Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

Remarks by the President in Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith FULL STREAMING VIDEO President's Remarks

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN MEDAL OF HONOR CEREMONY FOR SERGEANT FIRST CLASS PAUL RAY SMITH The East Room 3:07 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon and welcome to the White House. Today is a special occasion: We are here to pay tribute to a soldier whose service illustrates the highest ideals of leadership and love of our country.

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith, of Florida, gave his life for these ideals in a deadly battle outside Baghdad. It is my great privilege to recognize his extraordinary sacrifice by awarding Sergeant Smith the Medal of Honor.

I appreciate Secretary Don Rumsfeld joining us today; Secretary Jim Nicholson, of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Senator Carl Levin, Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman Ike Skelton. Thank you all for joining us.

I appreciate Secretary Francis Harvey, Secretary of the Army; General Dick Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General Pete Pace, Vice Chairman; General Pete Schoomaker, Chief of the Army.

I want to thank the Medal of Honor recipients who have joined us today: John Baker, Barney Barnum, Bernie Fisher, Al Rascon and Brian Thacker. Honored you all are here.

I appreciate the family members who have joined us today. Thank you all for coming: Birgit Smith, his wife; Jessica Smith; David Smith; Janice Pvirre, the mom; Donald Pvirre, stepfather, and all the other family members who have joined us. Welcome.

I appreciate Chaplain David Hicks, for his invocation. I want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Tom Smith, for joining us, who was Paul Smith's commander. I particularly want to welcome soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, Paul's unit in Iraq.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery a President can bestow. It is given for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in the face of enemy attack. Since World War II, more than half of those have been awarded this medal gave their lives in the action that earned it. Sergeant Paul Smith belongs to this select group.

The story of Paul Smith is a story of a boy transformed into a man and a leader. His friends and family will tell you that he joined the Army in 1989, after finishing high school. When he joined the Army, he was a typical young American. He liked sports, he liked fast cars, and he liked to stay out late with his friends -- pursuits that occasionally earned him what the Army calls "extra duty." (Laughter.) Scrubbing floors.

Two things would change Paul's life and lead him to the selfless heroism we honor today. The first would come when he was stationed in Germany and fell for a woman named Birgit Bacher. It turns out that Paul had a romantic streak in him: On the first night he met her, Paul appeared outside Birgit's window singing "You've Lost That Loving Feeling." (Laughter.) In 1992, the two married, and soon, a young soldier became a devoted family man who played T-ball with his son and taught his daughter how to change the oil in his Jeep Cherokee.

Second great change in Paul's life would come when he shipped off to Saudi Arabia to fight in the first Gulf War. There the young combat engineer learned that his training had a purpose and could save lives on the battlefield. Paul returned from that war determined that other soldiers would benefit from the lessons he had learned.

Paul earned his sergeant's stripes and became known as a stickler for detail. Sergeant Smith's seriousness wasn't always appreciated by the greener troops under his direction. Those greener troops oftentimes found themselves to do tasks over and over again, until they got it right. Specialist Michael Seaman, who is with us today, says, "He was hard in training because he knew we had to be hard in battle." Specialist Seaman will also tell you that he and others are alive today because of Sergeant Smith's discipline.

That discipline would be put to the task in a small courtyard less than a mile from the Baghdad airport. Sergeant Smith was leading about three dozen men who were using a courtyard next to a watchtower to build a temporary jail for captured enemy prisoners. As they were cleaning the courtyard, they were surprised by about a hundred of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard.

With complete disregard for his own life and under constant enemy fire, Sergeant Smith rallied his men and led a counterattack. Seeing that his wounded men were in danger of being overrun, and that enemy fire from the watchtower had pinned them down, Sergeant Smith manned a 50-caliber machine gun atop a damaged armor vehicle. From a completely exposed position, he killed as many as 50 enemy soldiers as he protected his men.

Sergeant Smith's leadership saved the men in the courtyard, and he prevented an enemy attack on the aid station just up the road. Sergeant Smith continued to fire and took a -- until he took a fatal round to the head. His actions in that courtyard saved the lives of more than 100 American soldiers.

Scripture tells us, as the General said, that a man has no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. And that is exactly the responsibility Paul Smith believed the Sergeant stripes on his sleeve had given him. In a letter he wrote to his parents but never mailed, he said that he was prepared to "give all that I am to ensure that all my boys make it home."

On this day two years ago, Sergeant Smith gave his all for his men. Five days later, Baghdad fell, and the Iraqi people were liberated. And today, we bestow upon Sergeant Smith the first Medal of Honor in the war on terror. He's also the first to be awarded this new Medal of Honor flag, authorized by the United States Congress. We count ourselves blessed to have soldiers like Sergeant Smith, who put their lives on the line to advance the cause of freedom and protect the American people.

Like every one of the men and women in uniform who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Paul Smith was a volunteer. We thank his family for the father, husband and son and brother who can never be replaced. We recall with appreciation the fellow soldiers whose lives he saved, and the many more he inspired. And we express our gratitude for a new generation of Americans, every bit as selfless and dedicated to liberty as any that has gone on before -- a dedication exemplified by the sacrifice and valor of Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith.

And now if his family would join me, please. Lieutenant Commander, please read the citation.

(The citation is read and the medal is presented.) (Applause.)

END 3:17 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 4, 2005

Bush, Yushchenko, White House, video

President Welcomes President Yushchenko to the White House FULL STREAMING VIDEO The East Room President's Remarks 11:51 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you. It's an honor to stand with a courageous leader of a free Ukraine. Mr. President, you are a friend to our country and you are an inspiration to all who love liberty. Welcome to America, and we're pleased to welcome your wife, as well. We're looking forward to having lunch with you.

