VA Traumatic Injury Insurance

VA Secretary Backs Low-Cost "Traumatic Injury" Insurance

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has backed proposed legislation creating low-cost "traumatic injury" insurance for members of the armed forces.

"We need to do all we can to help these veterans badly injured on the battlefield," said Nicholson, a combat-decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. "Low-cost traumatic injury insurance is a big step toward providing security for the families of veterans."

Secretary Nicholson endorsed the legislation during a press conference April 19 attended by the provision's sponsor, Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) and Dr. David S. Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

Under Senator Craig's legislation, service members could purchase low-cost "traumatic injury" insurance that would provide a lump-sum payment up to $100,000 for certain catastrophic injuries that occurred on active duty. The coverage would also be available to members of the National Guard and Reserves.

The insurance premiums would be deducted from service members' monthly pay. The amount has not yet been determined. Receiving the insurance would be in addition to disability compensation or medical care a veteran can receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Among the catastrophic injuries covered by the insurance would be:

· Permanent loss of sight;

· Quadriplegia and paraplegia;

· Loss of a hand or foot

· Loss of hearing or speech; and

· Comas.

For more information about the benefits and services provided by VA, please contact us at 1-800-827-1000 or visit our Web site at va.gov. # # # April 20, 2005

Currency Signed by Cabral

Secretary Snow to Join Treasurer to Unveil Currency Signed by Cabral

Treasury Secretary John W. Snow will join Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral next week at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for the unveiling of the first paper currency with the new Treasurer's signature. The Secretary and Treasurer will witness the final stages of the printing process of the first notes with Treasurer Cabral's signature at 1:30 p.m. on April 26 at the BEP's printing facilities located at 14th and C Streets S.W. in Washington, D.C.

"Having my signature on the U.S. currency is a tremendous honor; sharing that honor with Anna Cabral is priceless. Like the bills that her signature will grace, Anna is a representation of that which makes America great. She is an enormously accomplished woman and one of the finest leaders we have in government today. I'm thrilled to see her signature on the currency, and I know the President is delighted to have her serving in his Administration. She is an invaluable asset to the Treasury and to her country," said Secretary Snow.

Immediately following the unveiling of the new notes, the Secretary and Treasurer will kick off Treasury's participation in a nationwide effort to teach children the importance of saving. Partnering with the American Bankers Association Education Foundation, more than 20 Treasury officials will join local bankers in classrooms across the country for the ninth annual Teach Children to Save Day on April 26. Secretary Snow and Treasurer Cabral will highlight these efforts by speaking to a group of fifth-graders from Seaton Elementary in Washington, D.C. at the BEP about the importance of financial education. For more information on this event, go to: treasury.gov/press/releases/.

The currency unveiling will be pool coverage only.

All media are welcome to cover the financial education lesson at the BEP. Press wishing to attend this portion of the event must call (202) 874-2778 by 3 p.m. EST, Monday, April 25 with name, media organization, and phone number for security clearance.

The signatures of Secretary Snow and Treasurer Cabral were transferred by the BEP's engravers to steel plates, which will be used to print all new U.S. paper currency. Since the introduction of the smaller-size notes in 1929, the signatures of 24 Treasury Secretaries and 16 Treasurers – including Secretary Snow and Treasurer Cabral – have appeared on U.S. paper currency.

The new $1 Series 2003 A Snow-Cabral notes are expected to be sent to the Federal Reserve by the end of April for distribution as needed.

Each business day, the BEP produces roughly 38 million notes with a face value of approximately $696 million. An estimated $719 billion in U.S. paper currency is currently in circulation worldwide.

SOURCE: United States Department of the Treasury April 22, 2005 JS-2405

IRAQI TIP TAKES DOWN TERRORISTS SUSPECTED OF HELO ATTACK

IRAQI TIP TAKES DOWN TERRORISTS SUSPECTED OF HELO ATTACK

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An Iraqi civilian helped Task Force Baghdad Soldiers find and apprehend six terrorists suspected of shooting down a civilian MI-8 helicopter April 21.

