bush radio address 02/05/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 02/05/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.

This week, in my address to Congress and the American people, I was pleased to report that the state of our union is confident and strong. Many challenges still lie before us, and I will work with Congress to do what Americans have always done -- leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.

Meeting this responsibility to the future starts with being good stewards of the American economy. I welcome the bipartisan calls to control the spending appetite of the federal government. On Monday, my administration will submit a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. In the long run, the best way to reduce the deficit is to grow the economy. And we will take steps to make the American economy stronger, more innovative, and more competitive.

We must also strengthen and save Social Security for our children and grandchildren. For those of you born before 1950, I have a message: The Social Security system will not change in any way for you. For younger workers, the system has serious problems that will grow worse with time. With every year that passes, we have fewer workers paying ever-larger benefits to ever-increasing numbers of retirees. In 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in. By the time today's younger workers retire in 2042, the system will be bankrupt -- unless we act now.

Fixing Social Security will require an open, candid review of the options. I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer, and I will work with members of Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. As we proceed, we will adhere to a few basic principles. We will make Social Security's finances permanently sound, not leave the task for another day. We will not increase payroll taxes. We will make the system a better deal for younger workers by allowing them to save some of their payroll taxes in voluntary personal retirement accounts -- a nest egg they can call their own, which government can never take away.

Our second broad responsibility to the future is to preserve and pass on the values that sustain a free society. We must continue to build a culture of life that respects human dignity while advancing science. To promote the compassionate character of America, we will pursue initiatives to fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS, help our at-risk youth reject gangs and violence, and help prevent wrongful convictions in our courts. I will continue to nominate well-qualified judges who understand the proper role of courts in our democracy -- and the Senate must fulfill its constitutional responsibility, and give every nominee an up or down vote.

Finally, our commitment to human dignity and freedom at home also leads us to spread freedom and peace around the world. We remain at war against the forces of terror, and we will not rest until the fight is won. We will continue to hunt down terrorists abroad, so we do not have to face them here at home. Our budget will give our military all the tools they need for victory, and we will also honor the sacrifices of the fallen by increasing substantially the payments made to the families of our servicemen and women who have given their lives in the war on terror.

Recently, we have seen freedom's gathering momentum in Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, Ukraine -- and last Sunday, in Iraq. On that day, millions of brave Iraqis defied the threats of terrorists, and cast votes to determine their nation's future. The whole world can now see that the assassins and car-bombers are doomed to fail, because they are fighting the desire of the Iraqi people to live in freedom. And when Iraq is democratic, at peace with its neighbors, and able to defend itself, our nation will be safer, and our troops will return home with the honor they have earned.

The work ahead is not easy. But we go forward with confidence, knowing that America's best days are yet to come. Thank you for listening. END

For Immediate Release February 5, 2005

Condoleezza Rice Tony Blair Jack Straw Gerhard Schroeder

Remarks With British Prime Minister Tony Blair Before Meeting

Secretary Condoleezza Rice

PRIME MINISTER BLAIR: Could I just say a very warm word of welcome to Secretary Rice, Condi, who is a good friend of ours here. And we are delighted to see her in her new role and congratulate her warmly. It is an absolutely excellent appointment and we all look forward to working with you in the months and years to come. Obviously her visit here comes in advance of a visit to Europe, and the President's visit later this month. We will be discussing Iraq, no doubt, and the Middle East and various other issues. And I am sure it will be an excellent and constructive meeting, as ever, and you guys are going to get a chance…the grilling comes later with Jack, I think…but anyway it is a real pleasure and honor for us to welcome her here.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you. Thank you very much, Prime Minister, for welcoming me and for having me here on my first stop on what is going to be an extended tour of Europe, and I am also going to the Middle East. And I look forward to conversations here to set up the President's visit. We have a lot of work to do and I want to thank you for your leadership and the friendship of Great Britain and the British people, as we try and spread freedom and democracy through the world, as we work to support the Iraqi people in their quest, and most especially, as you and the President have committed, as we try and bring to the Israelis and the Palestinians the chance for permanent peace.