President Yushchenko was the first head of state I called after my inaugural address. I told him that the Orange Revolution was a powerful example -- an example of democracy for people around the world. I was impressed, I know millions of my fellow citizens were impressed by the brave citizens who gathered in Kiev's Independence Square and rightly demanded that their voices be heard. It's an impressive moment, Mr. President, and an important moment. I've oftentimes told our fellow citizens that the world is changing, freedom is spreading -- and I use Ukraine as an example, along with Afghanistan and Iraq, about a changing world. A world, by the way, changing for the better, because we believe free societies will be peaceful societies.

Mr. President, I appreciate your vision. I want to thank you for our discussion we just had. We discussed a lot of matters. We talked about the neighborhood, of course. We talked about your commitment to fighting corruption; your deep desire to introduce principles of the marketplace in Ukraine. I told the President that our nation will stand by Ukraine as it strengthens law enforcement, as it fights corruption, as it promotes a free media and civil society organizations. To this end, I've asked Congress to provide $60 million for new funding to help you in your efforts, Mr. President.

We also agree with your desire to join the WTO, and we'll work with your government to join the WTO, as well as to lift the Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions that were created in a different era. Secretary Sam Bodman, who is with us here, will be going to Ukraine to talk about cooperation on energy. We look forward to working with you, Mr. President, as you build progress at home to become a part of Europe -- a Europe that is whole, free and at peace. And at the same time, we'll continue to work with you to help your ties to the North Atlantic Alliance.

Mr. President, I want to thank you for being an active partner in the war on terror. Our statement reflects our common desire to cooperate on law enforcement matters, our desire to have export controls to prevent the spread of dangerous weapons technology, including nuclear materials, MANPADs, and ballistic missiles.

I appreciate Ukraine's strong commitment to a free Iraq. Ukrainian troops helped to protect the Iraqi people during the elections this January. I look forward to cooperating with your nation to help the Iraqis build a peaceful society.

We share a goal to spread freedom to other nations. I mean, after all, the Orange Revolution may have looked like it was only a part of the Ukrainian -- the history of Ukraine, but the Orange Revolution represented revolutions elsewhere, as well. And I look forward to working with you, Mr. President, in places like Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan. I want to thank you for your conversation on Moldova. I appreciate the discussion we had on -- about Belarus.

All in all, Mr. President, we're really thrilled you're here. I know our Congress is looking forward to having you address them next Wednesday. In the meantime, I want to thank you for our frank and open discussion. We wish you all the best, and in America, you've got a strong friend. Welcome.

PRESIDENT YUSHCHENKO: (As translated.) Mr. President, dear American friends, for me, for my wife, it is a great honor and privilege to be received here in the White House and to hear the words that are addressed to my country, my nation, my homeland.

Our ideals are simple and eternal: We want democracy and freedom -- our apparent European aspirations, which we were discussing from the first days, many days before the Maidan events when me and my team went into the politics. This is my vision; this is the vision shared by my team. This is something that my father taught me.

The legacy that we inherited is a very difficult country; Ukraine, where the rule of law did not exist and human rights were not observed; where half of the national economy is a shadow. The humiliated profession of journalism, the journalists wanted to speak the truth and stood against the official power, they could pay dearly. Dearly -- I mean it -- they could pay their lives for it. We're talking about the country where the number one problem remains to be corruption. We're talking about the country where the huge problem remains the problem of poverty. We realize all those challenges. We realize that it's only -- the work that has to be done by the Ukrainian power will help cope with the problems that the country inherited.

However, it is very important, Mr. President, to feel that we have partners standing by, that we are not left in solitude in coping with these troubles. Our conversation began with my saying that, for Ukraine, it was a very long road to the Oval Office. I do appreciate the attention that you display and the words that you have said. And I would like to, once again, reiterate that the ideals of Ukraine are democracy, which we perceive as the priority of people's interests in political, economic and other areas of development. These are freedom of speech that are the oxygen for democracy, this is a market economy which grants equal rights to people, this is the reliable system of social guarantees that secure protection to the weak.

Shortly speaking, the ideals for the new Ukraine are the ideals shared by the Western civilization. I fully concur with my American colleague in his saying that the freedom is not the gift for America, this is the Godly gift.

Today, Mr. President, we had a very frank and productive discussion on a very broad spectrum of issues. We were talking about the approaches to deepening our bilateral relations -- and this conversation is far from finalization; about the role that democratic Ukraine can play in the regional and global stability; the problem of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other subjects.

Essentially, on all questions that we raised, we found mutual understanding. I am convinced that relations between our nations are based not only by mutual sympathy, but also by the unity of interests and ideals, like the rule of law, protection of fundamental human rights and respect for people. Majority of my fellow Ukrainians want to see America as their strategic partner, and I am pleased to see that the U.S. President shares this perception, and he has highlighted this support today.

In our joint statement, which we agreed on, based on our negotiations, we have made it clear that Ukraine and the U.S. confirm the new era in the strategic partnership between our nations and the friendship between our peoples. We are looking forward to the effective support from the U.S. administration to the new government of Ukraine in addressing important issues faced by ourselves, including our accession to WTO at the end of 2005, the lifting of the trade sanctions on Ukrainian-exported goods, Ukraine's accession to European and Euro-Atlantic security alliances.

We have a unique opportunity to write new and historical pages in the chronicle of our relations to create the new agenda of real and contentful U.S., American strategic partnership. The democratic Ukraine will enhance stability in Europe and worldwide. And strategic partnership with the U.S. will augment the democratic Ukraine. I'm convinced that our two nations will stand by as global partners in order to achieve freedom, security and prosperity in the 21st century.

I thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: We'll answer two questions a side. Terry Hunt.

Q Ukraine and Italy and other allies will withdraw their forces from Iraq. Why should the United States continue to pay most of the cost and suffer most of the casualties when our allies are leaving?