The Iraqi citizen told the Soldiers he knew where the blue KIA pickup truck the terrorists used during the attack was parked and led them to the site. When the Soldiers got there, several other local residents confirmed the first tip and showed the Soldiers where the terrorists lived.

Soldiers started to search two houses at 12:30 a.m. April 23. At the first house they captured three men and confiscated bomb-making material.

At the second house, the unit detained three more suspects involved in making improvised explosive devices.

All six men were taken into custody for questioning.

-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 23, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM SURVEYS CRASH SITE

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM SURVEYS CRASH SITE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – An investigation team surveyed the MI-8 helicopter crash site north of Baghdad this morning. The team, led by COL Paul Bricker, Multi-National Corps - Iraq operations, is comprised of members from Multi-National Force - Iraq and Iraqi interpreters. Personnel from Sky Link and Blackwater have also been invited to participate in the investigation.

The helicopter crashed yesterday morning en route to Tikrit. Three Bulgarian crewmembers, six American Blackwater Security Consulting employees and two Fijian security guards were killed in the crash.

The scene around the crash site has been secured. The remains have been transported to Balad AB. And an Aircraft Recovery Team from 3ID will move the wreckage to Baghdad International Airport for further inspection.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

More information will be available once the investigation is complete.

-30- SOURCE: United States Central Command 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 22, 2005 Release Number: 05-04-16 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE

Death of U.S. Department of State Contractors in Iraq

Death of U.S. Department of State Contractors in Iraq

We are deeply saddened by the deaths of seven employees of Blackwater Security Consulting on April 21 in Iraq -- six in a helicopter crash near Baghdad and one in a motorcade attack traveling to Ramadi.

These men assisted the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in protecting American diplomats and missions in Iraq. They played a critical role in our effort to bring a better way of life to the people of a country who had never experienced the joys of freedom and opportunity. We will always remember these men for their bravery, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice for their country.

We mourn the loss of these brave men and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/440 Released on April 22, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC April 22, 2005

Freedom Calendar 04/23/05 - 04/30/05

April 23, 1971, Republican appointee Herbert Choy becomes first Asian-American federal judge, named by President Richard Nixon to U.S. Court of Appeals.

April 24, 1974, James M. Rogers, Jr. is first African-American selected National Teacher of the Year, by President Richard Nixon.

April 25, 1975, Appointed by President Gerald Ford, Dick Yin Wong becomes first Asian-American to serve as judge on a U.S. District Court.

April 26, 1999, Legislation authored by U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI) awarding Congressional Gold Medal to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks is transmitted to President.

April 27, 1822, Birth of Republican President Ulysses Grant; championed and enforced Republican legislation to safeguard civil rights of African-Americans.

April 28, 1971, Rear Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely becomes first African-American to achieve Flag Rank in U.S. Navy, promoted by President Richard Nixon 29

April 29, 1877, Death of Republican Gov. William Brownlow, who led fight for Tennessee’s ratification of 14th Amendment guaranteeing due process and equal protection of the laws.

April 30, 1862, African-American Republicans in New Orleans establish L’Union, first African-American newspaper in South.

“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

bush radio address 04/23/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 04/23/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. My most solemn responsibility as Commander-in-Chief is to protect the American people. At this moment, our courageous men and women in uniform are serving in distant lands, risking their lives to ensure our security. We must give them all the resources they need to protect us from the threats of determined enemies and to prevail in the war on terror.

I applaud the House and Senate for their strong support of my supplemental funding request for our troops serving on the front lines. This funding will help provide the weapons, ammunition, spare parts, and equipment that our troops need to do their job. I urge Congress to come together to resolve their remaining differences, and send me a bill quickly.