2005/117 Pillared Room, #10 Downing Street London, United Kingdom February 4, 2005

RELATED

• Remarks With British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw After Meeting - FOREIGN SECRETARY STRAW: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It has been a very great pleasure to welcome to London Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her first official visit as the United States Secretary of State. And Condoleezza Rice has had a very good discussion this morning with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and we too have had a very good bilateral discussion. And both the Prime Minister and I opened by congratulating Secretary Rice on her appointment and her endorsement by the Senate
• Remarks With German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder After Meeting - CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER: (In German) (inaudible) We have now spent one hour very intensely conversing with one another and as you might imagine, international topics were the dominant ones on our agenda. We have, as you might imagine, addressed the situation in Iraq. We have discussed this topic at length and we very strongly agree that what the country now needs is a perspective towards the course of democracy and stability for its future. And we are very much agreed on this purpose and on this being the important point, irrespective of what one thought about the military intervention in Iraq in the first place. I have very much said that Germany is strongly ready within what I have already outlined in previous statements to help Iraq to get towards this stable and hopefully democratic development

Army Corps of Engineers North Oubaidy, Baghdad

$15M Cleanup Effort Underway for North Oubaidy Sewage Problem

By Alicia Embrey Gulf Region Central District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- On the sewage-flooded, garbage-strewn streets of North Oubaidy District, Baghdad, reconstruction is taking hold. The rebuilding of the infrastructure, however, will take time. Fortunately, according to a resident of North Oubaidy, the people of Iraq are a patient people. They endured under Saddam’s regime for decades without improvements; now that work is beginning, any visible improvement is noticeable and welcomed.

The cleanup effort is underway in an area where barefoot children play as sewage oozes from a nonexistent infrastructure. According to Ken Larson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resident engineer stationed at Camp Ironhorse, the Mahalla suburb east of downtown Baghdad never has had either a sewer system or a properly functioning water distribution system.

“The neighborhood has suffered for 25 years,” explained Maj. Pete Andrysiak, 20th Engineers Battalion, operations officer. “This is the result of a system designed for a population of ten thousand that is now occupied by up to one hundred thousand, and long neglected by the previous government.”

The project, a priority of Col. Robert B. Abrams, 1st Brigade Combat Team commander and Lt. Col. Lawrence B. Holmes, 20th Engineer Battalion commander, was to be funded and executed by the Project Contracting Office (PCO). “During this time, PCO had a lot of money pulled from the water sector, when it was time for cuts, this was a logical choice,” Andrysiak said.

Andrysiak, due to his previous USACE assignment, revived the project with the expertise of the Corps of Engineers. The Corps with its negotiation, contract, and project management experience, reduced the original bid of 89 million to 15 million. By refining the scope of work, USACE saved 63 million dollars.

“USACE has a resident office on site that is staffed with civilians and Soldiers that know the military, and can communicate and deliver accordingly,” Andrysiak said. “I can’t say enough about the support we have received to date. The whole team is incredible.”

With the 20th Engineers and USACE working together, the project was rejuvenated and Col. Abrams secured the necessary funds.

The construction endeavor will center on a complete sanitary sewer system with trunk lines and rehabilitation of the current water distribution system. The new system will include sewer mainline pipes and manholes, the connection and/or construction of laterals to approximately 12,500 homes – each averaging 8 to 10 people, as well as businesses. The project also provides for the construction of three pump stations.

A future environment with clean water, reliable power and dry sidewalks is only months away. Local subcontractors hired residents to clean two district sections of open slit trenches and standing raw sewage and to alleviate general pooling of sewage and storm water. As a result, improvements are already visible.

Although they are improving, current conditions present an uncontrollable health hazard. “Until the system is fully operational, the sewage will be directed to collection points located away from the habitable area now plagued,” said Travis Lynch, USACE, 1BCT project engineer. “This is a temporary solution to improve the health and quality of live issues in the immediate area.”

“The success of this project will help many Iraqis to trust in their government and the Coalition Forces,” said Cpt. Lee De Jesus, 20th Engineer Battalion project manager. “This project will be the first step toward providing better living conditions in other areas throughout the district. Kamalaya, just to the south, is next in line for improvements.” Release #050204k

Liberia’s 2005 Elections

Eligibility of Contestants for Elective Offices in Liberia’s 2005 Elections

The United States is very disturbed by the announcement by Liberian Labor Minister Supuwood that he would run for elected office this year. His candidacy violates the August 18, 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which states clearly that former combatants designated by the CPA would not be allowed to run for office in the October 2005 elections. The United States will not recognize the candidacies of such designated individuals.