THE PRESIDENT: Our strategy in Iraq is clear, and it's a common strategy that our coalition has agreed to, and that is to train Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi security forces, so that they can do the hard work of securing their country. And that's what's happening. And I appreciate the contribution that the Ukrainian people have made toward liberating Iraq and helping provide stability in Iraq and providing security for the elections of Iraq.

And the President made clear to me in my first conversation with him that there -- that he campaigned on the idea of bringing some troops out. He's fulfilling a campaign pledge, I fully understand that. But he also has said that he's going to cooperate with the coalition, in terms of -- in terms of further withdrawals, and I appreciate that.

The fundamental question is, is it worth it? And the answer is, absolutely it's worth it for a free Iraq to emerge. We're talking about a part of the world in which, you know, our foreign policy was, let's just hope for the best and tolerate the fact there's no free societies. And what ended up happening was, there was a -- tyrants have emerged, tyrants that threatened our security. And so not only was the action worth it, the action is worth it to make sure that democracy exists, and because democracies will yield peace, and that's what we want.

And so we're going to continue to press forward with a strategy that supports the elected government of Iraq. Today I spoke to the new Speaker of the Transitional Assembly. I wished him all the best. I thanked him for stepping up to take a leadership role. I look forward to working with the new President and Prime Minister. And I look forward to continuing to implement a strategy that will help Iraqis self-govern. And we're making progress toward that goal. And I want to thank the Ukrainians for their support.

Q Mr. President, did you hear a clear position of Ukraine concerning its participation in NATO? And is America ready to support Ukraine in joining the Membership Action Plan this year? Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you very much. Well, you know, the first time I met the President was at NATO, during my latest trip to Europe. And my conversation with him there was the same as I had here, and that is there is a way forward in order to become a partner of the United States and other nations in NATO. It is a path and we want to help Ukraine get on that path as quickly as possible. It is not a given. In other words, there are things that the Ukrainian government must do in order to satisfy the requirements to be considered for NATO.

And we want to help -- the whole purpose of this meeting and the purpose of the previous meeting was to help the Ukrainian government to understand that which is necessary to do in order to become more likely accepted into NATO, and that's what we want to do. We want to help in this process. And I think it's -- I'm a supporter of the idea of Ukraine becoming a member of NATO. I think it's important.

I also know that Ukraine wants to join the EU, and there's things that have to do with the EU. But I do want to assure the Ukrainian people that you don't have to choose between the EU and friendship with the United States. That's not a choice the United States government will make our friends make. You can be both a member of the EU and a friend of the United States. And so we want to help your government make the difficult decisions and difficult choices necessary to become available for membership in NATO.

Steve Holland.

Q Thank you. How do you think this Pope has affected America's spiritual and political life? And how much weight did you give to his opposition to the Iraq war?

THE PRESIDENT: First, Laura and I are looking forward to leading a delegation to honor the Holy Father. He will go down in history as a -- he will show people that one man can make a difference in people's lives. He's a courageous person; he's a moral person; he was a Godly person. And he's had huge influence, Steve, not only amongst, for example, young people in America, but around the world. One of his great legacies will be the influence he had on the young.

He spoke to the poor; he spoke to morality. And of course, he was a man of peace. And he didn't like war, and I fully understood that and I appreciated the conversations I had with the Holy Father on the subject.

I remember going to Castel Gandolfo -- Laura and I were there, and I can remember him taking us out on the balcony of this fabulous palace overlooking a magnificent lake, and talking about his views of the world. It was a moment I'll never forget during my presidency.

And so the world will miss him. And it is my great honor, on behalf of our country, to express our gratitude to the Almighty for such a man. And of course, we look forward to the majesty of celebrating such a significant human life.

One more.

Q I have a question for both Presidents, but primarily for Mr. Yushchenko. What will be the American-Ukrainian cooperation in Iraq after the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops? And could you please give some details?

PRESIDENT YUSHCHENKO: (As translated.) First of all, I would like to indicate that Iraq is a zone of Ukrainian interest, and, therefore, when this question was debated in the Ukrainian parliament, the majority of the parliament members spoke in favor of this type of Ukrainian presence in the country.

Another point, which I'm most pleased to indicate is, in my opinion, the Ukrainian contingent has demonstrated its peace-making mission in a very effective manner. Over the short period of time that our military contingent has been deployed there, we have retrained three battalions of the national armed forces of Iraq, two companies. We have examined in our hospital about 5,000 local citizens. Due to the securing stability in this region, we returned about 1,500 people to their jobs because it has become much safer to travel to their work places.

Beginning from the 9th of January, in our region, there is not a single incident in our area, and we, therefore, believe that it is precisely in this region where the works aimed at restoration of the infrastructure of the province where we had deployed, because there is no water nor other amenities, elementary amenities. And there now these restoration works could be commenced. This will be a very vivid example of how success can be ensured by pursuing peacemaking policy.

We stand for -- we remain arguing that Ukraine is committed to pursuing training -- retraining programs for the national guard of Iraq to the armed forces of Iraq. We are prepared to share the experience and the material on a mutually beneficial basis to make sure that this order remains. It is my deep conviction that momentum has been created when Ukraine and diplomats, businesspeople and politicians must do what Ukrainian peacemakers started. Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: As to what happens over time, that's going to depend on the Iraqi government. We're dealing with an elected government. And they will make the decision as to the security relationship, they'll make the decision as to how the country rewards contracts for reconstruction. This is a free country, and in free countries, governments get to decide -- sovereign governments decide their future. And so we look forward to working with the new government. As you know, it's a process. The Transitional Assembly will be writing a constitution, and when the constitution is written, it'll be ratified. And upon ratification, there will be another election.

And so we look forward to working with the interim government and we look forward to working with the government that gets elected in December, all aimed at helping Iraq develop into a free-standing, peaceful country -- which is in the interests of our children and grandchildren, by the way.