As our servicemen and women make our nation more secure, they are also helping to transform other nations that until recently knew only tyranny and despair. In Afghanistan, millions went to the polls after we helped liberate that country from the Taliban. In Iraq, the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces are helping Iraqis build a government that answers to the people instead of the other way around.

As Iraqis assume increasing responsibility for the stability of their country, Iraqi security forces are becoming more self-reliant and taking on greater responsibilities. Today, more than 150,000 Iraqi security forces have been trained and equipped, and for the first time, the Iraqi army, police, and security forces outnumber U.S. forces in Iraq. Like free people everywhere, Iraqis want to be defended and led by their own countrymen. We will help them achieve this objective, and then our troops will come home with the honor they have earned.

As we fight the war on terror and spread freedom abroad, we continue to pursue pro-growth economic policies at home. Sustaining America's prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the federal government. That's why the 2006 budget I submitted to Congress holds the growth of discretionary spending to 2.1 percent -- below the projected rate of inflation.

Spending discipline requires difficult choices. Every government program was created with good intentions, but not all are matching good intentions with good results. My 2006 budget eliminates, or substantially reduces, more than 150 federal programs that are not succeeding, that are duplicating existing efforts, or that are not fulfilling an essential priority. The principle is simple: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, or not spent at all.

Spending wisely means reducing wasteful spending that can threaten the viability of essential programs like Medicaid. We must end overpayment for prescription drugs by states and the federal government. We will work with states to ensure that federal Medicaid dollars are spent properly and go to help those in need. And we must close loopholes that allow people who can afford to pay for their health care to shift the costs to Medicaid, and drain resources needed to provide health care for the poorest Americans.

The savings in my budget are critical in helping us to keep our economy growing and creating jobs. Now members of Congress need to come together and send me a budget that funds our priorities, ensures that taxes stay low, and keeps us on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.

Thank you for listening.

For Immediate Release April 23, 2005

Togo Presidential Election

Togo’s Presidential Election (More Togo)

The United States notes with deep concern allegations by the Togolese Interior Minister that call into question the credibility of this Sunday's presidential election. Minister Boko demonstrated integrity and courage in sharing his concerns about the electoral process. We join the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in demanding that the Togolese authorities conduct the elections in a free and fair manner. The international community will closely scrutinize the conduct of the balloting and vote counting process by the Togolese authorities. Peaceful national reconciliation in Togo requires an election that reflects the will of the Togolese people.

We call on all political party leaders to insist on peaceful conduct by their supporters. All political parties in Togo must be prepared to work together, both now and in the future, to promote the interests of their nation. We caution government authorities that security forces must act within strict compliance with international human rights standards.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/439 Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC April 22, 2005

President Nominates General Pace as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, video

President Nominates General Pace as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Roosevelt Room, President's Remarks 10:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. As President, my most solemn duty is protecting the American people. In meeting this responsibility, one of the most important decisions I make is the appointment of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Today I'm pleased to announce my decision to nominate General Peter Pace to take on this vital job.

When confirmed by the Senate, General Pete Pace will be the first Marine in history to hold this vital position. He knows the job well. For the past three-and-a-half years, he has served under our superb Secretary of Defense, Don Rumsfeld. He has been the Deputy to one of the most outstanding Chairmen our nation has ever had, General Richard Myers.

As my most senior military advisor, General Myers has helped prepare military forces so they can meet the threats of this new century. This is a huge task, even in peacetime. Dick Myers did it while defending America from one of the most determined and vicious enemies we have ever faced. On General Myers' watch, we toppled two brutal dictatorships in Afghanistan and Iraq, and liberated more than 50 million people. By removing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein we have made America safer and put a troubled region on the path of freedom and peace.

I want to thank General Dick Myers for his able service over four decades, and his tireless dedication to duty and country. And I also thank his wife, Mary Jo. Dick Myers has had four jobs with fours stars, but the distinction that he is proudest of is not a military one. Last year, the National Father's Day Council named him Father of the Year.

