Homeland Security Tom Ridge resignation Transcript

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge

Transcript of Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge at Press Conference For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact 202-282-8010 Washington, D.C. November 30, 2004 Secretary Ridge: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Earlier today, I submitted a formal letter of resignation to the President,

and with his concurrence it is my desire to continue to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security through February 1st of next year unless my successor is confirmed by the Senate earlier. It was, obviously, a very difficult decision, but a decision that I was pleased to be able to communicate in a personal way with my leadership team earlier today as well. We have 40 or 50 of the most incredible Americans who have been an integral part of the leadership team of this Department from all walks of life that are on a two-day, off-site session as we look at some budget matters and we do some strategic planning for the next five years, and I was also able to communicate by e-mail to the 180,000 men and women with whom I've been privileged to work for nearly two years.

I think we have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. As I've said to the President, there will always be more work for us to do in Homeland Security, but if you take a look at many of the innovations, the improvements to security, the enhancements to safety at ports of entry, the partnerships that we've developed with the state and locals and the private sector, just all in all, I think it's a reflection of the commitment and the dedication and the energy and the professionalism, really the combined power of about 180,000 people strong.

I know I've said to many of my co-workers, not only in Washington but around the country during my tenure as their Secretary, that on a day-to-day basis one could say that individual decisions that these men and women make out there at Ports of Entry have as much to do with the security of the country as any individual decisions we might make here at headquarters. As I've said to you many times before, we have to be right a billion-plus times a year, meaning we have to make literally hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of decisions every year, or every day, and the terrorists only have to be right once.

The President has given me an extraordinary opportunity to serve my country in this incredible period since September 11th, 2001. I will always be grateful for his call to service. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve my country with this President as its leader.

Thank you. Homeland Security

Tom Ridge resignation FULL TEXT Transcript and press conference

Related Information

Secretary Ridge's Letter of Resignation to President Bush (PDF, 1 page - 458 KB)

Tommy G. Thompson World AIDS Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004 HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343

Statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding World AIDS Day, December 1, 2004

World AIDS Day is an important opportunity to remember those lost to AIDS. Just as importantly, it is an opportunity to raise awareness of the global epidemic and efforts to halt the spread of this terrible disease.

HIV/AIDS continues to be a growing threat to world health. An estimated 39 million people are infected with HIV. About 3 million men and women died of AIDS in 2003 and there were close to 5 million new infections worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that up to 950,000 Americans are living with HIV, with 40,000 new infections every year.

This Administration has made unprecedented commitments to the fight and we remain unwavering in our efforts to stop this epidemic here and across the globe. This year, President Bush has committed $2.4 billion to his Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which expects to support treatment for 2 million HIV-infected people and prevent 7 million new infections. The Emergency Plan provides services to over 100 countries around the world, including 15 focus nations in Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. In addition, the President has supported reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides support to those most in need, and made another $20 million available to deliver much-needed medication to HIV-positive persons. Finally, the President has requested $17.1 billion to help fight the epidemic in the United States for FY 2005 -- a 27 percent increase since 2001 -- and another $2.8 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

This year's commemoration has a special focus on the increasingly alarming impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. For the first time, women and girls compose almost half of the people with HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, 57 percent of people living with AIDS are female. In the United States, women accounted for 26 percent of all AIDS cases in 2002, up from 6 percent in 1985. Minority women are disproportionately impacted, comprising 80 percent of American women living with AIDS.

In communities across this country, there are vibrant examples of HHS-supported programs targeted at women that are making a difference. The Children's Hospital in New Orleans, with support from HHS, provides confidential, culturally competent, family-centered care -- including transportation and child care -- for more than a thousand women living with HIV. The Well Being Institute in Detroit serves HIV-infected women, mostly African American, who have sought care for this disease but have been unable to consistently follow through with their own care. In addition, the University of Miami School of Medicine is implementing the Caring Connections Intervention targeted to sero-positive women and children, helping them take their medicines and get to their doctors' appointments.

Over the past year, we have taken important steps to encourage HIV testing. Getting tested for HIV shows your loved ones you care about them and it's an important personal contribution to the fight against this devastating disease. That is a theme we are aggressively promoting through new public service advertisements developed in partnership with the Ad Council. The two new television target African American men between the ages of 13 and 28 and communicates that knowing their HIV status is the first step in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. I call on local television stations to help us combat the scourge of HIV by airing these advertisements and educating their communities.

These efforts and others are reaching across the globe to prevent the spread of HIV, find a vaccine, provide treatment to those affected, encourage HIV testing among at-risk individuals so they can know their status and seek assistance if necessary, and care for orphans and other left behind after AIDS has struck.

For more information, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS or visit the Federal National HIV/AIDS Observance Days Web site at www.omhrc.gov/hivaidsobservances.

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International Space Station Status Report

International Space Station Status Report #04-64 4:30 a.m. CST, Monday, Nov. 29, 2004 Expedition 10 Crew

The International Space Station crewmembers took a short ride this morning as they flew their Soyuz TMA-5 spacecraft from one docking port to another to pave the way for two spacewalks next year.

Having configured Station systems for autonomous operation, Expedition 10 Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Salizhan Sharipov and Expedition Commander Leroy Chiao sent the command to undock the craft from the Station's Pirs Docking Compartment at 3:29 a.m. Central time (929 GMT) as they flew 225 miles over the southern Atlantic Ocean. Physical separation of the two craft occurred three minutes later.

Sharipov, seated in the center seat of the Soyuz’ descent module compartment, and Chiao seated to his left, backed the capsule away from the Station to a distance of about 30 meters (98 feet). They then commanded the Soyuz to fly laterally along the Station about 14 meters (45 feet) before rotating the Soyuz 135 degrees to align it with the earthward-facing docking port on the adjacent Zarya module. The vehicle was held in position for eight minutes of stationkeeping, ensuring correct alignment of the docking mechanisms before the crew began the final approach toward the Station.

Docking occurred at 3:53 a.m. Central time (0953 GMT) as the Soyuz and the Station passed over western Asia. Within minutes, hooks and latches engaged between the Soyuz and Zarya to link the return vehicle and the Station firmly together. After a series of leak checks, the crew planned to reenter the Station to begin reconfiguring Station operating systems for normal operations.

The repositioning of the Soyuz cleared Pirs, which also serves as an airlock, for a pair of spacewalks by Chiao and Sharipov early next year.

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Laura Bush White House Christmas tree

Laura Bush receives the official White House Christmas tree delivered on a horse drawn wagon Monday, Nov. 29. 2004. The 18.5 foot Noble fir donated by John and Carol Tillman of Rochester, Wash., will be decorated and displayed in the Blue Room.

Laura Bush receives official White House Christmas tree FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Commerce Nominee Carlos Gutierrez

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 29, 2004

Remarks by the President and Secretary of Commerce Nominee Carlos Gutierrez
The Roosevelt Room

President's Remarks FULL STREAMING VIDEO 11:10 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I am proud to announce my nomination of Carlos Gutierrez to be America's next Secretary of Commerce. Carlos Gutierrez is one of America's most respected business leaders. He is a great American success story.

As CEO of the Kellogg Company, he has been an effective, visionary executive. He understands the world of business from the first rung on the ladder to the very top. He knows exactly what it takes to help American businesses grow and create jobs. I look forward to having his creativity and expertise in my Cabinet.

Carlos's family came to America from Cuba when he was a boy. He learned English from a bellhop in a Miami hotel, and later became an American citizen. When his family eventually settled in Mexico City, Carlos took his first job for Kellogg as a truck driver, delivering Frosted Flakes to local stores. Ten years after he started, he was running the Mexican business. And 15 years after that, he was running the entire company. At every stage of this remarkable story, Carlos motivated others with his energy and optimism and impressed others with his decency.

In his career, Carlos has been sustained by the values taught by his parents, Pedro and Olga, and by the love of his wife, Edi, and his children, Carlos, Erika and Karina. I know Olga Gutierrez, who lives in Florida, is proud to see the boy she took from Cuba chosen to help strengthen the world's greatest and finest economy.