The United States and the international community have invested too much in the peace process in Liberia to ignore this challenge to the CPA, to the electoral process, and to the authority of the National Elections Commission (NEC). The United States joins the Economic Community of West African States in calling upon the National Transitional Government of Liberia and all Liberians to work with the NEC to ensure that the electoral process conforms to the letter and spirit of the CPA.

2005/141 Released on February 4, 2005

Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC February 4, 2005

Confirmation Alberto R. Gonzales Attorney General

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 109th Congress - 1st Session as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Alberto R. Gonzales to be Attorney General )

Vote Number: 3
Vote Date: February 3, 2005, 04:29 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN12
Nomination Description: Alberto R. Gonzales, of Texas, to be Attorney General

Vote Counts: YEAs 60, NAYs 36, Not Voting 4

Alphabetical by Senator Name

Akaka (D-HI), Nay Alexander (R-TN), Yea Allard (R-CO), Yea Allen (R-VA), Yea Baucus (D-MT), Not Voting Bayh (D-IN), Nay Bennett (R-UT), Yea Biden (D-DE), Nay Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Bond (R-MO), Yea Boxer (D-CA), Nay Brownback (R-KS), Yea Bunning (R-KY), Yea Burns (R-MT), Not Voting Burr (R-NC), Yea Byrd (D-WV), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Nay Carper (D-DE), Nay Chafee (R-RI), Yea Chambliss (R-GA), Yea Clinton (D-NY), Nay Coburn (R-OK), Yea Cochran (R-MS), Yea Coleman (R-MN), Yea Collins (R-ME), Yea Conrad (D-ND), Not Voting Cornyn (R-TX), Yea Corzine (D-NJ), Nay Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Yea Dayton (D-MN), Nay DeMint (R-SC), Yea DeWine (R-OH), Yea Dodd (D-CT), Nay

Dole (R-NC), Yea Domenici (R-NM), Yea Dorgan (D-ND), Nay Durbin (D-IL), Nay Ensign (R-NV), Yea Enzi (R-WY), Yea Feingold (D-WI), Nay Feinstein (D-CA), Nay Frist (R-TN), Yea Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Yea Gregg (R-NH), Yea Hagel (R-NE), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Yea Hutchison (R-TX), Yea Inhofe (R-OK), Yea Inouye (D-HI), Not Voting Isakson (R-GA), Yea Jeffords (I-VT), Nay Johnson (D-SD), Nay Kennedy (D-MA), Nay Kerry (D-MA), Nay Kohl (D-WI), Nay Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Yea Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay Leahy (D-VT), Nay Levin (D-MI), Nay Lieberman (D-CT), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Nay Lott (R-MS), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea Martinez (R-FL), Yea

McCain (R-AZ), Yea McConnell (R-KY), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Nay Murkowski (R-AK), Yea Murray (D-WA), Nay Nelson (D-FL), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Yea Obama (D-IL), Nay Pryor (D-AR), Yea Reed (D-RI), Nay Reid (D-NV), Nay Roberts (R-KS), Yea Rockefeller (D-WV), Nay Salazar (D-CO), Yea Santorum (R-PA), Yea Sarbanes (D-MD), Nay Schumer (D-NY), Nay Sessions (R-AL), Yea Shelby (R-AL), Yea Smith (R-OR), Yea Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea Stabenow (D-MI), Nay Stevens (R-AK), Yea Sununu (R-NH), Yea Talent (R-MO), Yea Thomas (R-WY), Yea Thune (R-SD), Yea Vitter (R-LA), Yea Voinovich (R-OH), Yea Warner (R-VA), Yea Wyden (D-OR), Nay