I also want to say something about Lebanon. Syria -- I appreciate that fact that Syria has expressed its intent to fully leave that country, that only -- that not only means troops, but it means security forces, as far as I'm concerned. When they say, we're going to leave the country, we expect troops and security forces to leave. And, secondly, it's important for this election to take place on time. And we look forward to continuing to work with our friends and allies to make sure Lebanon is truly free.

Mr. President, thank you, sir, let's go have lunch. Appreciate it.

END 12:13 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 4, 2005

Ukrainian-American Strategic Partnership

A New Century Agenda for the Ukrainian-American Strategic Partnership: Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Viktor Yushchenko

A NEW CENTURY AGENDA FOR THE UKRAINIAN-AMERICAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: JOINT STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH AND PRESIDENT VIKTOR YUSHCHENKO

Today, the United States and Ukraine affirm a new era of strategic partnership between our nations and friendship between our peoples. We commit our nations to working together to advance freedom and security grounded in democratic principles and institutions, which form the foundation of our relationship.

We salute the people of Ukraine who claimed their right to elect freely their leadership. Their brave stand was a victory for democracy inspiring those throughout the world who yearn for freedom and dignity in the face of tyranny, isolation and oppression. The territorial integrity, security, and political and economic transformation of Ukraine are essential to building a Europe whole, free and at peace. We will work together to strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine and to advance freedom in Europe, its neighborhood and beyond.

We will work to defeat terrorism wherever it occurs and to advance economic development, democratic reforms and peaceful settlement of regional disputes. We are grateful to the men and women of those nations who have served and sacrificed for Iraqi freedom. Today, we pledge ourselves anew to assist the Iraqi people to secure liberty, peace and prosperity, and we join our efforts to assist Iraq in its economic reconstruction. Fear and resentment, the breeding ground of terrorism, must be replaced with freedom and hope.

We also commit to work together to back reform, democracy, tolerance and respect for all communities, and peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia and Moldova, and to support the advance of freedom in countries such as Belarus and Cuba. Citizens in our open societies value the freedom to practice their faiths, and we are committed to promoting religious tolerance globally.

As Ukraine undertakes far-reaching reform at home, it can count on the United States for support. We applaud Ukraine's commitment to curb corruption, promote the rule of law and improve the business climate. Progress on reforms will allow Ukraine to realize its aspirations to move closer to, and ultimately join European, Euro-Atlantic and international institutions.

We will further integrate Ukraine into the world economy and promote investment and trade between our two countries. As a first step, the Ukrainian Government seeks expeditious U.S. recognition as a market economy. We agree to continue our close cooperation to ensure a process that recognizes the evolution of Ukraine's economy.

We are committed to working together to achieve Ukraine's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). For its part, the Ukrainian Government will seek to secure, on an urgent basis, approval of legislation and enact regulations that will facilitate accession and contribute to lasting economic reform, including in agriculture, manufacturing, services and the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights. The United States and Ukraine are committed to working together to complete our bilateral negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the WTO in 2005. We will also cooperate on the outstanding multilateral work that must be concluded for Ukraine's WTO accession. We also support immediately ending application of Jackson-Vanik to Ukraine.

The United States supports Ukraine's NATO aspirations and is prepared to help Ukraine achieve its goals by providing assistance with challenging reforms. The United States supports an offer of an Intensified Dialogue on membership issues with Ukraine at the meeting of Alliance Foreign Ministers in Vilnius, Lithuania later this month. Our cooperation will also deepen through the U.S.-led, largest-ever NATO trust fund to destroy obsolete and excess weaponry.

We are initiating an energy dialogue to cooperate in the restructuring and reform of Ukraine's energy sector to encourage investment, diversify Ukraine's energy supplies, reduce its energy dependence, bolster commercial competition in Eurasian energy sectors and promote nuclear safety. To advance this dialogue, we are establishing an Energy consultative mechanism between our Energy Ministries. United States Secretary of Energy Bodman will travel to Ukraine in the near future to initiate the consultative mechanism and to promote our energy and nonproliferation cooperation.

Building on our cooperation through the G-8 Global Partnership, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and the Proliferation Security Initiative, we pledge to begin a new chapter in the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We will deepen our cooperation on nonproliferation, export controls, border security and law enforcement to deter, detect, interdict, investigate and prosecute illicit trafficking of these weapons and related materials; enhance the security of nuclear and radiological sources; and dispose of spent nuclear fuel. We also agree on the importance of addressing the growing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles. In this regard, we will explore how we can work together on missile defense, including beginning negotiations on a framework to facilitate such cooperation and closer industry-to-industry collaboration.

The security and stability of nations increasingly depends on the health, well-being and prosperity of their citizens. We therefore commit to cooperate on a broad agenda of social and humanitarian issues, including halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and TB; fighting the scourge of organized crime, trafficking in persons and child pornography; and completing the Chornobyl Shelter Implementation Plan. To help complete the Chornobyl Shelter, the United States will provide an additional $45 million to the Shelter Fund. Ukraine will also provide an additional financial contribution and facilitate prompt completion of the Shelter. U.S. assistance to Ukraine will particularly focus on solidifying democratic advances through anti-corruption and rule of law programs, media and NGO development, nonpartisan party and election monitor training and other steps to improve electoral institutions and practices.

We also support a bold expansion of contact between our societies. To this end, Ukraine will eliminate visa requirements for Americans, and the United States will reduce visa fees for Ukrainians. We aim to enhance citizen exchanges, training opportunities and cooperation between business communities of both countries.

We commit our two nations to stand together as global partners for freedom, security and prosperity in the 21st century.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 4, 2005

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Recruitment

Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Recruitment
Applications Now Being Accepted
Deadline to Apply is April 29, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC-- The Department of Treasury, along with the Internal Revenue Service, is inviting individuals to help improve the nation's tax agency by applying to be members of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. The mission of the Panel is to provide citizen input into enhancing IRS customer satisfaction and service by identifying problems and making recommendations for improvement with IRS systems and procedures; elevating the identified problems to the appropriate IRS official; and referring individual taxpayers to the appropriate IRS office for assistance in resolving their problems. The Panel's subcommittees will consist of 10-19 volunteer members who serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of Treasury and will function solely as advisory bodies.