Carlos will carry on the work of a distinguished leader, Secretary Don Evans. During the past four years, our economy has overcome a recession, terrorist attack, corporate scandals and the uncertainty that comes with war. In all these challenges, Don has been a strong and steady advocate for America's businesses and workers and entrepreneurs. Don has also been my friend for over three decades. I've counted on his wisdom and optimism and character at every step on my journey to the White House. Now Don's own journey leads him back to Texas, where we were young men together. Don is one of the finest people I have ever known. I will miss having him in Washington. And Laura and I wish him and Susie well.

When he's confirmed by the Senate, Carlos Gutierrez will take office at a time of historic opportunity for our changing economy. With Carlos's leadership, we'll help more Americans, especially minorities and women, to start and grow their own small business. We'll reduce the burden of junk lawsuits and regulations on our entrepreneurs. We'll reform our outdated tax code to eliminate needless paperwork and encourage savings, investment and growth. We'll continue our commitment to free and fair trade. Carlos and I know that America's workers can compete with anybody in the world. And in all these policies, we will ensure that the American economy keeps creating jobs and remains dynamic and flexible far into the future.

In Carlos Gutierrez, the Department of Commerce will have an experienced manager and an innovative leader. He will be a strong, principled voice for American business and an inspiration to millions of men and women who dream of a better life in our country. I ask the Senate to confirm this fine nominee as quickly as possible. I look forward to welcoming him into my Cabinet. Congratulations.

MR. GUTIERREZ: Thank you, Mr. President. I'm, needless to say, humbled, I'm honored, I'm very grateful to be here. And should the United States Senate confirm me, I look forward to working with you on your team, helping you achieve the plans that you've laid out, the bold plans for our economy.

And I'll be especially honored, if confirmed, to walk in the footsteps of Secretary Evans, who has served with great honor and distinction. And I realize those are big, big shoes to fill. And I'm also grateful for the President to have chosen me to succeed someone of the stature and the caliber of Secretary Evans.

Mr. President, I believe passionately in your vision of a 21st century where America is the best country in the world with which to do business; we have the best people, we have the training, we have the workers, we have the culture. And I believe that the 21st century is really and truly the American century, as the President does. I believe passionately in your leadership and the direction you've set. I believe in your call for a vibrant, growing entrepreneurial society, where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and the pride of ownership, where everyone can contribute, and where everyone can benefit.

I have had the opportunity to live that American Dream, so I know that the President's vision is noble, I know it's real and I know it's tangible. I left Cuba to come to this great country in 1960 as a political refugee. I left with my parents and my brother and we started, essentially, from scratch at that time. Almost 30 years later, I joined the Kellogg Company and started selling cereal out of a van in Mexico City.

I recall saying to someone the other day that one of my big accomplishments in life was to obtain citizenship for my son and my wife, because of where people were born -- born in different places; they were not naturalized citizens upon birth, especially my son. So 14 years ago, they became U.S. citizens. I was walking out of the courthouse and I told my son, you know, if I get hit by a truck today, I'll feel a lot better because you are a citizen of the U.S.

So we never imagined, Mr. President, never imagined that this country would give me this great opportunity and that you would have the confidence in me, sir.

Mr. President, I'd like to recognize those who have been with me every step of the way, who have supported me and with whom I would not be here: my wife of 25 years, Edi, who has given me all the support and has become a big part of the success that I have had; Carlos, my son; my daughter Erika, and my daughter Karina. They've been with me throughout this -- throughout this journey. I would also be remiss here if I didn't mention the 25,000 people who work at the Kellogg Company, the board of directors for their support throughout the years. I would be nowhere near here without their support.

If confirmed by the Senate, I will be honored to serve President Bush, I will be honored to serve my country, honored to serve the Department of Commerce and play a role in advancing the President's great and bold agenda for our country.

Thank you. Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Great job, thank you. Congratulations.

END 11:20 A.M. EST

Bush Karl Rove 2004 election

Bush Adviser Rove on Pledge That 2004 Will Be His Last Presidential Campaign: 'I Said That In Haste. A Lot of People at The White House Told Me That Was a Really Stupid Thing to Say.'

-Says Bush Will Push Hard for Constitutional Amendment on Marriage and for 'Strict Constructionist' Judges -

NEW YORK, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Bush adviser Karl Rove said days after the 2004 election that "2008 is going to be left to someone who has a little bit more energy and interest than me," and 2004 was the last campaign he'd ever do. But in the current issue of Newsweek, he backtracked on that pledge."I said that in haste," Rove says. "A lot of people in the White House told me that that was a really stupid thing to say. So let me say that I can't imagine spending two years away from my wife and son again, the way I did this time. But besides that, who knows?"

In other words, as Chief Political Correspondent Howard Fineman reports,the Karl Rove Primary has begun -- or at least Rove (and Bush) want the world to believe it has, if for no other reason than to dangle the possibility of help from (or the threat of opposition from) Rove before the eyes of would-be GOP contenders and power brokers. "The president will be a lame duck soon enough," said a Republican strategist. "He can't afford to let Karl be one, too." Indeed, being seen as "close to Karl" is a sign among desperate Republicans of "election" in an almost theological sense, Fineman reports in the December 6 issue of Newsweek.

Fineman reports that in modern times there has never been anyone quite like Rove, possessing such a long working relationship with and influence over a president -- a newly-re-elected one who will wield an expanded majority in Congress. "I've been searching for a parallel figure," says Marshall Wittmann, a political strategist and writer. "The closest is Bobby Kennedy in his brother's administration. But even that doesn't get it. Because as loyal as Karl is, his political ambitions extend beyond one family."

In the next term, Rove says, the president will push -- hard -- for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union of man and woman, andfor "strict constructionist" judges. "Voters like the president because hedoesn't blink and he doesn't waver," says Rove, "and he isn't going to start.He says he values life, and he means it."

Other challenges are personal. Rove's vindictive temper pops out on occasion, as it did when he castigated editors of The New York Times on the campaign trail. "I still have a temper," he says, "for those who deserve it." He insists that the Bush team won't fall victim to hubris or insularity. "We're people who go at each other all the time, and hard. The president likes advisers who are comfortable enough in their own skin to do that. We do."

SOURCE Newsweek Web Site: newsweek.msnbc.com/
MORE karl rove msnbc.msn.com/id/6596809/site/newsweek

bush radio address 11/27/04 full audio, text transcript

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 27, 2004

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. As Americans gather to celebrate this week, we show our gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our friends and families who fill our lives with purpose and love. We're grateful for our beautiful country, and for the prosperity we enjoy. We're grateful for the chance to live, work and worship in freedom. And in this Thanksgiving week, we offer thanks and praise to the provider of all these gifts, Almighty God.

We also recognize our duty to share our blessings with the least among us. Throughout the holiday season, schools, churches, synagogues and other generous organizations gather food and clothing for their neighbors in need. Many young people give part of their holiday to volunteer at homeless shelters or food pantries. On Thanksgiving, and on every day of the year, America is a more hopeful nation because of the volunteers who serve the weak and the vulnerable.

The Thanksgiving tradition of compassion and humility dates back to the earliest days of our society. And through the years, our deepest gratitude has often been inspired by the most difficult times. Almost four centuries ago, the pilgrims set aside time to thank God after suffering through a bitter winter. George Washington held Thanksgiving during a trying stay at Valley Forge. And President Lincoln revived the Thanksgiving tradition in the midst of a civil war.

The past year has brought many challenges to our nation, and Americans have met every one with energy, optimism and faith. After lifting our economy from a recession, manufacturers and entrepreneurs are creating jobs again. Volunteers from across the country came together to help hurricane victims rebuild. And when the children of Beslan, Russia suffered a brutal terrorist attack, the world saw America's generous heart in an outpouring of compassion and relief.

The greatest challenges of our time have come to the men and women who protect our nation. We're fortunate to have dedicated firefighters and police officers to keep our streets safe. We're grateful for the homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on faithful watch. And we give thanks to the men and women of our military who are serving with courage and skill, and making our entire nation proud.

Like generations before them, today's armed forces have liberated captive peoples and shown compassion for the suffering and delivered hope to the oppressed. In the past year, they have fought the terrorists abroad so that we do not have to face those enemies here at home. They've captured a brutal dictator, aided last month's historic election in Afghanistan, and help set Iraq on the path to democracy.

