win war terror men woman arm force deliver message clear every enemy unite state even mile away across ocean continent mountaintops cave escape justice nation many american 4 month bring sorrow pain never completely go away every day retire firefighter return ground zero feel closer two son die memorial new york little boy leave football note lose father dear daddy please take heaven want play football play day last month grave husband micheal cia officer marine die shannon spann say word farewell semper fi love shannon u tonight shannon assure lose love one country never forget debt owe micheal give life freedom continue discovery afghanistan confirm bad fear show u true scope task ahead see depth enemy hatred videos laugh loss innocent life depth hatred equaled madness destruction design find diagrams american nuclear powerplants public water facility detail instruction make chemical weapon surveillance map american city thorough description landmark america throughout world find afghanistan confirm far end war terror begin 19 men hijack plane september 11th trained afghanistan camp ten thousand others thousand dangerous killer school method murder often support outlaw regime spread throughout world like tick timebombs set go without warn thanks work law enforcement official coalition partner hundred terrorist arrest yet tens thousand trained terrorist still large enemy view entire world battlefield must pursue wherever long train camp operate long nation harbor terrorist freedom risk america ally must allow nation continue steadfast patient persistent pursuit two great objective first shut terrorist camp disrupt terrorist plan bring terrorist justice second must prevent terrorist regimes seek chemical biological nuclear weapon threaten united state world military put terror training camp afghanistan business yet camp still exist least dozen country terrorist underworld include group like hamas hizballah islamic jihad operate remote jungle desert hide center large city visible military action afghanistan america act elsewhere troop philippine help train country arm force go terrorist cell execute american still hold hostage soldier work bosnian government seize terrorist plot bomb embassy navy patrol coast africa block shipment weapon establishment terrorist camp somalia hope nation heed call eliminate terrorist parasite threaten country many nation act forcefully pakistan crack terror admire strong leadership president musharraf government timid face terror make mistake act america second goal prevent regimes sponsor terror threaten america friend ally weapon mass destruction regime pretty quiet since september 11th know true nature north korea regime arm missile weapon mass destruction starve citizen iran aggressively pursues weapon export terror unelected repress iranian people hope freedom iraq continue flaunt hostility toward america support terror iraqi regime plot develop anthrax nerve gas nuclear weapon decade regime already use poison gas murder thousand citizens leave body mother huddle dead child regime agree international inspection kick inspector regime something hide civilized world state like terrorist ally constitute axis evil arm threaten peace world seek weapon mass destruction regime pose grave grow danger could provide arm terrorists give mean match hatred could attack ally attempt blackmail united state case price indifference would catastrophic work closely coalition deny terrorist state sponsor material technology expertise make deliver weapon mass destruction develop deploy effective missile defense protect america ally sudden attack nation know america necessary ensure nation security deliberate yet time side wait event dangers gather stand peril draw close closer united state america permit world dangerous regime threaten u world destructive weapon war terror well begin begin campaign may finish watch yet must wag watch stop short stop leave terror camp intact terrorist state unchecked sense security would false temporary history call america ally action responsibility privilege fight freedom fight first priority must always security nation reflect budget send congress budget support three great goal america win war protect homeland revive economy september 11th brought best america best congress join american people applaud unity resolve american deserve spirit direct toward address problem home proud member party yet act win war protect people create job america must act first foremost republican democrat americans cost lot fight war spend billion dollar month 30 million day must prepare future operation afghanistan prove expensive precision weapon defeat enemy spare innocent life need need replace age aircraft make military agile put troop anywhere world quickly safely men woman uniform deserve best weapon best equipment best training also deserve another pay raise budget include large increase defense spending two decade price freedom security high never high whatever cost defend country pay next priority budget everything possible protect citizen strengthen nation ongoing threat another attack time distance event september 11th make u safe unless act lesson america longer protect vast ocean protect attack vigorous action abroad increase vigilance home budget nearly double funding sustain strategy homeland security focus four key area bioterrorism emergency response airport border security improve intelligence develop vaccine fight anthrax deadly disease increase funding help state community train equip heroic police firefighter improve intelligence collection share expand patrol border strengthen security air travel use technology track arrival departures visitor united state homeland security make america strong many way well knowledge gain bioterrorism research improve public health strong police fire department mean safe neighborhood stricter border enforcement help combat illegal drug government work well secure homeland america continue depend eye ears alert citizen day christmas airline flight attendant spot passenger light match crew passenger quickly subdue man train al qaida arm explosive people plane alert result likely save nearly 200 life tonight welcome thank flight attendant hermis moutardier christina jones fund national security homeland security final great priority budget economic security american people achieve great national win war protect homeland revitalize budget run deficit small short term long congress restrain spend act fiscally responsible manner clear priority must act home purpose resolve show overseas prevail war defeat recession americans lose job need help support extend unemployment