The TAP program works directly with the National Taxpayer Advocate's Office on issues identified by the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. The National Taxpayer Advocate is the taxpayers' representative within the IRS and reports directly to the Commissioner Internal Revenue and to Congress through an annual report.

"We are committed to working with taxpayers to improve the customer-service focus of the IRS," stated Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate. "Working with taxpayers directly helps us identify issues that may not be on the IRS radar screen. We can also hear their concerns about issues the IRS is already addressing."


Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) members:

• Get direct input from taxpayers about their experiences with the IRS.
• Identify and prioritize issues of greatest concern to taxpayers.
• Make recommendations to the IRS and Treasury on customer-service issues.
• Work with the IRS to help taxpayers address key issues and concerns.
• Report annually to Treasury, the Commissioner Internal Revenue and the National Taxpayer Advocate.

To qualify as a TAP member, applicants must be U.S. citizens, be able to make a significant time commitment to the panel, and meet certain other eligibility requirements. Further details and the application are available on-line at improveirs.org or by calling 1-888-912-1227. You can apply on-line or download the form and mail it to:

Milwaukee TAP Office
Stop 1006MIL
310 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203-2221

Applications must be received by the TAP Office by April 29, 2004.
FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS April 1, 2005 JS-2353

Department Of Homeland Security Releases Interim National Preparedness Goal

Department Of Homeland Security Releases Interim National Preparedness Goal

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the publication of the Interim National Preparedness Goal (“Goal”). The Goal will guide federal departments and agencies, state, territorial, local and tribal officials, the private sector, non-government organizations and the public in determining how to most effectively and efficiently strengthen preparedness for terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies.

“In our complex free society, there is no perfect solution to address every security concern,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. “But by working together collectively to analyze threats, understand our capabilities, and apply resources intelligently, we can manage risk. The National Preparedness Goal will help us meet this objective.”

The Goal establishes readiness priorities, targets, and metrics. It will enable the Nation to answer three key questions: “How prepared are we?”; “How prepared do we need to be?” and “How do we prioritize efforts to close the gap?” The emphasis is on developing appropriate levels of capabilities to address a wide range of terrorist attacks and disaster scenarios.

“The Goal is an overarching statement of strategic intent. It demonstrates our national will to work toward establishing overall readiness against current and future threats,” said Matt Mayer, Acting Executive Director of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. “With unlimited resources, full preparedness would be less of a challenge, but we don’t have unlimited resources. We have to make tough choices, they have to be the right choices, and we have to be ready to come together as a single, integrated system when the need arises.”

The Goal includes seven priorities for national preparedness. The priorities fall into two categories: overarching priorities and priorities to build specific capabilities.

The overarching priorities are to:

• Implement the National Incident Management System and National Response Plan
• Expand regional collaboration and
• Implement the Interim National Infrastructure Protection Plan.

The priorities for specific capabilities are to:

• Strengthen information sharing and collaboration capabilities;
• Strengthen interoperable communications capabilities;
• Strengthen chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and
• explosive weapons (CBRNE); detection, response, and decontamination capabilities; and
• Strengthen medical surge and mass prophylaxis capabilities.

The Goal addresses a requirement of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, National Preparedness, to define “standards for preparedness assessments and strategies, and a system for assessing the Nation’s overall preparedness to respond to major events, especially those involving acts of terrorism.” The directive requires submission of the first annual status report on preparedness to the President by March 31, 2006.

Visit HSPD-8 and the National Preparedness Goal for more information. ###

Press Releases For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 April 1, 2005

Bulgarian Soldier Gurdi Gurdev’s investigation concluded

BULGARIAN INVESTIGATION RESULTS ANNOUNCED

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The Multinational Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) investigation of the March 4th incident southeast of Ad Diwanyah, Iraq, in which a Bulgarian Soldier was killed, is complete. The investigation concluded that Junior Sergeant Gurdi Gurdev’s death resulted from U.S. and Bulgarian forces firing on each other in response to what each believed to be a hostile act from a legitimate military target.

This was a tragic accident, and the men and women of Multi-National Force-Iraq extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Junior Sergeant Gurdi Gurdev.

At about 7:50 p.m., in total darkness, Soldiers from the 56th Brigade Combat Team and a Bulgarian patrol were involved in a firefight. Junior Sergeant Gurdev was wounded during the engagement and later died of his wounds. The incident occurred in the Multinational Division Center South area near a Radio Relay Point (RRP).

The Bulgarian patrol was traveling south when it stopped in the vicinity of the RRP. Neither the Bulgarian patrol nor U.S. forces manning the RRP were aware of the others’ presence. The incident started when the Bulgarian patrol fired warning shots at an approaching Iraqi vehicle. Believing they were being engaged by Anti-Iraqi Forces, U.S. Soldiers manning the RRP fired in the direction of the suspected AIF, which was in fact the Bulgarian patrol.

No further investigation or administrative action is required. Lt. Gen John R. Vines, commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq approved the findings March 19. General Vines subsequently briefed a senior Bulgarian military official on the results of the investigation. -30-

SOURCE: United States Central Command NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 April 2, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-04 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HERAT, Afghanistan Italians assumed command

U.S. HANDS OVER HERAT PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM TO ITALY

HERAT, Afghanistan – Italian Col. Aldo Guaccio assumed command of the Herat Provincial Reconstruction Team today from U.S. Navy Cdr. Kimberly Evans.

The ceremony was part of the International Security Assistance Force expansion into western Afghanistan, marking the reduction of U.S. forces in the west.