Our progress in the war on terror has made our country safer, yet it has also brought new burdens to our military families. Many servicemen and women have endured long deployments and painful separations from home. Families have faced the challenge of raising children while praying for a loved one's safe return. America is grateful to all our military families, and the families mourning a terrible loss this Thanksgiving can know that America will honor their sacrifices forever.

As Commander-in-Chief, I've been honored to thank our troops at bases around the world, and I've been inspired by the efforts of private citizens to express their own gratitude. This month, I met Shauna Fleming, a 15-year-old from California who coordinated the mailing of a million thank you letters to military personnel. In October, I met Ken Porwoll, a World War II veteran who has devoted years of his retirement to volunteering at a VA medical center in Minneapolis. And we've seen the generosity of so many organizations, like Give2theTroops, a group started in a basement by a mother and son that has sent thousands of care packages to troops in the field.

Thanksgiving reminds us that America's true strength is the compassion and decency of our people. I thank all those who volunteer this season, and Laura and I wish every American a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Thank you for listening.

END

Remarks by the President to the Travel Pool

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 26, 2004

Remarks by the President to the Travel Pool Coffee Station Crawford, Texas 12:30 P.M. CST

THE PRESIDENT: I just had a great Thanksgiving with our daughters and my mother and dad and my mother-in-law. It's good to be back in Texas. I wish the Crawford Pirates all the best in their state playoff football game tonight. I know you agree with me. I'll take a couple of questions.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. If I could ask you about a couple news developments today. Seventeen political parties in Iraq demanded postponement of the January 30th elections for at least six months. I wonder about your reaction to that. And there's a tentative deal on Iran's nuclear weapons, but I wonder whether you think Iran should be trusted given their history.

THE PRESIDENT: First of all, I appreciate the nations of Great Britain and Germany and France who are working to try to convince Iran to honor their international treaty obligations. And the only good deal is one that's verifiable. And I look forward to talking to the leaders of those countries, if they can get Iran to agree to a deal, to make sure that it's verifiable. I know that the Prime Minister of Great Britain wants a verifiable deal because I've talked to him personally about it.

In terms of Iraq, the Iraq election commission has scheduled elections in January, and I would hope they would go forward in January.

Q Mr. President, what are the consequences if Ukraine does not comply with international pressure and demands on the elections? And do you think that President Putin overstepped his bounds?

THE PRESIDENT: There's just a lot of allegations of vote fraud that placed their election -- the validity of their elections in doubt. The international community is watching very carefully. People are paying very close attention to this, and hopefully it will be resolved in a way that brings credit and confidence to the Ukrainian government.

Yes.

Q Mr. President --

THE PRESIDENT: Identify yourself, please.

Q I'm with Bloomberg News. I'm Jay Newton-Small.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, welcome.

Q Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Do you know Scott? (Laughter.)

Q Very well.

Q We ride in a lot of vans together.

THE PRESIDENT: You might ask him why he didn't shave. But go ahead.

THE PRESS: Awww .

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I was just curious. (Laughter.)

Q Don't ask me.

THE PRESIDENT: It looks like it's contagious, as a matter of fact.

Q Left the razor at home.

THE PRESIDENT: Please, sorry to interrupt.

Q Today the World Trade Organization finalized or approved sanctions the European Union will have against the United States, $150 million worth of sanctions for the Byrd amendment. Do you have any comments on that?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we've worked hard to comply with the WTO. I think it's important that all nations comply with WTO rulings. I'll work with Congress to get into compliance. As you might remember, we worked on the FISC/ETI bill because of the WTO ruling. We expect the WTO, as well, to treat our trading partners as they treat us. And that's why, for example, I filed complaint on the Airbus situation. We believe that the subsidies for Airbus are unfair for U.S. companies, such as Boeing.

Yes, Mark, hi.

THE PRESIDENT: Hi. Sir, you said you're going to sign the big OMNIBUS appropriations bill, but are you bothered by all the examples of pork-barrel spending that are in that bill?

THE PRESIDENT: Mark, it's -- first, the bill conforms to the budget that I worked out with the Congress, and I appreciate that. In other words, the size of the bill is a number that we agreed to early on -- earlier this year. And I appreciate that, because part of making sure we cut the deficit in half is to work together on the overall size of our spending bills.

Now, secondly, obviously, there's going to be things in these big bills that I don't particularly care for, and that's why I've asked Congress to give me a line-item veto. And the only way a President can affect that which is inside the bill, other than vetoing the entire bill, is to be able to pick out parts of a bill and express displeasure about it through a line-item veto. I hope the Congress will give me a line-item veto.

Listen, it's great to see everybody.

Q Anything on Northern Ireland?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I talked to -- evidently the word's out that I made a phone call this morning, and I did so. And I was just trying to be a part of the process of getting both Ian Paisley's group -- Dr. Paisley's group and Gerry Adams' group to the table, to get a deal done.

Q To get --

THE PRESIDENT: To get a deal done. In other words, to close the agreement that they've been working on for quite a while. Hopefully it will help. Of course the primary movers are Prime Minister Blair and Bertie Ahern of Ireland, who have been working very diligently on this. I appreciate their efforts, and anything I can do to help keep the process moving forward, I'm more than willing to do so.

Listen, I've got to go eat a burger. Thank you all.

END 12:35 P.M. CST

Memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 23, 2004

SUBJECT: Strengthening Central Intelligence Agency Capabilities

The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States recommended:

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director should emphasize (a)rebuilding the CIA's analytic capabilities; (b) transforming the clandestine service by building its human intelligence capabilities; (c) developing a stronger language program, with high standards and sufficient financial incentives; (d) renewing emphasis on recruiting diversity among operations officers so they can blend more easily in foreign cities; (e) ensuring a seamless relationship between human source collection and signals collection at the operational level; and (f) stressing a better balance between unilateral and liaison operations.

I approve and direct you to implement these recommendations, recognizing that significant progress has already been made in rebuilding the CIA's capabilities under the Strengthening Intelligence Initiative and the Director of Central Intelligence's (DCI) Strategic Direction, especially with respect to all-source analysis, clandestine operations, information sharing, and foreign languages.

Working within the framework established by the Strengthening Intelligence Initiative, I direct you to implement within the CIA measures to:

(1) Further strengthen the core capabilities of the CIA to meet the intelligence challenges presented by international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and other critical national security issues, including, but not limited to, its capabilities to:

(a) Perform all-source intelligence analysis that, among other qualities, routinely considers, and presents to national security policymakers, diverse views;
(b) Conduct clandestine collection operations involving human sources and technical methods unilaterally, with other elements of the Intelligence Community, and with foreign partners, and conduct covert action operations as directed by the President;
(c) Share information rapidly and proactively with other agencies of the United States Government, including specifically those responsible for national security and homeland security, while protecting the sources and methods of its collection from unauthorized disclosure, giving top priority to support of governmental actions to detect, prevent, preempt, and disrupt terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, its people, and its allies and interests around the globe; and
(d) Collect, process, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information using personnel proficient in foreign languages, and develop information technology tools to assist in effective processing and use of foreign language information.

2) Ensure that the CIA processes, shares, and disseminates to the President, Vice President in the performance of Executive functions, and other appropriate officials in the executive branch, including the heads of depart-ments and agencies with elements in the Intelligence Community, terrorism information and other information relevant to national security and homeland security including as directed by Executive Order 13356 of August 27, 2004, entitled "Strengthening the Sharing of Terrorism Information to Protect Americans."

Building on levels attained under the DCI's Strategic Direction I, measures implemented in accordance with the foregoing shall include, but not be limited to, actions to:

(1) Strengthen CIA intelligence analysis capabilities substantially and promptly through actions to:

(a) Increase, as soon as feasible, the number of fully qualified, all-source analysts by 50 percent;
(b) Assign fully qualified, all-source analysts in a manner that strengthens CIA and Intelligence Community analytical capabilities focused on terrorism, pro-liferation of WMD, the Near East and South Asia, and other key strategic areas in Asia, while maintaining substantial analytical capabilities focused on other issues and regions;
(c) Increase investment in development of their analytic expertise, field experience, and training in advanced analytical methods, including for geospatial analysis; and
(d) Continue to acquire and develop tools that enable analysts to connect to counterparts inside and outside of government, increase the speed of the analytic workflow, and deal with the rapidly increasing volume of all-source information.