I'm confident that the great work that General Dick Myers set in motion at the Pentagon will continue under the leadership of General Pete Pace. The first thing America needs to know about Pete Pace is that he is a Marine. To the American people, "Marine" is shorthand for "can do." And I'm counting on Pete Pace to bring the Marine spirit to these new responsibilities.

General Pete Pace's life is the story of the American Dream. His father was an immigrant from Italy. Pete Pace was born in Brooklyn. He grew up in New Jersey and he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He was a rifle platoon leader in Vietnam; he commanded Marines in Somalia; and he went on to command U.S. Marine forces in the Atlantic, and became the head of the U.S. Southern Command. It tells you something about Pete Pace's devotion to his troops that under the glass on his desk at the Pentagon, he keeps a photo of Lance Corporal Guido Farinaro. He was the first Marine he lost in combat in Vietnam.

I've come to rely on Pete Pace's wisdom, judgment and sense of humor. I will continue to rely on those qualities as he serves our nation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We'll need his wisdom and determination as we continue to transform our Armed Forces, so we can defeat today's enemies, while preparing ourselves for military challenges we will face as this new century unfolds.

General Pete Pace also understands the critical role military families play in the success of our Armed Forces. That's because he has a great military family, himself. I'm pleased to welcome his wife, Lynne, and daughter, Tiffany, who have joined us today. They're proud of Pete, and they should be.

Because he has served in the job, General Pete Pace also understands the important role that the Vice Chairman plays. Today I am pleased to announce that I have nominated an outstanding military officer, Admiral Ed Giambastiani. (Laughter.) He shall be known as Admiral G. (Laughter.) Anyway, he's going to be the Vice Chairman. (Laughter.)

For the past two-and-a-half years Admiral G -- as his friends, and now the President calls him -- (laughter) -- has been serving our nation while wearing two important hats. As Commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, he has been transforming our Armed Forces so they can better work together to defeat the threats of the 21st century. As the first Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, he's been leading the effort to bring reform to NATO military so our alliance is prepared for the threats of tomorrow.

Admiral G is joined today by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Cathie; and his son, Pete, a Navy lieutenant, and Pete's wife Jennifer.

I appreciate the willingness of these men, and their families, to take on these new assignments in an extraordinary moment in our nation's history. We still face ruthless adversaries who wish to attack our country. With the leadership of men like these, the outcome of the struggle is assured: America will defeat freedom's enemies and ensure the security of our country for generations to come.

It's my honor to bring to the podium General Pete Pace. (Applause.)

GENERAL PACE: Thank you. Mr. President, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Secretary, General Myers, I thank each of you, individually and collectively, for your trust and faith in me.

This is an incredible moment for me. It is both exhilarating and humbling. It's exhilarating because I have the opportunity, if confirmed by the Senate, to continue the serve this great nation. It's humbling because I know the challenges ahead are formidable. But I have great faith in our ability to meet those challenges -- for both personal and professional reasons.

On the personal side is my family: my wife, Lynne, with whom I share our 34th wedding anniversary this Sunday; along with her, our two children, Tiffany, who is with us and who, just by being anywhere near me, brings great joy to my life; and our son, Captain Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and his wife, Lindsey, who could not be here today; and my mom, who goes to church every Sunday and lights candles and burns the church down while she prays that I might be on the path I should be on and be safe.

But, professionally, as the President pointed out, we have been fortunate to have an incredible Chairman for the last three-and-a-half years, and it has been my great honor to be his Vice Chairman. And he is still our Chairman, and I look forward to continuing to serve him and this nation as his Vice Chairman. But if confirmed, I am delighted that I'll have the opportunity to work side-by-side with Admiral Ed G. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for bailing me out. (Laughter.)

GENERAL PACE: I am trainable, Mr. President. (Laughter.)

Admiral G, and his wife, Cindy, and family are incredible Americans. He brings great intellect and energy and focus to the job. And I look forward to being shipmates with him as we serve this country.