“Our friends, the Italians, will continue to nurture the new growing Afghanistan,” said Evans, after more than a month of transitioning with the Italian civil affairs team in Herat.

The U.S. forces will move to other regions of the country to create new PRTs and continue reconstruction efforts elsewhere. Meanwhile, Italian forces will continue reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Herat and outlying provinces.

The PRT’s involvement in the region focuses on agriculture, civic support, education, health, humanitarian assistance, irrigation, water and sanitation, repair of civic and cultural facilities, rule of law and governance, and telecommunication and transportation enhancement projects.

“A lot has to be done in order to reach our objective, and I hope to continue on the same track as (the) American endeavors. It is Italy’s promise to help this nation to continue towards its goal of peace,” said Guaccio. -30-

SOURCE: United States Central Command NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 April 1, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

plutonium-cobalt-pentagallium (PuCoGa5)

Researchers bridge superconductivity gap

(PuCoGa5)

LOS ALAMOS, N.M., March 31, 2005 - University of California scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory working with a researcher from Chonnam National University in South Korea have found that magnetic fluctuations appear to be responsible for superconductivity in a compound called plutonium-cobalt-pentagallium (PuCoGa5).

The discovery of this "unconventional superconductivity" may lead scientists to a whole new class of superconducting materials and toward the goal of eventually synthesizing "room-temperature" superconductors.

In research reported in today's edition of the scientific journal Nature, Nicholas Curro and a team of researchers provide evidence of how magnetic fluctuations, rather than interactions mediated by tiny vibrations in the underlying crystal structure, may be responsible for the electron pairing that produces superconductivity in the mixture of plutonium, cobalt and gallium.

Superconductivity is an unusual state of matter in which electrical current flows without resistance through a material as a result of the material's electrons acting in pairs. Since the discovery at Los Alamos of PuCoGa5 roughly two years ago, a burning question has been whether the compound was just another garden-variety superconductor, a so-called s-wave superconductor, or an unconventional one that is mediated by magnetic fluctuations, a d-wave superconductor.

Although the temperatures at which superconductivity is observed are usually quite low, a handful of compounds like PuCoGa5 have been found to possess superconductivity at temperatures warmer than minus 427 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though that temperature seems low, PuCoGa5 possesses highest superconducting transition temperature among actinide based compounds found so far. This "unconventional superconductivity" suggests that PuCoGa5 may be one of a very small handful of superconductors whose superconductivity actually derives from magnetic correlations.

Scientists theorize that having found one unconventional superconductor like PuCoGa5, they may find more in the future. Making the research even more intriguing is the fact that plutonium is a base actinide material of the compound. This new class of magnetically mediated superconductors might encompass a broad range of materials, metals to oxides, and be the path toward superconductor science's ultimate goal to someday synthesize a "room-temperature" superconductor that would be the basis for the dissipation-less flow of electric current through power lines, and for an even more minute generation of computer chips. The discovery is the result of collaboration between the Laboratory's Materials Science and Technology and Theoretical divisions. In addition to Curro, the team includes Tod Caldwell, Eric Bauer, Luis Morales, Yunkyu Bang, Matthias Graf, Alexander Balatsky, Joe Thompson and John Sarrao. ###

Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.

Los Alamos enhances global security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to defense, energy, environment, infrastructure, health and national security concerns.

Contact: Todd Hanson tahanson@lanl.gov 505-665-2085 DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory

Condoleezza Rice, Death of Pope John Paul II

Death of Pope John Paul II Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC April 2, 2005

I am deeply saddened by the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. The pontiff was a world statesman whose leadership played a key role in the fall of Communism and the democratic transformation that swept Europe in its wake. In the 26 years of his papacy, Pope John Paul II's advocacy for human rights and human dignity never wavered. The wisdom and universality of his teaching will continue to guide all of us who, like Pope John Paul II, believe in freedom and faith.

2005/372 Released on April 2, 2005

President Bush Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff in Honor of Pope John Paul II

President Bush Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff in Honor of Pope John Paul II, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

As a mark of respect for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 2, 2005

President's Statement, Death of Pope John Paul II

President's Statement on the Death of Pope John Paul II FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The Cross Hall President's Remarks 4:02 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home.

Pope John Paul II left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life. In his native Poland, that witness launched a democratic revolution that swept Eastern Europe and changed the course of history. Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak. And during the Pope's final years, his witness was made even more powerful by his daily courage in the face of illness and great suffering.

All Popes belong to the world, but Americans had special reason to love the man from Krakow. In his visits to our country, the Pope spoke of our "providential" Constitution, the self-evident truths about human dignity in our Declaration, and the "blessings of liberty" that follow from them. It is these truths, he said, that have led people all over the world to look to America with hope and respect.

Pope John Paul II was, himself, an inspiration to millions of Americans, and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders. We're grateful to God for sending such a man, a son of Poland, who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages.

END 4:04 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 2, 2005

Elections in Zimbabwe, Secretary Condoleezza Rice

Results from Elections in Zimbabwe, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Washington, DC April 1, 2005

Despite years of repression and intimidation, the Zimbabwean people turned out in great numbers to vote in yesterday’s parliamentary elections. The United States applauds their determination to keep democracy alive. Results are still coming in, but it is already clear that many Zimbabweans have rejected the government’s failed policies and are calling for change. We hope the government will hear and respect these voices.

Although the campaign and election day itself were generally peaceful, the election process was not free and fair. The electoral playing field was heavily tilted in the government’s favor. The independent press was muzzled; freedom of assembly was constrained; food was used as a weapon to sway hungry voters; and millions of Zimbabweans who have been forced by the nation’s economic collapse to emigrate were disenfranchised. On election day itself, more than ten percent of would-be voters overall, and a disproportionately higher ratio in the most hotly contested constituencies, were turned away from polling stations due to irregularities with the voter registration rolls.