(2) Strengthen CIA human intelligence operations capabilities substantially and promptly through actions to:

(a) Increase, as soon as feasible, the number of fully qualified officers in the Directorate of Operations by 50 percent;
(b) Ensure that a majority of these officers are collectors drawn from diverse backgrounds with the skills, experience, and training needed for the effective conduct of human intelligence operations;
(c) Assign substantial numbers of these officers to collection missions reflecting the priorities established through the National Intelligence Priorities Framework; and
(d) Integrate effectively, as appropriate to particular collection activities, human intelligence collection capabilities and signals and other technical intelligence collection capabilities.

(3) Improve the foreign language capabilities of the CIA through actions to:

(a) Increase, as soon as feasible, the number of CIA officers tested and proficient in mission-critical languages by 50 percent; and
(b) Develop and employ information technology tools to assist in processing and use of information in foreign languages.

(4) Fully implement directives concerning information sharing, information technology, information privacy, and security including Executive Order 13354 of August 27, 2004, entitled "National Counterterrorism Center" and Executive Order 13356.

(5) Double, as soon as feasible, the number of officers who are engaged in research and development to find new ways to bring science to bear in the war on terrorism, countering the proliferation of WMD, and against new and emerging threats.

I direct you to submit to me within 90 days from the date of this memorandum, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a detailed budget and implementation plan, including performance measures, with timelines for achievement of specific, measurable goals. In addition to the capabilities enumerated above, this plan shall also include a description, with appropriate performance measures, of steps underway at the CIA to develop and implement new collection strategies against difficult targets, to integrate human and technical collection tools, to assure appropriate access by analysts to information on the sources of critical intelligence reporting, to expand relationships with experts outside of government and otherwise ensure diverse views are routinely reflected in finished intelligence products. A copy of this plan will be provided to the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, which will advise me on the adequacy of the plan, especially with respect to countering the threat posed by WMD. Beginning in June 2005, I direct you to report to me at least semi-annually, through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on progress made implementing this memorandum.

This memorandum shall be implemented subject to the availability of appropriations and in a manner consistent with applicable law, including the Constitution and laws protecting the freedom and information privacy of Americans.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

UNCLASSIFIED STATEMENT BY STEPHEN A. CAMBONE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR INTELLIGENCE BEFORE THE HOUSE PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE AUGUST 18, 2004

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Transcript

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld

On the Web: defenselink.mil/transcripts/2004 Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact:dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld Wednesday, December 8, 2004

Secretary Rumsfeld Town Hall Meeting in Kuwait

SEC. RUMSFELD: Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. My goodness. What a group this is. Impressive gathering. General Steve Whitcomb, thank you so much for your kind words. Sergeant Major Kellman, it’s good to see you again. I appreciate your able leadership as well. First, I want to say thank you to each of you, to your families for your superb service to our country. You are doing noble work, it’s vitally important work and your country is deeply grateful.

Today’s December 8th. Sixty three years ago today our nation declared war on an enemy that had launched a sneak attack on the United States and killed thousands of people. I remember the day well. I doubt that many of you do. [Laughter] Some six decades later, America faces another global conflict. And as it was in 1941, a new generation of Americans has been asked to come to freedom’s defense. In recent times, we’ve witnessed the advance of freedom in nearly every region of the world. In the joy of the reunited Germans dancing atop the crumbling Berlin Wall, after it was torn down. If you think about, in today’s papers, the passionate debate that’s taking place over free elections in Ukraine. And certainly, in the determination of the women who braved violence and cast their ballots in Afghanistan in what was the first ever democratic presidential election in the country’s history.

Think of it, yesterday, December 7th, the inauguration of the first popularly elected president in Afghan’s history. I was there to see that historic event and I’ll never forget it. And all of you who serve in our military in all the coalition countries that assisted in Afghanistan will look back in five or ten or fifteen or twenty years and know that you were a part of something enormously important. Twenty five million Afghan people liberated, voting, tears in their eyes, yesterday at the inauguration of Hamid Karzai. And as you consider your service in Iraq, think also of the tens of thousands of Iraqis who have volunteered to risk their lives, as you have to come to the defense of their newly liberated nation – a nation that was liberated by the coalition countries at the risk of their lives.

These pivotal moments in history would not have been possible, had it not been for the determination and the daring of America’s founders. And the generations of Americans who have advanced those freedoms at home and helped to nurture those freedoms abroad. Now that duty falls to you or more correctly, and I think importantly, you have each volunteered to accept that duty and I know that you are up to the task.

Now I’ve been told something about who’s here today. Some of you are en route out, some of you are en route in, some of you are en route back in for the second time, I understand. I’m told that the Task Force Liberty includes the Rainbow Division that broke [Cheers] I was told right. That’s the division that broke through the Siegfried Line in World War II and liberated Dachau. And I believe it was a division that, decades later, came to the World Trade site within hours of the September 11th attacks.

The Swamp Fox Artillerymen [Cheers], they’re a little slow on the draw. [Laughter] I understand you folks are flexible enough to become experts in military police-style convoy security. Congratulations. And the 699th Maintenance Mad Max Shop, is that right? [Cheers] Oh, good, it’s an echo. [Laughter] I understand you folks have up-armored some 6,000 vehicles and we appreciate that a great deal. And two maneuver brigades from the guard and many others, as well – Active, Guard, Reserve, even some sailors.

ARMED FORCE MEMBER: Taos here sir.

SEC. RUMSFELD: Where? Where’s a sailor?

ARMED FORCE MEMBER: No, I said, “Taos, New Mexico,” Sir.

SEC. RUMSFELD: Oh, good. Taos, New Mexico. I know that place very well. We’ve got some sailors and airmen and Marines and civilians here as permanent party, all working with the same commitment. And for those nearing the end of your time in theater, know that you’ve done a superb job and I wish you the best, as you return home. And welcome to any of you who’ve been here before, like the Red Legs of the 42nd Division Artillery from Massachusetts.

And America’s fortunate to have some old pros back in the field. You know, there are those who see the violence taking place in Iraq and there is violence, let there be no doubt. The beheadings, the slaughtering of innocent men, women, the bombings and they say we can’t prevail. I see that violence and say we must win. Think of a world – just think of a world in which the butchers and the murderers are allowed to prevail. Think of what would happen if Iraq were to, again, be run by the extremists.

On this day, 63 years ago, Franklin Roosevelt ended his address on December 8, 1941 to the Congress by vowing that no matter how long it may take, we will not only defend ourselves to the utmost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. In today’s global conflict, the stakes are as high. As before, it falls to you and to our country to win this test of wills and to see it through to victory. I ask you all to remember this in the difficult, in the trying moments that you’ll face. There’s perhaps no greater calling in life than doing what you are doing: serving on freedom’s front lines.

You know there are doubters and those who say it can’t be done. Well, there have always been doubters who have said it couldn’t be done. Think of Afghanistan only three years ago. It was described after a few weeks as a quagmire. People were aware that the Soviet Union had some 200,000 troops in Afghanistan and they lost after decades and thousands of lives. Well, it’s not a quagmire, it’s a democracy. It’s a democracy of 25 million liberated Afghans and it’s a democracy, thanks to many of you here and all across the globe who didn’t listen to the doubters and believed it was possible and understood the important fact that the great sweep of human history is for freedom and freedom is on our side. [Applause] [Cheers]

There is no finer legacy to bestow on future generations than being a part of the world’s forward strategy for freedom and contributing to a safer and a more peaceful world and you are doing just that. And for that I thank you. God bless you all. I am confident that I’ll have other chances to say this, but just know this for a fact – there is nothing more important for you than to understand – excuse me – understand how deeply grateful the American people are to you for what you do, indeed, for what you volunteer to do and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all. [Applause]

Now the General said you can ask tough questions [Laughter] and you can. And I’ll answer the questions that I know the answers to. And I’ll have the General answer the ones that I don’t. [Laughter] Now this is quite a sight. I wish all of you could be right up here and look out at this fabulous array of soldiers and sailors and airmen, Marines. Well, who’s got the first question? Who has a microphone? Are there any microphones? There’s a microphone, there’s a microphone. There’s a couple. What you might want to do is get near a microphone. And we could save some time and I can answer some questions. And when a microphone person has a person with a question, why don’t you put your hand up, so I can see you. There you go. Yes, sir.