By Home State

Alabama:	Sessions (R-AL), Yea	Shelby (R-AL), Yea
Alaska:	Murkowski (R-AK), Yea	Stevens (R-AK), Yea
Arizona:	Kyl (R-AZ), Yea	McCain (R-AZ), Yea
Arkansas:	Lincoln (D-AR), Nay	Pryor (D-AR), Yea
California:	Boxer (D-CA), Nay	Feinstein (D-CA), Nay
Colorado:	Allard (R-CO), Yea	Salazar (D-CO), Yea
Connecticut:	Dodd (D-CT), Nay	Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Delaware:	Biden (D-DE), Nay	Carper (D-DE), Nay
Florida:	Martinez (R-FL), Yea	Nelson (D-FL), Yea
Georgia:	Chambliss (R-GA), Yea	Isakson (R-GA), Yea
Hawaii:	Akaka (D-HI), Nay	Inouye (D-HI), Not Voting
Idaho:	Craig (R-ID), Yea	Crapo (R-ID), Yea
Illinois:	Durbin (D-IL), Nay	Obama (D-IL), Nay
Indiana:	Bayh (D-IN), Nay	Lugar (R-IN), Yea
Iowa:	Grassley (R-IA), Yea	Harkin (D-IA), Nay
Kansas:	Brownback (R-KS), Yea	Roberts (R-KS), Yea
Kentucky:	Bunning (R-KY), Yea	McConnell (R-KY), Yea
Louisiana:	Landrieu (D-LA), Yea	Vitter (R-LA), Yea
Maine:	Collins (R-ME), Yea	Snowe (R-ME), Yea
Maryland:	Mikulski (D-MD), Nay	Sarbanes (D-MD), Nay
Massachusetts:	Kennedy (D-MA), Nay	Kerry (D-MA), Nay
Michigan:	Levin (D-MI), Nay	Stabenow (D-MI), Nay
Minnesota:	Coleman (R-MN), Yea	Dayton (D-MN), Nay
Mississippi:	Cochran (R-MS), Yea	Lott (R-MS), Yea
Missouri:	Bond (R-MO), Yea	Talent (R-MO), Yea
Montana:	Baucus (D-MT), Not Voting	Burns (R-MT), Not Voting
Nebraska:	Hagel (R-NE), Yea	Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Nevada:	Ensign (R-NV), Yea	Reid (D-NV), Nay
New Hampshire:	Gregg (R-NH), Yea	Sununu (R-NH), Yea
New Jersey:	Corzine (D-NJ), Nay	Lautenberg (D-NJ), Nay
New Mexico:	Bingaman (D-NM), Nay	Domenici (R-NM), Yea
New York:	Clinton (D-NY), Nay	Schumer (D-NY), Nay
North Carolina:	Burr (R-NC), Yea	Dole (R-NC), Yea
North Dakota:	Conrad (D-ND), Not Voting	Dorgan (D-ND), Nay
Ohio:	DeWine (R-OH), Yea	Voinovich (R-OH), Yea
Oklahoma:	Coburn (R-OK), Yea	Inhofe (R-OK), Yea
Oregon:	Smith (R-OR), Yea	Wyden (D-OR), Nay
Pennsylvania:	Santorum (R-PA), Yea	Specter (R-PA), Yea
Rhode Island:	Chafee (R-RI), Yea	Reed (D-RI), Nay
South Carolina:	DeMint (R-SC), Yea	Graham (R-SC), Yea
South Dakota:	Johnson (D-SD), Nay	Thune (R-SD), Yea
Tennessee:	Alexander (R-TN), Yea	Frist (R-TN), Yea
Texas:	Cornyn (R-TX), Yea	Hutchison (R-TX), Yea
Utah:	Bennett (R-UT), Yea	Hatch (R-UT), Yea
Vermont:	Jeffords (I-VT), Nay	Leahy (D-VT), Nay
Virginia:	Allen (R-VA), Yea	Warner (R-VA), Yea
Washington:	Cantwell (D-WA), Nay	Murray (D-WA), Nay
West Virginia:	Byrd (D-WV), Nay	Rockefeller (D-WV), Nay
Wisconsin:	Feingold (D-WI), Nay	Kohl (D-WI), Nay
Wyoming:	Enzi (R-WY), Yea	Thomas (R-WY), Yea

Death of Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania

Death of Georgian Prime Minister

The United States is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania today. Secretary Rice called President Saakashvili this morning to extend our condolences to him and to all the people of Georgia. Prime Minister Zhvania was a catalyst for democratic change in Georgia, a dynamic leader and a friend.