The United States calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to recognize the legitimacy of the opposition and abandon policies designed to repress, crush and otherwise stifle expressions of differences in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s leaders have a responsibility to address the political and economic problems that have wrecked what only a few years ago was one of Africa’s success stories. By restoring democratic institutions and respecting the wishes of its people, Zimbabwe can retake its place as an honorable member of the world community.

2005/370 Released on April 1, 2005 SOURCE: state.gov

Burma - National Convention

Burma - National Convention

Question: What is our reaction to reports that Burma has decided to adjourn its Constitutional Convention?

Answer: We note the reports that Burma's ruling junta adjourned its National Convention on March 31. As we have stated previously, absent the participation of the democratic opposition and ethnic minority groups, the National Convention does not reflect the true political aspirations of the Burmese people, nor does it serve as a real forum for the meaningful dialogue that is needed to achieve genuine national reconciliation.

Given these deep flaws, any constitution that emerges from the National Convention when it reconvenes in May, and any subsequent referendum or general election would by extension lack legitimacy, and would not constitute meaningful steps toward the establishment of democracy in Burma.

2005/367 Released on March 31, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 31, 2005 Question Taken at the March 31, 2005 Press Briefing

Freedom Calendar 04/02/05 - 04/09/05

April 2, 1855, Republican John Langston becomes nation’s first African-American elected official, in Brownhelm, OH; later served as U.S. Rep. (R-VA) and as diplomat in Republican administrations.

April 3, 1944, U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Texas Democratic Party’s “whites only” primary election system.

April 4, 1887, Republican Susanna Salter of Argonia, KS is first woman elected mayor in nation.

April 5, 1839, Birth of African-American U.S. Rep. Robert Smalls (R-SC), who escaped slavery by commandeering a Confederate gunboat.

April 6, 1869, Republican Ebenezer Bassett is first African-American presidential appointment, as President Ulysses Grant’s Minister to Haiti.

April 7, 1862, President Lincoln concludes treaty with Britain for suppression of slave trade.

April 8, 1865, 13th Amendment banning slavery passed by U.S. Senate with 100% Republican support, 63% Democrat opposition.

April 9, 1866, Republican Congress overrides Democrat President Johnson’s veto; Civil Rights Act of 1866, conferring rights of citizenship on African-Americans, becomes law.

"Discrimination against the negro race in this country is unjust, is unworthy of a high-minded people whose example should have a salutary influence in the world.”

Rep. Joseph Rainey (R-SC), the first African-American in the U.S. House of Representatives (1870-79)

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Question: What is our reaction to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment?

Answer: The U.S. Government does not take any official position on the document.

Technical experts, including many who work for the U.S. Government, have been involved in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment since its inception. The United States continues to work hard at home and abroad through a wide range of initiatives that protect our natural resources and biodiversity, and promote sustainable development globally.

Following up on the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the United States continues to lead a robust set of initiatives on health, water, tropical forests, energy and wildlife conservation to improve peoples’ lives today while preserving the environment for future generations.

2005/365 Released on March 31, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 31, 2005 Question Taken at the March 31, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

bush radio address 04/02/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 04/02/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Before I begin today, I would like to say a word about Pope John Paul II. His Holiness is a faithful servant of God and a champion of human dignity and freedom. He is an inspiration to us all. Laura and I join millions of Americans and so many around the world who are praying for the Holy Father.

This week, the members of the independent commission looking into America's intelligence capabilities presented their report. I asked these men and women to give an unvarnished look at our intelligence about weapons of mass destruction, and they have delivered. I appreciate their hard work. Their recommendations are thoughtful and extremely significant, and their central conclusion is one that I share: America's intelligence community needs fundamental change to enable us to successfully confront the threats of the 21st century.

My administration has already taken steps consistent with the commission's recommendations. In February, I nominated John Negroponte to be our first Director of National Intelligence. This post was created to help ensure that our intelligence community works as a single, unified enterprise. When members of Congress return to Washington, I urge them to move quickly on his confirmation because he will have a key role in the continued reform and restructuring of our intelligence capabilities.

This week, I also directed Homeland Security Advisor Fran Townsend to oversee the interagency review of the commission's findings and ensure that concrete action is taken.

The commission's report delivers a sharp critique of the way intelligence has been collected and analyzed against some of the most difficult intelligence targets, like Iraq. To win the war on terror, we will correct what needs to be fixed, and build on what the commission calls, solid intelligence successes. These include the uncovering of Libya's nuclear and missile programs, which led Libya's leader to renounce weapons of mass destruction. In Pakistan, our intelligence helped expose and shut down the world's most dangerous nuclear proliferation network. We need to learn from the successes we've had, and apply the lessons elsewhere.

We also acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices of the men and women in our intelligence community. These talented people are on the front lines in the war on terror. Their work is critical. We must prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass murder that they would use against our people.

The work our intelligence community is doing is also extremely difficult. Every day, dangerous regimes are working to conceal their programs and their possible relationships with terrorists. And the work our intelligence men and women do is, by nature, secret. The American people never hear about many of America's intelligence successes, but I'm aware of them. I'm proud of our efforts of our intelligence workers to defend our country, and the American people should be, as well.

The President and his national security team must have intelligence that is timely and accurate. In its report, the commission points out that America needs to know much more about the weapons programs and intentions of our most dangerous adversaries. The members of the commission have given useful and important guidance that will help transform our intelligence capabilities for the needs of a dangerous new century, and we will continue to give our intelligence professionals the tools they need and the structure they deserve so they can succeed in their essential work.

It is not possible to guarantee perfect security in our vast free nation, but at a time when we're at war and our margin for error is getting smaller, the consequences of underestimating a threat could be tens of thousands of innocent lives. I can assure you that the men and women in our intelligence community are working around the clock and doing everything they can to keep us safe, and my administration will continue to make intelligence reforms that will allow them to identify threats before they fully emerge so we can take action to protect the American people.