Q: Good morning, sir. My name is Staff Sergeant Donald Ross (sp) from Bravo Company 6 of the 7th Signal Battalion. Yes, sir. My question is with numerous troops deploying and numerous troops preparing to deploy, what is your plan to maintain a balance between units deploying overseas and units back at home to maintain an adequate fighting force in case of possible terror attacks?

SEC. RUMSFELD: Well, it’s a good question. And what we do is the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the vice chairman and the chiefs review all the deployments in what we call “a tank,” which is a room where they meet in the Pentagon and they constantly are looking to see that the United States of America has the capability to fulfill the assigned missions that it has. And I can assure you that as troops are activated, alerted, activated, deployed, demobilized as active forces are deployed and redeployed, all of that is looked at in the context of the several contingencies that conceivably could occur in the world that the United States would have to be prepared for and that let there be no doubt, we have 1.4 million men and women in uniform in the active force.

We have something like 865,000 in the Active Reserves, the Selective Reserves. And we have something like 450,000 in the Individual Ready Reserves. We have in this AOR – Area of Responsibility – today, something in the neighborhood of – for the sake of argument – 200,000. That’s 200,000 out of 1.4 million plus 600,000 and so well over 2.5 million people who we can call on at any given time. So you can be sure that we have the capability we need. There are elements of the force, however, that have been stressed and we read a lot about that and we hear a lot about that on television and it’s a fact. And the reason some elements of the force have been stressed is not because we have too few total forces, it’s because we have not had the right balance between the Active and Reserve. We’ve not had the right skill sets. And some skill sets and some capabilities have been overused, by my characterization. That is to say they’ve been used more than otherwise would have been necessary if we’d had the proper balance. But no one in the world should think that because of the fact that we have some stresses in portions of the force and that because we have a large number – 200,000 – deployed to the CentCom Area of Responsibility, that our country is not capable of fulfilling any conceivable contingency because, in fact, we are. Thank you.

Question, right here.

Q: Yes, sir. My question is after the January 30th elections and the Iraqi government in place, what is the plan for the U.S. forces in a post-democratic Iraq?

SEC. RUMSFELD: The president has indicated that his intent and indeed, the other members of the coalition have indicated that what we need to do is to have the appropriate number of forces in Iraq to help create an environment for them to succeed in moving their country off the path of a dictatorship towards a democracy and towards a country that’s at peace with its neighbors and that they ought to be there, as long as they’re necessary, but not one day longer. Now that means that the facts on the ground will determine what will happen. And it’s hard to predict precisely what will take place, but there’s a strong belief on most of our parts, including this individual, that once the Iraqis begin having their elections, which they’re scheduled for next year, that the people of Iraq will see that they have a stake in the future of that country and that they will then begin to assume greater and greater responsibility for the management of their country.

Their security forces, as I mentioned earlier, are – oh, they’re now up to something like 110[000], 120,000 -- up from zero. And they are putting their lives at risk as well. Indeed, a large number of security forces – Iraqi security forces have been killed. But they’re being trained rapidly, they’re standing in line and the goal is to have them prepare to take over the security responsibility. So one would anticipate that after the elections and as the security forces grow, you’ll see a reduction in the forces of the coalition countries and that’s the hope and that’s the expectation. The pace of that, however, is dependant completely on what the facts on the ground are.

Thank you. Yes, sir.

Q: Yes, Mr. Secretary. My question is more logistical. We’ve had troops in Iraq for coming up on three years and we’ve always staged here out of Kuwait. Now why do we soldiers have to dig through local landfills for pieces of scrap metal and compromise ballistic glass to up-armor our vehicles and why don’t we have those resources readily available to us? [Applause]

SEC. RUMSFELD: I missed the first part of your question. And could you repeat it for me?

Q: Yes, Mr. Secretary. Our soldiers have been fighting in Iraq for coming up on three years. A lot of us are getting ready to move north relatively soon. Our vehicles are not armored. We’re digging pieces of rusted scrap metal and compromised ballistic glass that’s already been shot up, dropped, busted, picking the best out of this scrap to put on our vehicles to take into combat. We do not have proper armament vehicles to carry with us north.

SEC. RUMSFELD: I talked to the General coming out here about the pace at which the vehicles are being armored. They have been brought from all over the world, wherever they’re not needed, to a place here where they are needed. I’m told that they are being – the Army is – I think it’s something like 400 a month are being done. And it’s essentially a matter of physics. It isn’t a matter of money. It isn’t a matter on the part of the Army of desire. It’s a matter of production and capability of doing it.

As you know, you go to war with the Army you have. They’re not the Army you might want or wish to have at a later time. Since the Iraq conflict began, the Army has been pressing ahead to produce the armor necessary at a rate that they believe – it’s a greatly expanded rate from what existed previously, but a rate that they believe is the rate that is all that can be accomplished at this moment.

I can assure you that General Schoomaker and the leadership in the Army and certainly General Whitcomb are sensitive to the fact that not every vehicle has the degree of armor that would be desirable for it to have, but that they’re working at it at a good clip. It’s interesting, I’ve talked a great deal about this with a team of people who’ve been working on it hard at the Pentagon. And if you think about it, you can have all the armor in the world on a tank and a tank can be blown up. And you can have an up-armored humvee and it can be blown up. And you can go down and, the vehicle, the goal we have is to have as many of those vehicles as is humanly possible with the appropriate level of armor available for the troops. And that is what the Army has been working on.

And General Whitcomb, is there anything you’d want to add to that?

GEN. WHITCOMB: Nothing. [Laughter] Mr. Secretary, I’d be happy to. That is a focus on what we do here in Kuwait and what is done up in the theater, both in Iraq and also in Afghanistan. As the secretary has said, it’s not a matter of money or desire; it is a matter of the logistics of being able to produce it. The 699th, the team that we’ve got here in Kuwait has done [Cheers] a tremendous effort to take that steel that they have and cut it, prefab it and put it on vehicles. But there is nobody from the president on down that is not aware that this is a challenge for us and this is a desire for us to accomplish.

SEC. RUMSFELD: The other day, after there was a big threat alert in Washington, D.C. in connection with the elections, as I recall, I looked outside the Pentagon and there were six or eight up-armored humvees. They’re not there anymore. [Cheers] [Applause] They’re en route out here, I can assure you. Next. Way in the back. Yes.

Q: Staff Sergeant Kobeck (sp) with Charlie Company 171 Aviation. With the recent success of the elections in Afghan, what message will you take back to the States to the people that say we couldn’t get it done?

SEC. RUMSFELD: Well, I guess the short answer is you folks did get it done in Afghanistan. And it was a breathtaking, thrilling moment to be there yesterday and to see that inauguration and to see the first popularly elected president take his oath of office and to hear the stories that he told – the stories of women who left maternity areas in their homes, having just had babies to go in and vote, people who got up at three in the morning and walked in the cold to get there to vote, individuals who were standing in line in a voting area and 100 meters away there was a explosion where some Taliban were trying to disrupt the elections and the people stayed right in line and voted. And that says something about the power of freedom. It says something about the desire on the part of human beings. And when people constantly look at what’s going on and find everything they can say – take Iraq, there’s a lot not right in Iraq. That’s a fact and we know that and people are being killed and people are being wounded.

And when you visit with the wounded in Walter Reed and Bethesda your heart goes out to them. But I can tell you, they’re proud of what they’ve been doing. They know what they’re doing is important. They believe in what they’re doing. Their families believe in what they’re doing. And it is a – I mean, the other side of the coin is this: In Iraq, there are 25 million people who were living under a vicious dictator with killing fields, mass graves. And today the schools are open, the clinics are open, the hospitals are open, the stock markets open. People have an opportunity.

