Middle East -- and we have been sobered by the enemy's fierce reaction.
In 2005, the world watched as the citizens of Lebanon raised the banner
of the Cedar Revolution, they drove out the Syrian occupiers and chose
new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the people of Afghanistan
defied the terrorists and elected a democratic legislature. And in
2005, the Iraqi people held three national elections, choosing a
transitional government, adopting the most progressive, democratic
constitution in the Arab world, and then electing a government under
that constitution. Despite endless threats from the killers in their
midst, nearly 12 million Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show of
hope and solidarity that we should never forget. (Applause.)
A thinking enemy watched all of these scenes, adjusted their tactics,
and in 2006 they struck back. In Lebanon, assassins took the life of
Pierre Gemayel, a prominent participant in the Cedar Revolution.
Hezbollah terrorists, with support from Syria and Iran, sowed conflict
in the region and are seeking to undermine Lebanon's legitimately
elected government. In Afghanistan, Taliban and al Qaeda fighters tried
to regain power by regrouping and engaging Afghan and NATO forces. In
Iraq, al Qaeda and other Sunni extremists blew up one of the most
sacred places in Shia Islam -- the Golden Mosque of Samarra. This
atrocity, directed at a Muslim house of prayer, was designed to provoke
retaliation from Iraqi Shia -- and it succeeded. Radical Shia elements,
some of whom receive support from Iran, formed death squads. The result
was a tragic escalation of sectarian rage and reprisal that continues
to this day.
This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we're in.
Every one of us wishes this war were over and won. Yet it would not be
like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends abandoned, and our
own security at risk. (Applause.) Ladies and gentlemen: On this day, at
this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this
battle. Let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory.
(Applause.)
We're carrying out a new strategy in Iraq -- a plan that demands more
from Iraq's elected government, and gives our forces in Iraq the
reinforcements they need to complete their mission. Our goal is a
democratic Iraq that upholds the rule of law, respects the rights of
its people, provides them security, and is an ally in the war on terror.
In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must
stop the sectarian violence in its capital. But the Iraqis are not yet
ready to do this on their own. So we're deploying reinforcements of
more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. The vast
majority will go to Baghdad, where they will help Iraqi forces to clear
and secure neighborhoods, and serve as advisers embedded in Iraqi Army
units. With Iraqis in the lead, our forces will help secure the city by
chasing down the terrorists, insurgents, and the roaming death squads.
And in Anbar Province, where al Qaeda terrorists have gathered and
local forces have begun showing a willingness to fight them, we're
sending an additional 4,000 United States Marines, with orders to find
the terrorists and clear them out. (Applause.) We didn't drive al Qaeda
out of their safe haven in Afghanistan only to let them set up a new
safe haven in a free Iraq.
The people of Iraq want to live in peace, and now it's time for their
government to act. Iraq's leaders know that our commitment is not
open-ended. They have promised to deploy more of their own troops to
secure Baghdad -- and they must do so. They pledged that they will
confront violent radicals of any faction or political party -- and they
need to follow through, and lift needless restrictions on Iraqi and
coalition forces, so these troops can achieve their mission of bringing
security to all of the people of Baghdad. Iraq's leaders have committed
themselves to a series of benchmarks -- to achieve reconciliation, to
share oil revenues among all of Iraq's citizens, to put the wealth of
Iraq into the rebuilding of Iraq, to allow more Iraqis to re-enter
their nation's civic life, to hold local elections, and to take
responsibility for security in every Iraqi province. But for all of
this to happen, Baghdad must be secure. And our plan will help the
Iraqi government take back its capital and make good on its commitments.
My fellow citizens, our military commanders and I have carefully
weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end,
I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance for
success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in
Iraq, because you understand that the consequences of failure would be
grievous and far-reaching.
If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi
government would be overrun by extremists on all sides. We could expect
an epic battle between Shia extremists backed by Iran, and Sunni
extremists aided by al Qaeda and supporters of the old regime. A
contagion of violence could spill out across the country -- and in
time, the entire region could be drawn into the conflict.
For America, this is a nightmare scenario. For the enemy, this is the
objective. Chaos is the greatest ally -- their greatest ally in this
struggle. And out of chaos in Iraq would emerge an emboldened enemy
with new safe havens, new recruits, new resources, and an even greater
determination to harm America. To allow this to happen would be to
ignore the lessons of September the 11th and invite tragedy. Ladies and
gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than
for America to succeed in the Middle East, to succeed in Iraq and to
spare the American people from this danger. (Applause.)
This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken
with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you've
made. We went into this largely united, in our assumptions and in our
convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure.
Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give
it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field,
and those on their way. (Applause.)
The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will
continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others.
And that's why it's important to work together so our nation can see
this great effort through. Both parties and both branches should work
in close consultation. It's why I propose to establish a special
advisory council on the war on terror, made up of leaders in Congress
from both political parties. We will share ideas for how to position
America to meet every challenge that confronts us. We'll show our
enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory.
And one of the first steps we can take together is to add to the ranks
of our military so that the American Armed Forces are ready for all the
challenges ahead. (Applause.) Tonight I ask the Congress to authorize
an increase in the size of our active Army and Marine Corps by 92,000
in the next five years. (Applause.) A second task we can take on
together is to design and establish a volunteer Civilian Reserve Corps.
Such a corps would function much like our military reserve. It would
ease the burden on the Armed Forces by allowing us to hire civilians
with critical skills to serve on missions abroad when America needs
them. It would give people across America who do not wear the uniform a
chance to serve in the defining struggle of our time.
Americans can have confidence in the outcome of this struggle because
we're not in this struggle alone. We have a diplomatic strategy that is
rallying the world to join in the fight against extremism. In Iraq,
multinational forces are operating under a mandate from the United
Nations. We're working with Jordan and Saudi Arabia and Egypt and the
Gulf States to increase support for Iraq's government.
The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Iran, and made it clear
that the world will not allow the regime in Tehran to acquire nuclear
weapons. (Applause.) With the other members of the Quartet -- the U.N.,
the European Union, and Russia -- we're pursuing diplomacy to help
bring peace to the Holy Land, and pursuing the establishment of a
democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace
and security. (Applause.) In Afghanistan, NATO has taken the lead in
turning back the Taliban and al Qaeda offensive -- the first time the
Alliance has deployed forces outside the North Atlantic area. Together
with our partners in China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, we're
pursuing intensive diplomacy to achieve a Korean Peninsula free of
nuclear weapons. (Applause.)
We will continue to speak out for the cause of freedom in places like
Cuba, Belarus, and Burma [1] -- and continue to awaken the conscience
of the world to save the people of Darfur. (Applause.)
American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy. Our
work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is
given, much is required. We hear the call to take on the challenges of
hunger and poverty and disease -- and that is precisely what America is
doing. We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent
of Africa. (Applause.) Because you funded our Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief, the number of people receiving life-saving drugs has grown from
50,000 to more than 800,000 in three short years. I ask you to continue
funding our efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. I ask you to provide $1.2
billion over five years so we can combat malaria in 15 African
countries. (Applause.)
I ask that you fund the Millennium Challenge Account, so that American
aid reaches the people who need it, in nations where democracy is on
the rise and corruption is in retreat. And let us continue to support
the expanded trade and debt relief that are the best hope for lifting
lives and eliminating poverty. (Applause.)
When America serves others in this way, we show the strength and
generosity of our country. These deeds reflect the character of our
people. The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage,
and self-sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if
you know where to look -- and tonight we need only look above to the
gallery.
Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He
came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine -- but
Coach John Thompson got a look at Dikembe and had a different idea.
(Laughter.) Dikembe became a star in the NBA, and a citizen of the
United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth, or the duty
to share his blessings with others. He built a brand new hospital in
his old hometown. A friend has said of this good-hearted man: "Mutombo
believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things."
And we are proud to call this son of the Congo [2] a citizen of the
United States of America. (Applause.)
After her daughter was born, Julie Aigner-Clark searched for ways to
share her love of music and art with her child. So she borrowed some
equipment, and began filming children's videos in her basement. The
Baby Einstein Company was born, and in just five years her business
grew to more than $20 million in sales. In November 2001, Julie sold
Baby Einstein to the Walt Disney Company, and with her help Baby
Einstein has grown into a $200 million business. Julie represents the
great enterprising spirit of America. And she is using her success to
help others -- producing child safety videos with John Walsh of the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Julie says of her
new project: "I believe it's the most important thing that I have ever
done. I believe that children have the right to live in a world that is
safe." And so tonight, we are pleased to welcome this talented business
entrepreneur and generous social entrepreneur -- Julie Aigner-Clark.
(Applause.)
Three weeks ago, Wesley Autrey was waiting at a Harlem subway station
with his two little girls, when he saw a man fall into the path of a
train. With seconds to act, Wesley jumped onto the tracks, pulled the
man into the space between the rails, and held him as the train passed
right above their heads. He insists he's not a hero. He says: "We got
guys and girls overseas dying for us to have our freedoms. We have got
to show each other some love." There is something wonderful about a
country that produces a brave and humble man like Wesley Autrey.