Thank you for listening. For Immediate Release April 2, 2005

MOX Program, Mixed-Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility

Energy Secretary Bodman Commends Key Milestone In MOX Program

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) authorization of the construction of a U.S. Mixed-Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site in South Carolina, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today released the following statement:

“Issuing the permit for construction of a MOX facility in South Carolina is the crucial next step in the MOX program. It is a key milestone in our efforts to dispose of surplus weapons grade plutonium in the U.S. and Russia,” Secretary Bodman said. “We look forward to proceeding with this nonproliferation program that will ultimately eliminate enough plutonium for thousands of nuclear weapons in both countries.”

The United States and Russia are scheduled to begin site preparation activities for the U.S. and Russian MOX facilities this spring, with full construction of both facilities to begin in fiscal year 2006. More than 30 nuclear reactors currently use MOX fuel in France, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

The facility will fabricate nuclear reactor fuel using surplus U.S. weapon-grade plutonium. Once the fuel is irradiated in existing commercial power reactors, the plutonium can no longer be readily used for nuclear weapons. A similar facility will also be built in Russia to implement the U.S.-Russian Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement, which commits both countries to dispose of 34 metric tons each of surplus weapon-grade plutonium.

The next step for licensing the U.S. facility will be for NNSA’s contractor, Duke, Cogema, Stone & Webster, to submit an operating license application in Fiscal Year 2006.

Earlier this month, the NRC issued a license to authorize Duke Power’s use of four MOX fuel lead assemblies at its Catawba nuclear power station near Rock Hill, S.C. Before MOX fuel can be used in significant quantities, the lead assemblies must be irradiated in a reactor to confirm they will perform predictably. Irradiation of lead assemblies is a step towards permanent licensing for use of MOX fuel.

SOURCE: DOE Media contact: Mike Waldron, 202/586-4940 Number: R-05-094 April 1, 2005

RELATED:

• the Last Weapons-Grade Plutonium Production Reactors in Russia - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew and United States Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assist with the permanent closure of one of the final operating weapons-grade plutonium production reactors in Russia.

Political Skills Training for Arab Women

United States Supports Political Skills Training for Arab Women

Through a grant from the Middle East Partnership Initiative to the Partners in Participation series, the United States is supporting a campaign school to build political skills for over 80 women political activists from Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The program features hands-on training including coalition building, political party development, and media outreach. This workshop is conducted by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and takes place from March 28 through April 1, 2005 in Amman, Jordan.

The third in the Partners in Participation series, this political training is timely as recent regional models of democratic elections bolster the aspirations of women candidates for legislative and municipal bodies, particularly in the Levant region. Participants include potential candidates as well as activists from a broad range of political parties and civil society organizations. Women currently serving in the Moroccan, Egyptian and Jordanian parliaments and governments will address the group and advise on practical methods of running a campaign. Other speakers include a leading activist in the women’s suffrage movement in Kuwait and women journalists.

The first two campaign schools in the Partners in Participation program were held last year in Qatar and Tunisia and trained over 100 women from the Gulf and Maghreb regions respectively. The overall program is implemented by the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute.

The Middle East Partnership Initiative is a Presidential initiative that supports economic, political, and educational reform efforts in the Middle East and expanded opportunity for all people of the region, especially women and youth. More information can be found at: MEPI.state.gov . 2005/366 Released on March 31, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC

National Donate Life Month, 2005

National Donate Life Month, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

America's health care system is the best in the world. We are blessed with skilled doctors and medical professionals, advances in technology, and countless organ, tissue, and bone marrow donors who help save lives. During National Donate Life Month, we continue to work to raise donation awareness, help people get the information they need to become donors, and recognize those who have chosen to donate.

Organ donors share the precious gift of life with others and demonstrate the compassionate spirit of our Nation. Most people are eligible to donate organs, tissue, or bone marrow. They can join the donor registry in their State, indicate donations on their driver's license, or complete and carry a donor card. Through these measures, Americans help others in need to live longer and healthier lives.

My Administration remains committed to increasing organ and tissue donation. Over the past 4 years, more than 10,500 organizations have joined the Department of Health and Human Services' "Gift of Life Donation Initiative" and made donation information available to their employees, associates, and members. My fiscal year 2006 budget proposal includes $23 million for donation and transplant services at HHS and an additional $23 million for the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. These programs will help increase donation rates, treat patients in need, and strengthen efforts to find suitable bone marrow donors.

During National Donate Life Month, I join our citizens in honoring donors and their families. The generosity of these individuals reflects the great character of our country and sets a fine example for all Americans.

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 April 2005 as National Donate Life Month. I urge health care professionals, volunteers, educators, government agencies, and private organizations to help raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors across our Nation.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 1, 2005

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2005

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

From the time of our Nation's founding, members of our military have built a tradition of honorable and faithful service. As they fought to protect our security and defend our ideals, some endured the extreme hardship of enemy captivity. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we remember those courageous individuals taken prisoner while defending our country, and we honor their extraordinary sacrifices.

America's former prisoners of war are among our Nation's bravest heroes. Under the worst conditions, they fought fiercely and served with honor, and they continue to inspire generations with their strength and perseverance. In serving our Nation, each demonstrated personal courage, love of country, and devotion to duty. Because of their sacrifices, and the selflessness and heroism of all who have served in our Armed Forces, millions of people now live in freedom, and America remains the greatest force for good on Earth. On this day, we honor their role in protecting our country and the liberty of mankind.

Today, our brave men and women in uniform carry on their legacy -- unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, and unmatched in decency. As we pursue victory in the war on terror, I join all Americans in expressing our deepest gratitude to every service member who has been a prisoner of war and to their families.

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 April 9, 2005, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in remembering former American prisoners of war by honoring their sacrifices. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and private organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 1, 2005