2005/137 Released on February 3, 2005
Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC February 3, 2005

Suspension of Immunity for Cambodian Opposition Members

Suspension of Parliamentary Immunity of Cambodian Opposition Party Members

The United States strongly condemns the Cambodian National Assembly action on February 3 to suspend the parliamentary immunity of opposition parliamentarians Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch and Cheam Channy. We note with concern the subsequent arrest of Cheam Channy. These actions come at a time of growing intimidation of opposition voices in Cambodia. We call upon the political leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia to allow all citizens to peacefully express their political views without fear of retribution or intimidation.

2005/138 Released on February 3, 2005

Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC February 3, 2005
SOURCE: STATE.gov

State of the Union Address 2005 full text video

State of the Union Address 2005 FULL STREAMING VIDEO
Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives The United States Capitol Washington, D.C. 9:10 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, fellow citizens:

State of the Union Address 1

As a new Congress gathers, all of us in the elected branches of government share a great privilege: We've been placed in office by the votes of the people we serve. And tonight that is a privilege we share with newly-elected leaders of Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, and a free and sovereign Iraq. (Applause.)

Two weeks ago, I stood on the steps of this Capitol and renewed the commitment of our nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all. This evening I will set forth policies to advance that ideal at home and around the world.

State of the Union Address 2

State of the Union Address 3

Tonight, with a healthy, growing economy, with more Americans going back to work, with our nation an active force for good in the world -- the state of our union is confident and strong. (Applause.) Our generation has been blessed -- by the expansion of opportunity, by advances in

medicine, by the security purchased by our parents' sacrifice. Now, as we see a little gray in the mirror -- or a lot of gray -- (laughter) -- and we watch our children moving into adulthood, we ask the question: What will be the state of their union? Members of Congress, the choices we make together will answer that question.

State of the Union Address 4

State of the Union Address 5

Over the next several months, on issue after issue, let us do what Americans have always done, and build a better world for our children and our grandchildren. (Applause.) First, we must be good stewards of this economy, and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely.

America's economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation. In the past four years, we provided tax relief to every person who pays income taxes, overcome a recession, opened up new markets abroad, prosecuted corporate criminals, raised homeownership to its highest level in history, and in the last year alone, the United States has added 2.3 million new jobs.

State of the Union Address 6

(Applause.) When action was needed, the Congress delivered -- and the nation is grateful.

Now we must add to these achievements. By making our economy more flexible, more innovative, and more competitive, we will keep America the economic leader of the world. (Applause.)State of the Union Address 2005 FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit AN NAJAF PROVINCE

Marines near Najaf ready for return home

AN NAJAF PROVINCE, Iraq -- Two days after Iraq’s national elections, and with just a few weeks left until they return to the United States, Marines here say they are confident they are leaving the holy city of Najaf in better shape than when they arrived in July.

After weeks of training Iraqi Security Forces, the Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) stood down their patrols for Sunday’s historic elections after the top Marine commander here determined that the city was in good hands with local police and soldiers.

Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer for the 11th MEU (SOC), felt confident that local Iraqi law enforcement and military would be able to “take charge of the city” Jan. 30 if violence had struck during elections.

“They are ready to step forward to do what they have to do, whether Multi-National Forces are there or not,” said Haslam, who spent Jan. 30 at the Joint Command Center near the governor’s compound in the city’s center.

“The turnout of voters was a homerun,” he said. Release #050202a SOURCE: MNFI

Statement on Federal Assistance West Virginia

Statement on Federal Assistance for West Virginia

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and landslides beginning on January 4, 2005, and continuing.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides in the counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler, and Wetzel.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Michael Bolch as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600. # # #

For Immediate Release OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY February 2, 2005

Statement on Federal Assistance Utah

Statement on Federal Assistance for Utah STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Utah and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on January 8-12, 2005.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms and flooding in the counties of Kane and Washington.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Justin DeMello as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600. # # #

For Immediate Release OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY February 2, 2005

Statement on Federal Assistance Illinois

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by record/near record snow on December 21-23, 2004.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to the State and eligible local governments in the counties of Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Pope, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, White and Williamson.