I was with one of the leaders of a Gulf country and I suppose it’s not for me to talk about a private meeting. But he looked at me and he said: You know, you Americans have sent the finest young men and women from your country over to Iraq -- this is a neighbor of Iraq – and you’ve sent them over there to free those 25 million people and you’ve liberated those 25 million people and you’ve opened the schools and you’ve opened the hospitals. And now it’s up to the Iraqi people. And the Iraqi people are going to have to pick up and grab a hold of their country and make that country work. In the last analysis, you can’t do that for someone else. All you can do is create an environment that allows them to do that. And that’s what’s happening. That’s what’s taking place. And is it perfect, no. Is it ugly from time to time, yes. It is dangerous, you bet your life, it is. But God bless the people who’ve done it and who are doing and who are giving those 25 million people the opportunity to be free and to be liberated and to have opportunities they never could have thought of under that vicious dictator. [Applause] Question.

Q: Yes, sir. Specialist Anderson, Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon. And my question is I was curious to know why I, as a single soldier, cannot enlist in the regular Army, but I can enlist in the National Guard and be deployed with a family care plan?

SEC. RUMSFELD: Your voice was dropping off on me and I’ve got an aviator’s ear.

Q: Yes, sir. I was wanting to know why I cannot enlist as a single parent in the regular Army, but I can enlist in the National Guard and be deployed?

SEC. RUMSFELD: I don’t have the vaguest idea. But by golly, we’re looking for folks in the Army. You ought to be able to enlist in the Army and I’ll try and figure out how in the world you ought to be able to do it. [Applause] We want people who want to serve and we’ve got ‘em and God bless you for it. Yes.

Q: Mr. Secretary, Specialist McKobiak (sp), 116th Calvary Brigade. My question is what is the Department of Defense, more specifically, the Army side of the house, doing to address shortages and antiquated equipment that National Guard soldiers, such as the 116th Calvary Brigade and the 278th ACR are going to roll into Iraq with?

SEC. RUMSFELD: The – now settle down. Settle down. [Laughter] Hell, I’m an old man and it’s early in the morning. I didn’t take – just gathering my thoughts here. In any organization you’re going to have equipment and materials and spare parts of different ages. And I am told – and no way I can prove it, but I’m told – that the Army is breaking its neck to see that there is not a differentiation as to who gets what aged materials in the military, in the Army, as between the active force, the Guard and the Reserve. I’m told that they are, instead, trying to see that the equipment goes to those that are in the most need and who are most likely to be using it - the equipment. And that varies among the Guard and Reserve and the active force. So any organization, any element of the Army is going to end up, at some point, with – you characterize it as “antiquated.” I would say the older equipment, whatever it may be, in any category. Somebody is always going to be at that level as things are constantly replaced. And things are being constantly replaced. I mean, I believe them when they tell me that they have made a major effort to see that they’re dealing equitably as between the forces and seeing that the ones who are likely to be going into combat and have the greatest needs are the ones that have the best equipment. Yes, sir.

Q: Chaplain Malone (sp), the 642nd Aviation Support Battalion. Mr. Secretary, my job is to support the spiritual fitness of the soldiers that you see in the room today. I am also here to support the morale of these soldiers. And the soldiers that you see here today have asked me to ask you this question on their behalf. Would you be kind enough, sir, to put us on your aircraft today and take us to Disneyland? [Cheers]

SEC. RUMSFELD: [Laughter] Oh, Chaplain, you did it. [Laughter] You asked it, you knocked it right out of the park and the answer is sorry. [Laughter] We’ve got more important things for you to do [Laughter] and we appreciate it. We’ve got time for a couple more questions right here.

Q: Yes, Mr. Secretary, Specialist McCullough (sp), Alpha Company 1st of the 112th Infantry. There’s a lot of soldiers here from Western Pennsylvania and we were wondering if we were going to be given the opportunity to watch the Steelers win the Super Bowl this year? [Cheers] [Applause]

SEC. RUMSFELD: I can’t answer the question about outcomes [Laughter], but General, they’re going to have access to the…

GEN. WHITCOMB: Absolutely, sir.

SEC. RUMSFELD: Yes, you’ll have access to the television, but you’re going to have to figure out a way to encourage that to happen. [Laughter] Yes.

Q: Mr. Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Alan Kronolog (sp). I’m the Inspector General for the 116th Brigade Combat team. We’re helping – or trying to help about 150 soldiers get their contingency travel pay. We’ve gone through the chain of command; we’ve tried IG channels. These soldiers have gone – some since July – without getting travel pay. Thousands of dollars, they’re having creditors call them at home, call their spouses at home, threatening collection action. We have a big problem. There seems to be a problem with the Defense Finance Accounting Service. Can you help us to understand that problem, Mr. Secretary or even better, can you point us to a resource that will help us get these soldiers paid? [Applause]

SEC. RUMSFELD: Can someone here get the details of the unit he’s talking about? That’s just not right. Folks have earned money and are due money, ought to be able to get the money and they ought not to have to put their families under stress while they’re waiting for the money. Thank you. [Applause] We’ll take a note and see what we can do. Yes, sir.

Q: Specialist Skarwin (Sp?) HHD 42nd Engineer Brigade. Mr. Secretary [Cheers] my question is with the current mission of the National Guard and Reserves being the same as our active duty counterparts, when are more of our benefits going to line up to the same as theirs, for example, retirement? [Cheers] [Applause]

SEC. RUMSFELD: [Laughter] I can’t imagine anyone your age worrying about retirement. [Laughter] Good grief. It’s the last thing I want to do is retire. The pay and benefits for the Guard and the Reserve relative to the active force have been going up unevenly at a rate faster than the active force. If you go back over four years – matter of fact, I just went over this with the senior person in the department who looks at pay and benefits. And apparently, what’s happened is that for a variety of reasons, the incremental changes that are made each year, in terms of pay and benefits and health care and retirement and what have you, have brought the Guard and Reserve up at a faster level than the active force. And what one has to do in managing the total force and the total force is critically important. We need the Guard and Reserve as well as the active force. And we have to see that we have the incentives arranged in a way that we can attract and retain the people that are needed to defend the country. At the moment, we are doing well in terms of attracting and retaining the people we need. And if anything, I think the data suggests that the Guard and Reserve forces had been advantaged relatively compared to the active force over the past four years. Question.

Q: Sergeant Carr (sp), 3 in the 116 Armored Cav from Oregon. [Cheers] Mr. Secretary, with the recent re-election of our commander in chief to another term in office, the U.S. people sent a message to the world that we are committed to fight this war on terrorism. Specifically, in regards to non-NATO countries, how has this message affected their posture or willingness to renegotiate their relationship with the United States?

SEC. RUMSFELD: You know, you read an awful lot in the paper about different countries disagreeing on various things and there’s a tendency, I think, for the press to play up controversy and differences. But the reality is that since September 11th, the United States of America has put together a coalition of something like 85 or 90 nations, probably the largest coalition in the history of mankind. We have had somewhere – we’ve had somewhere between 25 and 30 countries helping us in Afghanistan and in Iraq. Those are large numbers of nations.

Now, why is that so important? I think it’s important because in the nature of the world today, there are so many things we can – no nation, certainly not the United States, but no nation on the face of the earth can do alone. We have to have the cooperation of other countries. You can’t deal with, for example, the problem of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction around the world alone. You’ve got work with other countries. In the case of the global war on terror, you have to share intelligence. You have to cooperate in terms of the movement of people and money across borders. If you’re going to put enough pressure on the terrorist networks, which are truly global in nature, if you’re going to put enough pressure on them, you simply have to cooperate with other countries. My impression is that your question will be answered as we go through the coming weeks and months in the positive sense, that country after country that I’ve seen since the election – and I’ve been in Latin America in six countries, I’ve been over here since the election – and in every instance, I find countries cooperating, leaning forward, understanding the threat that exists in the world in wanting to work with the United States. We’ll make that the last question. Right there.

Q: Good morning, sir. Staff Sergeant Latazinsky (sp), 1st COSCOM (sp), Fort Bragg, [Cheers] North Carolina. Yes, sir. My husband and myself, we both joined a volunteer Army. Currently, I’m serving under the Stop Loss Program. I would like to know how much longer do you foresee the military using this program?