benefit direct assistance health care coverage yet american worker want unemployment check want steady paycheck america work america prospers economic security plan sum one word job good job begin good school make fine start republicans democrat work together achieve historic education reform child leave behind proud work member party chairman john boehner congressman george miller senator judd gregg proud work even nice thing say friend ted kennedy know folk crawford coffee shop could believe would say work bill show possible set aside posture focus result need prepare child read succeed school improve head start early childhood development program must upgrade teacher college teacher train launch major recruit drive great goal america quality teacher every classroom good job also depend reliable affordable energy congress must act encourage conservation promote technology build infrastructure must act increase energy production home america less dependent foreign oil good job depend expanded trade sell new market create new job ask congress finally approve trade promotion authority two key issue trade energy house representative act create job urge senate pas legislation good job depend sound tax policy last year hall think tax relief plan small think big check arrive mail american think tax relief right congress listen people respond reduce tax rate double child credit end death tax sake growth help american plan future let u make tax cut permanent way recession way create job grow economy encouraging investment factory equipment speed tax relief people money spend sake american worker let u pass stimulus package good job must aim welfare reform reauthorize important reform must always remember goal reduce dependency government offer every american dignity job american know economic security vanish instant without health security ask congress join year enact patient bill right give uninsured worker credit help buy health coverage approve historic increase spending veteran health give senior sound modern medicare system include coverage prescription drug good job lead security retirement ask congress enact new safeguard 401 k pension plan employee work hard save life risk lose everything company fail strict accounting standard tough disclosure requirement corporate america must make accountable employee shareholder hold high standard conduct retirement security also depend upon keep commitment social security must make social security financially stable allow personal retirement account young worker choose member work together month ahead issue productive farm policy cleaner environment broad homeownership especially among minority way encourage good work charity group ask join important domestic issue spirit cooperation apply war terrorism last month humble privileged see true character country time test enemy believe america weak materialistic would splinter fear selfishness wrong evil american people respond magnificently courage compassion strength resolve meet hero hug family look tired face rescuer stand awe american people hope join hope join express thanks one american strength calm comfort bring nation crisis first lady laura bush none u would ever wish evil do september 11th yet america attack entire country look mirror saw well self remind citizen obligation country history begin think less good accumulate good long culture say feel good america embrace new ethic new creed let u roll sacrifice soldier fierce brotherhood firefighter bravery generosity ordinary citizen glimpse new culture responsibility could look like want nation serve goal large self offer unique opportunity must let moment pass call tonight every american commit least 2 year hour rest lifetime service neighbor nation many already serve thank sure help get good place start sustain extend best emerge america invite join new usa freedom corp freedom corp focus three area need respond case crisis home rebuild community extend american compassion throughout world one purpose usa freedom corp homeland security america need retired doctor nurse mobilize major emergency volunteer help police fire department transportation utility worker spot danger country also need citizen work rebuild community need mentor love child especially child whose parent prison need talented teacher trouble school usa freedom corp expand improve good effort americorps senior corp recruit new volunteer america need citizen extend compassion country every part world renew promise peace corp double volunteer next 5 year ask join new effort encourage development education opportunity islamic world time adversity offer unique moment opportunity moment must seize change culture gather momentum million act service decency kindness know overcome evil great good great opportunity time war lead world toward value bring last peace father mother society want child educate live free poverty violence people earth yearn oppress aspire servitude eagerly await midnight knock secret police anyone doubt let look afghanistan islamic street greet fall tyranny song celebration let skeptic look islam rich history century learn tolerance progress america lead defend liberty justice right true unchanging people everywhere nation own aspiration nation exempt intention impose culture america always stand firm nonnegotiable demand human dignity rule law limit power state respect woman private property free speech equal justice religious tolerance america take side brave men woman advocate value around world include islamic world great objective eliminating threat contain resentment seek peaceful world beyond war terror moment opportunity common danger erase old rivalry america work russia china india way never achieve peace prosperity every region free market free trade free society prove power lift live together friends ally europe asia africa latin america demonstrate force terror stop momentum freedom last time speak express hope life would return normal way others never u live challenge time change come know truth never question evil real must oppose beyond difference race creed one country mourn together face danger together deep american character honor strong cynicism many discover even god near single instant realize decisive decade history liberty call unique role human event rarely world face choice clear consequential enemy send people child mission suicide murder embrace tyranny death creed stand different choice make long ago day found affirm today choose freedom dignity every life steadfast purpose press know freedom price show freedom power great conflict fellow american see freedom victory thank may god bless