Assistance is available to State and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures that were undertaken to save lives and protect public health, safety and property over a 48-hour period.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Scott Wells as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600. # # #

For Immediate Release OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY February 2, 2005 Statement by the Press Secretary

Statement on Federal Assistance Hawaii

Statement on Federal Assistance Hawaii STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flash flooding on October 30, 2004.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and flash flooding in the City and County of Honolulu.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in the City and County of Honolulu.

Representing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named Michael Karl as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

The Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600. # # #

For Immediate Release February 2, 2005

Elliott Abrams Faryar Shirzad

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen Hadley announced today the appointment of Elliott Abrams as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy, and that Faryar Shirzad will continue to serve in an expanded role as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs.

In his capacity as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy, Mr. Abrams will assist Mr. Hadley in work on the promotion of democracy and human rights, and will provide oversight to the NSC's directorate of Democracy, Human Rights, and International Organization Affairs and its directorate of Near East and North African Affairs. Working with Secretary Rice and Mr. Hadley, he will maintain his involvement in Israeli/Palestinian affairs.

Elliott Abrams has served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs since December 2002. Prior to holding that position, he was Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Democracy, Human Rights and International Operations. He was a member and then Chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 1999 to 2001, and President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Abrams served as an Assistant Secretary of State during the Reagan Administration from 1981 to 1989. Mr. Abrams received his bachelor's degree from Harvard, earned a master's in International Relations from the London School of Economics, and received his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

In his capacity as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, Mr. Shirzad will expand his role to include focus on humanitarian affairs, stabilization, and reconstruction efforts.

Faryar Shirzad was previously Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Affairs at the National Security Council. Prior to joining the NSC staff, Mr. Shirzad served as Assistant Secretary for Import Administration at the Department of Commerce from 2001 to 2003. Before that, Mr. Shirzad was the Lead International Trade Policy Coordinator for the Bush-Cheney Transition Team. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Shirzad served as the International Trade Counsel on the Majority Staff of the Senate Finance Committee. Prior to his government service, Mr. Shirzad was an attorney in private practice, specializing in international trade. Mr. Shirzad earned his law degree from the University of Virginia; a Master's in Public Policy, with a concentration in international trade and finance, from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University; and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 2, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Cheney Keynote Address 32nd Annual CPAC

Vice President Cheney to Speak at 32nd Annual CPAC

Veep Will Deliver Keynote Address at Presidential Banquet

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Vice President Dick Cheney will address the Presidential Banquet, 7:30 p.m., February 17, 2005 at the American Conservative Union's 32nd annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

"We are honored that the vice president will join us once again at CPAC," ACU Chairman David A. Keene said announcing the vice president's appearance. "Dick Cheney is a great friend of CPAC and we are delighted that he will speak at the Presidential Banquet."

"I'm sure CPAC attendees will be most eager to hear the vice president's thoughts on a wide range of issues from the war on terrorism to Social Security reform," Keene noted. "As George W. Bush's administration embarks upon its second term in office, Vice President Cheney's address to CPAC could not come at a more appropriate time."

CPAC is a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation, in association with Young America's Foundation and Human Events. The conference is co-sponsored by over 70 of the nation's leading conservative organizations. For continued updates on the program or to register online, visit http://cpac.org/.

"CPAC" is not a "political action committee (PAC)" as defined by federal law. The conference name and initials predate the creation of those entities and is merely coincidental.

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American Heart Month, 2005

American Heart Month, 2005 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation

The miracles of modern medicine offer hope to those affected by heart disease, yet there are also simple measures that Americans can take to help prevent the disease. During American Heart Month, I encourage all Americans to take action to help reduce their risk and increase awareness of heart disease.

The steps to a healthy heart include preventing and controlling factors that can lead to heart disease smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. By avoiding tobacco, limiting consumption of alcohol, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, Americans can substantially reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

I also urge citizens to get routine preventative screenings and consult with their doctors. Through these commonsense steps, we can save many of the lives we might otherwise lose each year to heart disease.