SEC. RUMSFELD: The Stop Loss has been used by the military for years and years and years. It’s all well understood when someone volunteers to join the service. It is something that you prefer not to have to use, obviously, in a perfect world. But if you think about it, the whole principle of stop loss is based on unit cohesion. And the principle is that in the event that there is something that requires a unit to be involved and people are in a personal situation where their time was ending, they put a stop loss on it, so that the cohesion can be maintained. It’s basically a sound principle. It’s nothing new. It’s been well understood. It’s been used as little as possible. And my guess is that it will continue to be used as little as possible, but that it will continue to be used.

Folks, I am very grateful to all of you. I am so pleased that I was able to come and say hello and to thank you. I wish you Godspeed, as you do your important work. Thank you very much.

[Applause]

Remarks by John C. Danforth

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 271 (04) December 3, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador John C. Danforth, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, on his Tenure as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council Stakeout, December 3, 2004

Reporter: Any surprises for us today?

Ambassador Danforth: What can I say?

Reporter: Ambassador, why are you leaving?

Ambassador Danforth: I want to go home. It’s just that simple. It doesn’t have anything to do with making any kind of statement other than at this point in my life the question that I ask myself is what’s most important to me. And what is most important to me is my wife and my home and having more time with both. I’m a St. Louis guy and that’s the place I love and the wife of 47 years, and I just want to spend more time with both.

Reporter: Do you think Kofi should leave too?

Ambassador Danforth: I think that an investigation is going on. It’s very important when an investigation is going on to have it proceed in an orderly way and in a very thorough way, and for everybody to keep his mind open.

Reporter: Last week in some very strong words you expressed frustration with the General Assembly with the no action vote on Sudan. In general, what has been your feeling about the workings of the UN and your frustrations? And also, you said you would say something substantive about now on the report that came out? If you could address those two.

Ambassador Danforth: Anything else? In general, let me say that it has been an honor to have been here and to be in this position. The United Nations is very important. The U.S. is committed to a multilateral foreign policy and the United Nations is a key part of that. President Bush made that clear to me when he asked me to do this job; that is the position of our government. I have had a good experience here. I must say that in connection with the inaction of the General Assembly on the issue of Sudan, I just couldn’t understand it. I thought it was just plain wrong to say we can’t be bothered with the suffering of the people of Darfur or the people of Sudan. I am concerned that the General Assembly is essentially a place where 191 countries make statements and some of the statements they make are not very helpful in solving the problems of the world. With respect to the Security Council, I think we did very good work on our trip to Nairobi. To me the highest and best use of the Security Council is to provide a stage for the focus on significant issues and that’s what we did. My own view is that more important than the specific wording of a resolution is the focus we can give particular problems, and I think we’ve done that with respect to Sudan, and did it especially on the trip to Nairobi.

Reporter: Would you have stayed with this administration if you were offered a different post within the administration? And beyond that, how concerned are you now about the relations between the United Nations and the U.S.?

Ambassador Danforth: Well, first of all and I’ve thought a lot about this since September, since about Labor Day, if the President were to win, what would be my – what would I want to do and I talked a lot to my wife about it and thought a lot about it and what I really want to do is go home. I mean it’s really just as simple as that. And I wanted to make that clear. In fact, three days after the election I talked to the President’s Chief of Staff Andy Card and told him that what we want to do – what my wife and I want to do - is to go home. It’s not that we don’t like it here – we do. But it’s just home at this point in our lives and being together at this point in our lives, and not being off on some other pursuit. So that was my sole thought on that.

Reporter: How concerned are you about the relations between the United Nations and the U.S.?

Ambassador Danforth: I think, you know just my own experience, that being here and my own experience working in the Security Council and my experience with the UN is that essentially we have a good relationship and the rest of the world. We, of course, and I in this position have to do our best to state what is the policy of the United States, what’s our government’s say, and we do that to the best of our ability. But I’ve noticed a good relationship; I haven’t noticed anything other than that.

Reporter: You told the students of Washington University not too long ago (inaudible) that they have to check every word (inaudible)?

Ambassador Danforth: It’s different. Frustration is not exactly a word that applies to me. I’m not easily frustrated. Are you frustrated with this or that? I’m really not frustrated – it’s a different kind of role. My view is that it’s best that the U.S. have one foreign policy, not a bunch of independent operators. I do not believe that the Permanent Representative to the United Nations is an independent foreign policy maker or should be some sort of figure running around Washington saying exotic things, or running around New York saying exotic things. I really don’t believe that. I believe we should speak with one voice. And therefore I think that this particular method of operation is right. It’s the way I should function. It’s the way the State Department should function. It’s the way the government should function as a totality. Am I used to this kind of operating? No, I mean when I was in the U.S. Senate, I voted my conscience, my point of view and my position on issues, what I thought. And then when I’d go back to my home state and try my best to explain my position to my constituents. You can’t do that in this position, nobody can. I mean everybody who represents the government here does so as an ambassador. You’re representing a point of view that’s the point of view of the entire government, not just the point of view of an individual member of the United States Senate. So it’s a different kind of role, I think that the role here, I’m repeating myself, I think that the role here is not one for somebody who is an independent operator and shouldn’t be that way. And so that’s just the way it is.

Reporter: When you talked to Mr. Card, your name was already being mentioned as a possible replacement for Secretary of State Powell, in that conversation were you in effect ruling yourself out of consideration for that position? And as a second question, what do you see in your five months here as your greatest accomplishment?

Ambassador Danforth: The answer to the first question is yes. Now nobody in the White House talked to me about anything else, now this is three days after the election. And it certainly would have been presumptuous of me to call up the White House and say hey are you thinking about me for some other job. But did I want to sign on for a four-year stint at this time in my life, for something that would be preemptive of anything else in my life, and the answer to that question is no. So the message I gave is that I decided to go home from my current position, but obviously the message in that was that I just plain wanted to go home. Now I’m very happy, and I said this to the President in the letter I wrote him, if there’s something I can do in a more specific basis without being a government employee I’d be happy to do that, if I can do it from St. Louis as I did with Sudan and as I did with Waco before that in the Clinton administration. I’m very happy to do that kind of thing, but it’s the full-time job that I didn’t want to do. Now on the question of what is the most important thing. It was continuing to deal with Sudan; it was trying to increase the visibility of the issue of Sudan and particularly the trip to Nairobi.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: I’m sorry?

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: The Syria-Lebanon Resolution, yes, it was.

Reporter: (inaudible) meeting with Kofi Annan?

Ambassador Danforth: It was not about anything we’ve talked about. It was about something that was much more nuts and bolts than we’ve talked about.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: First of all, we welcome the report. It was a serious piece of work – is a serious piece of work. It recognizes the fact that the world situation is different now from when the UN was formed. It triggers a process now of considering what the UN should look like in the future. It makes about a hundred specific recommendations and all of that will require a lot of review and a lot of discussion among the members of the UN and within the governments of each country. We haven’t done that process of digesting it all, but we take this as very serious, as positive, as raising important issues, as starting an important process. And then let’s get into all of the details, and figure out whether the specific recommendations are just right or if they should be monitored in any way, what the precise answers should be. But it’s a very good start.

Reporter: (inaudible) I wanted to ask about the major priorities you set out in your initial testimony before congress. You said you wanted to expand and broaden the UN role in Iraq. How have you seen that progressing? Are you disappointed that you can’t get a more expansive approach to it?

Ambassador Danforth: Our approach has been to encourage the United Nations to be more and more active and present in Iraq and to follow up on the leading role that was set out in the resolution that was adopted last June. So you know it’s always been a matter of trying to encourage the UN to be more forthcoming, to encourage more people to be in Iraq to help out with the elections. I think there has been a very positive development in the last few days, and that was the Security Council creating the trust fund and the commitment of the European Union to $12 million dollars to provide the Middle Ring security for the UN people who are going to be in Iraq. So I think all of that’s positive and it’s moving in the right direction.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: Do I believe it’s a moral place?

Reporter: (inaudible) is it a place where generally people act (inaudible)?