(Applause.)
Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when
he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a
reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy
fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire; he used his body
as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm,
and received shrapnel wounds to his legs -- yet he refused medical
attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack,
firing grenades at the enemy's position. For his exceptional courage,
Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other
Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect
and the gratitude of our entire country. (Applause.)
In such courage and compassion, ladies and gentlemen, we see the spirit
and character of America -- and these qualities are not in short
supply. This is a decent and honorable country -- and resilient, too.
We've been through a lot together. We've met challenges and faced
dangers, and we know that more lie ahead. Yet we can go forward with
confidence -- because the State of our Union is strong, our cause in
the world is right, and tonight that cause goes on. God bless.
(Applause.)
See you next year. Thank you for your prayers.
***
State of the Union Address
George W. Bush
January 28, 2008
THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of
Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Seven years have
passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time,
our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We
faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the
world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues
call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered
the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted
with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and
resilience of American self-government.
All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business.
That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It
remains our charge to keep.
The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and
prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended. In this
election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our
responsibilities and are determined to meet them. Let us show them that
Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for
results at the same time. (Applause.)
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good
progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American
people expect us to get it done.
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our
nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to
determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe
that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom
of ordinary citizens. And so in all we do, we must trust in the ability
of free peoples to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve
their lives for their futures.
To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money
and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy
is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a
record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace.
Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising,
but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our
country, there is a concern about our economic future.
In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth.
But in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing. So
last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and
Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax
relief for individuals and families and incentives for business
investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would
delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. (Applause.)
This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our
people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.
(Applause.)
We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the
tax relief we've delivered over the past seven years will be taken
away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a
tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who
would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said
they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their
enthusiasm. I'm pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and
money orders. (Laughter and applause.)
Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other
pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry
about their federal government taking a bigger bite out of their
paychecks. There's only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the
tax relief permanent. (Applause.) And members of Congress should know:
If any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it. (Applause.)
Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their
trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I'll send you a
budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated
programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I will submit
will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families
have to balance their budgets; so should their government. (Applause.)
The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional
earmarks -- special interest projects that are often snuck in at the
last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to
voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked
you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even
come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if
you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and
cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto.
(Applause.)
And tomorrow, I will issue an executive order that directs federal
agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by Congress.
If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should debate them in
the open and hold a public vote. (Applause.)
Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and
spending. On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility
of homeownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the
housing market. My administration brought together the HOPE NOW
alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid
foreclosure. And Congress can help even more. Tonight I ask you to pass
legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal
Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue
tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages.
(Applause.) These are difficult times for many American families, and
by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes.
To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and
doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better
information and better options. We share a common goal: making health
care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. (Applause.) The
best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not
government control. (Applause.) So I have proposed ending the bias in
the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance
through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage
within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this
year. (Applause.)
The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create
Association Health Plans for small businesses, promote health
information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical
lawsuits. (Applause.) With all these steps, we will help ensure that
decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your
doctor's office -- not in the halls of Congress. (Applause.)
On education, we must trust students to learn if given the chance, and
empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods
across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams -- and a
decent education is their only hope of achieving them.
Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act,
and today no one can deny its results. Last year, fourth and eighth
graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are
on the rise. African American and Hispanic students posted all-time
highs. (Applause.) Now we must work together to increase
accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the
number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling
schools.
Members of Congress: The No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan
achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America's children,
their parents, and their teachers to strengthen this good law.
(Applause.)
We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure
up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than
2,600 of the poorest children in our Nation's Capital have found new
hope at a faith-based or other non-public school. Sadly, these schools
are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America's inner cities.
So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these
lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more
children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell
Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college
students realize their full potential. Together, we've expanded the
size and reach of these grants. Now let us apply that same spirit to
help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools.
(Applause.)
On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the
world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our
economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American
goods and crops and services all over the world. So we're working to
break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We're
working for a successful Doha Round of trade talks, and we must
complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we're pursuing
opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.
I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now
I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South
Korea. (Applause.) Many products from these nations now enter America
duty-free, yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their
markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give
us better access to nearly 100 million customers. They will support
good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say
"Made in the USA." (Applause.)
These agreements also promote America's strategic interests. The first
agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of
America that is confronting violence and terror, and fighting drug
traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the
purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come
together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region
that democracy leads to a better life. (Applause.)
Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet for
some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the federal government
has a responsibility to help. (Applause.) I ask Congress to reauthorize
and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced
workers learn new skills and find new jobs. (Applause.)