Although heart disease is often associated with men, it is the leading cause of death for American women: Nearly 500,000 American women die from cardiovascular disease each year. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute part of the National Institutes of Health at the Department of Health and Human Services and other national organizations have launched a national campaign called "The Heart Truth" to educate women about heart disease and to encourage them to make their health a priority. The symbol of "The Heart Truth" campaign is the red dress, which reminds women to talk with their doctors about heart disease and to make healthy choices. In addition, the American Heart Association has launched the "Go Red For Women" campaign to reach out to more women across our country. By continuing to raise public awareness about this deadly disease, we can help all our citizens lead healthier lives.

In recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 2005 as American Heart Month, and I invite all Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day by wearing a red dress, shirt, or tie on February 4, 2005. I also invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in our continuing commitment to fighting heart disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentyninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 1, 2005

Samuel Bodman sworn Energy Secretary

February 1, 2005 Bodman Sworn in as 11th Secretary of Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this morning, Dr. Samuel Bodman was sworn in as the 11th Secretary of the United States Department of Energy. Secretary Bodman was confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate on Monday, January 31, 2005, replacing Spencer Abraham who resigned on November 15, 2004.

Today’s private ceremony represents Secretary Bodman’s official swearing in, beginning his first day as Energy Secretary. Secretary Bodman will be sworn in by President Bush at a later date.

“It is a great honor and personal privilege to serve President Bush and the American people as Secretary of Energy,” said Secretary Bodman. “I look forward to working with the fine men and women of the Energy Department to advance this department's critically important missions, including preserving America’s pre-eminence in the physical sciences, ensuring the responsible stewardship of our nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile, advancing our international nuclear nonproliferation efforts, and ensuring reliable, secure, affordable and environmentally responsible supplies of energy for our growing economy.”

Prior to being tapped by President Bush to lead the Energy Department, Bodman served as both Deputy Secretary of the Treasury (2003-present) and Deputy Secretary of Commerce (2001-2003). Before joining the Bush Administration, Bodman was Chief Executive Officer of Boston-based Cabot Corporation and President and Chief Operating Officer of Fidelity Investments. For six years prior to joining the private sector, Secretary Bodman served as an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In nominating Secretary Bodman on December 10, 2004, President Bush said, “In academics, in business, and in government, Sam Bodman has shown himself to be a problem solver who knows how to set goals and he knows how to reach them. He will bring to the Department of Energy a great talent for management and the precise thinking of an engineer.”

Secretary Bodman holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University and a doctorate in science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Secretary Bodman is married to M. Diane Bodman. He has three children, two stepchildren and eight grandchildren.

Media contact: Mike Waldron, 202/586-4940 Number: R-05-009

Tikrit Baghdad Iraq Elections Security Forces

Tikrit’s ISF Participate in Free Iraqi Elections

Tikrit, Iraq -- One of the most impressive election-related events occurred the day before voting began for the rest of the Iraqis carving a piece of their own history.

The Soldiers of Tikrit’s 201st Iraqi Army Battalion, Iraqi National Police and the Emergency Services Unit lined up at polling sites throughout the day to cast their vote in Iraqis first free election in decades, many for the first time in their lives.

elections 1

The Iraqi Security Forces have spent the last few months preparing for the elections, rehearsing possible situations, training on their assigned weapons and conducting individual and collective training with their Task Force Danger counterparts from Task Force 1-18 Infantry.

They set the example for the rest of the area so that the polls were safe for elections and that the people of Tikrit would not yield to the empty threats of the insurgent to stay away from the polls.

elections 2

elections 3

The example the Tikrit ISF set for the people of Tikrit and their vigilance throughout the elections allowed for successful elections to be conducted without any incidents of attacks on polling sites, voters or election officials.