Ambassador Danforth: Yes, it’s a place of ambassadors. That is it’s a place of people who represent their governments. And therefore their job is to represent the national interests of 191 nations and they all have whatever their national interest are. So there’s a national interest component, it’s not the altruism society of the world, it’s a representation of national interests. But I’ve been very impressed at the convergence of the national interests, not to say that there aren’t real differences and differences on fine points. But the earnestness of the approach that my colleagues have taken, the desire to do the right thing, the commitment to making the world a better place is very real. There can be differences between the countries with respect to wording of resolution and specific points of emphasis, but the seriousness of purpose and the desire to do the right thing to make the world better and safer, I think it’s there and it’s very, very commendable.

Reporter: Ambassador, in your meeting with the Secretary General, did you offer words of support in this time of crisis for him?

Ambassador Danforth: The meeting was really about different matters than matters of crisis. It had to do with more specific nuts and bolts things rather than the problem you’re talking about.

Reporter: Ambassador, you’ve been here for a few months, what has experience taught you – what would you say is the number one reform that’s necessary for the United Nations?

Ambassador Danforth: I’m an ambassador not a personal recommender, so I think what we have to do is to take this report very seriously, study it very carefully, look to the future and what the real problems are today as opposed to what they were 50 years ago – 50 plus years ago and do a very good job trying to respond to the impetus this sort of report has given to that sort of analysis.

Reporter: Is there one area that needs reform that needs work?

Ambassador Danforth: Well, there are, I think, a hundred different suggestions in the report so we’ll look at all of them. Thanks a lot.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: To do what?

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: I don’t – I really don’t agree with the premise of that comment. It’s very serious; charges have been made relating to the oil-for-food program, so they have to be taken seriously. And I – one thing I know about is investigations because I did the Waco investigation. When you go into an investigation there are at least two points you have to bear in mind, first of all, keep your mind open, don’t prejudge it. Don’t prejudge it on the basis that this person did something wrong. Don’t prejudge it to say all this is beyond reproach.

Reporter: (inaudible)

Ambassador Danforth: Just a second – wait, wait, wait, wait. Do you want me to respond to your question or would you like the mike?

Reporter: I’d just like to explain my question, sir. (inaudible)?

Ambassador Danforth: I’m saying that it’s important to have an investigation that goes forward. And it’s important that the investigation be one that is thorough, that is comprehensive and that is objective. And the only way that I know to conduct an objective investigation is to keep your mind clear of preconceived ideas.

Reporter: So you have confidence in Kofi Annan’s (inaudible)?

Ambassador Danforth: I’ve given you the answer to the question. No, you are not listening to me. You are not listening. What I am saying is that in the context of this oil-for-food controversy, it is important to have a thorough investigation and it is important that the investigators and the rest of us who are interested in the success of the investigation go into this with an open mind. And that means neither prejudging this on the side of innocence or the side of guilt, just open-mindedness. Thanks. ###

National Guard and Reserve Mobilized

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release

On the Web:
defenselink.mil/releases/2004/nr20041124-1647
Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131

Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment
or +1 (703) 428-0711

No. 1208-04 IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2004

National Guard and Reserve Mobilized as of November 24, 2004

This week, the Army and Air Force announced an increase in the number of reservists on active duty in support of the partial mobilization, while the Navy , Marines and Coast Guard had a decrease. The net collective result is 294 more reservists mobilized than last week.

At any given time, services may mobilize some units and individuals while demobilizing others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. Total number currently on active duty in support of the partial mobilization for the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 156,972; Naval Reserve, 3,235; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 10,808; Marine Corps Reserve, 10,703; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 1,054. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel, who have been mobilized, to 182,772 including both units and individual augmentees.

A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are currently mobilized can be found at defenselink.mil/news/Nov2004/d20041124

Colin Powell Briefing Ukraine full video text

Colin Powell Briefing Ukraine FULL STREAMING VIDEO (11/24/2004)

Briefing by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell Secretary Colin L. Powell Washington, DC November 24, 2004 (1:00 p.m. EST)

SECRETARY POWELL: Good morning, everyone. A dozen years ago, Ukrainians chose freedom and independence, setting their country on a path of democracy and prosperity. The United States has been a consistent partner with Ukraine in this journey. Similarly, today the United States stands with the people of Ukraine and their effort to ensure their democratic choice.

Indeed, this is a critical moment. It is time for Ukrainian leaders to decide whether they are on the side of democracy or not, whether they respect the will of the people or not. If the Ukrainian Government does not act immediately and responsibly, there will be consequences for our relationship for Ukraine's hopes for Euro-Atlantic integration and for individuals responsible for perpetrating fraud.

The Central Election Commission has just announced official results and declared the current prime minister the winner. We cannot accept this result as legitimate because it does not meet international standards and because there has not been an investigation of the numerous and credible reports of fraud and abuse. We have been following developments very closely and are deeply disturbed by the extensive and credible reports of fraud in the election. We call for a full review of the conduct of the election and the tallying of election results.

During the election campaign, the Ukrainian authorities at the highest level repeatedly sent a message about the importance of free and fair elections. We deeply regret that they did not take the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to democracy and to be a model for the region and the world. It is still not too late for Ukrainian authorities to find a solution that respects the will of the Ukrainian people.

Briefing by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell FULL TEXT

Thanksgiving Day, 2004

THANKSGIVING AT THE WHITE HOUSE

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 23, 2004

Thanksgiving Day, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

All across America, we gather this week with the people we love to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our freedom, grateful for our families and friends, and grateful for the many gifts of America. On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come from the Almighty God.

Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to thank God after suffering through a brutal winter. President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and President Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War, asking Americans to give thanks with "one heart and one voice." Since then, in times of war and in times of peace, Americans have gathered with family and friends and given thanks to God for our blessings.

Thanksgiving is also a time to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. Americans this week will gather food and clothing for neighbors in need. Many young people will give part of their holiday to volunteer at homeless shelters and food pantries. On Thanksgiving, we remember that the true strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of the American people. By seeking out those who are hurting and by lending a hand, Americans touch the lives of their fellow citizens and help make our Nation and the world a better place.

This Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to our dedicated firefighters and police officers who help keep our homeland safe. We are grateful to the homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on faithful watch. And we give thanks for the Americans in our Armed Forces who are serving around the world to secure our country and advance the cause of freedom. These brave men and women make our entire Nation proud, and we thank them and their families for their sacrifice.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for His blessings and ask Him to continue to guide and watch over our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2004, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship to reinforce the ties of family and community and to express gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

Ukraine elections Elizabeth Jones Yuriy Ushakov

Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC November 23, 2004
Question Taken at November 23, 2004 Daily Press Briefing
Meeting with Russian Ambassador (Taken Question)

Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Jones

Question: Did Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Jones meet with/contact the Russian Ambassador, Yuriy Ushakov, yesterday to discuss Ukraine elections? Did she ask the Russians to change their position on this issue? Answer: We can confirm that Assistant Secretary Jones met with the Russian Ambassador yesterday afternoon at her request.

While we do not comment on the details of these meetings, we can confirm that Ukraine was discussed.

### 2004/1274 [End]

Statement on Ukrainian Elections

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 23, 2004 Statement on Ukrainian Elections

The United States is deeply disturbed by extensive and credible indications of fraud committed in the Ukrainian presidential election. We strongly support efforts to review the conduct of the election and urge Ukrainian authorities not to certify results until investigations of organized fraud are resolved. We call on the Government of Ukraine to respect the will of the Ukrainian people, and we urge all Ukrainians to resolve the situation through peaceful means. The Government bears a special responsibility not to use or incite violence, and to allow free media to report accurately on the situation without intimidation or coercion. The United States stands with the Ukrainian people in this difficult time.

# # #

Dan Rather Stepping Down

CBS) Dan Rather stepping down full streaming video

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- (CBS) Dan Rather announced Tuesday that he will step down as anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News in March, 24 years after his first broadcast in that position.

Rather will continue to work full-time at CBS News as a correspondent for both editions of 60 Minutes, as well as on other assignments for the news division. His last broadcast as anchor will be March 9, the 24th anniversary of when he assumed the position from Walter Cronkite.
more Dan Rather Steps Down 'CBS Evening News' Anchor