The elections are the culmination of Task Force 1-18 Infantry’s efforts to train, equip and inspire confidence in their Iraqi Security Forces counterparts. The message from the elections in Tikrit is clear; the people of Tikrit understand that freedom is too important to be left in the hands of terrorists.

elections 4

One Tikrit resident expressed the importance of this event by saying “being able to give my opinion on how my country should be governed is an opportunity that no one in my family has ever had, this is a great day.” (Story by Capt. Michael Prudhomme, Task Force 1-18 Infantry) Release #050131e

مواطن عراقي وهو يستعرض الحبر حول أصبعه متاكدا من أن هويته الشخصية مخفية عن الأنظار. الحبر كان على أصابع المصوتين العراقيين ليؤشر بأن على كل مواطن عراقي أن يصوت مرة واحدة أثناء الأنتخابات التي جرت يوم 30 كانون الثاني 2005. الصورة ماتقطة من قبل رئيس عرفاء ديف الشويد 050130-ف-1631ا-029 . نشرت.

مواطنين عراقيين وهم يقفون في طابور الأقتراع في بغداد، العراق يوم 30 كانون الثاني 2005 . صورة القوة الجوية الأمريكية ألتقطت من قبل رئيس عرفاء ديف الشويد 050130-ف-1631ا-008 . نشرت

Bill To Enhance Military Death Benefits

Senator Sessions Introduces Bill To Enhance Military Death Benefits HEROES Act of 2005 FULL TEXT

WASHINGTON — Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) today introduced legislation that would greatly expand death benefits for America’s military personnel and their families.

Sessions’ bill, which he co-sponsored with Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), would raise the death gratuity to $100,000 from $12,420 for military personnel killed in combat. The death gratuity would be retroactive to cover those killed while deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Sessions’ bill, called the HEROES Act of 2005 (Honoring Every Requirement Of Exemplary Service), would increase the Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) maximum benefit to $400,000 from $250,000. Under the proposal, the military would provide $150,000 of insurance for service members serving in a combat zone and electing coverage under SGLI. A second provision would require the service member to discuss opting out with a spouse or other beneficiary as is done with the Survivor Benefit Program.

The bill would index the death gratuity to the rate of annual pay raises and index the life insurance benefit to the annual pay raise. The Defense Department estimated the cost of Sessions’ bill at about $460 million the first year, though that figure would be expected to drop in future years by more than half once retroactive benefits are paid.

Sessions, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, last year got a provision included in the Fiscal Year 2005 defense authorization bill directing the Defense Department to study the death benefits issue and offer a plan for enhanced benefits in President Bush’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2006. Bush will submit his budget to Congress early next month.

Press Release of Senator Sessions Contact: Monday, January 24, 2005

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day

On February 2, 2004, United States Embassies from South America to the Middle East will join their local communities to commemorate World Wetlands Day, an annual celebration of the vital importance of wetlands to the world’s ecological health and of efforts to conserve these invaluable habitats. The day marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s theme, "There’s wealth in wetland diversity --- don’t lose it," emphasizes the biological and cultural diversity of wetlands and their important role in sustaining people physically and emotionally. Wetlands are a source of water, food, recreation, transportation, and, in some places, are part of the local religious and cultural heritage. They provide groundwater replenishment, benefiting inhabitants of entire watersheds.

Wetlands play a vital role in storm and flood protection and water filtration. In addition, they provide a rich feeding ground for migratory birds, fish, and other animals and boost local economies through opportunities for the harvesting of aquatic resources and ecotourism.

Despite the great value of wetlands, they have been shrinking worldwide, including in the United States. In 1987 the United States joined the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain. The treaty’s 144 Contracting Parties have designated 1,404 wetlands sites totaling more than 300 million acres for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Most recently, on Earth Day 2004, President Bush announced an aggressive new national initiative to move beyond a policy of "no net loss" of wetlands to an overall increase of wetlands in America. The President’s goal is to create, improve, and protect at least three million wetland acres over the next five years in order to increase overall wetland acreage and quality.

The United States designated three new Ramsar sites last month: the 2500-acre Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve in San Diego County, CA; the 160,000-acre Grassland Ecological Area in western Merced County, CA; and the 1000-acre Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex located on the northeast coast of the island of Oahu, HI. That brings the total number of U.S. Ramsar sites to 22, covering nearly 3.2 million acres.

For further information, visit the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science website at state.gov/g/oes and the Ramsar website at ramsar.org. 2005/105

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC January 31, 2005