But the fundamental reason why I have great faith in our ability to overcome whatever challenges lie ahead is the fact that we have the world's best men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Active, Guard, Reserve, civilian -- they simply deliver every time our nation calls. And I'm proud, and I thank you, Mr. President, for giving me this opportunity to continue to serve them and our Commander-in-Chief, if confirmed. And I thank you all today for being here. (Applause.)

ADMIRAL GIAMBASTIANI: Mr. President, Secretary Rumsfeld, Mr. Vice President, General Dick Myers, and, of course, General Pace: Cindy and I thank you for this great honor and this opportunity to continue to serve our nation. For 35 years I've had the privilege of wearing this Navy uniform. For me, and for my family, it has been a wonderful experience and also a great honor.

It's a singular thrill for me to be able to work for you, sir; with Secretary Rumsfeld, again, to continue that relationship; and also, General Pete Pace -- obviously, pending confirmation -- so that we can work on the challenges and the security situations that face our nation in the future. I look forward to working and continuing to serve on behalf of those wonderful human beings, those members of our Armed Services, those people in uniform. They are doing truly remarkable things around the world every single day, and they deserve nothing less than our full support.

Mr. President, there are a lot of challenges ahead. I look forward to working with you, General Pace, Secretary Rumsfeld, and this great team in the future to meet those challenges. Thank you, sir. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. (Applause.)

END 10:23 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 22, 2005

Presidential Delegation Inaugural Pope Benedict XVI

Presidential Delegation to Inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

President George W. Bush today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on April 24, 2005.

The Honorable Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation are:

The Honorable Michael Steele, Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Carl A. Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Knights of Columbus

Accompanying Members of the Delegation are:

Helen Alvare, Associate Professor of Law, Catholic University of America, Frank Hanley, President Emeritus, International Union of Operating Engineers

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 22, 2005

General Peter Pace, Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr.

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate two individuals to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate General Peter Pace, United States Marine Corps, to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Pace currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He previously served as Commander in Chief, United States Southern Command. Prior to that, he was Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic/Europe/South. General Pace received his commission in 1967, following graduation from the United States Naval Academy. He was later assigned to the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam, serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader and subsequently as Assistant Operations Officer. General Pace graduated from the National War College in 1986 and also holds a master's degree from The George Washington University.

The President intents to nominate Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr., United States Navy, to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Giambastiani currently serves as Commander, United States Joint Forces Command and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. He previously served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. Prior to that, he was Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Warfare Requirements, and Assessments. Earlier in his career, Admiral Giambastiani was Commander, Submarine Force, United States Atlantic Fleet. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with leadership distinction in 1970. Early sea assignments included USS Puffer, USS Francis Scott Key, and Commanding Officer of the USS Richard B. Russell.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 22, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Environmental Youth Award, video

President Honors Environmental Youth Award Recipients, FULL STREAMING VIDEO The East Room President's Remarks, 3:27 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome to the White House. I'm sorry we're not out in the gardens today, but a pretty good place to have a visit, anyway, isn't it? The East Room. We're glad you're here. I want to welcome you as we honor some fine young stewards of our environment, and to recognize their achievements.

All of you have given your time and energy to preserving our natural spaces. You're setting such a fine example, and we appreciate the example. And today is our chance to tell you how proud we are of your good work.

I want to thank Steve Johnson, who is the Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. I put this good man's nomination in front of the United States Senate for a reason -- because he's plenty capable of doing the job, and now is the time for the United States Senate to confirm him. (Applause.) I'm proud that his wife, Debbie, is here, and Matt.

I want to thank my friend, Congressman Vito Fossella, who has joined us. Congressman, thank you for being here. (Applause.) We welcome all the EPA regional administrators, particularly those administrators from the great state of Texas. (Laughter.)

This week is National Volunteer Week, and we honor the 64 million Americans who volunteer, and encourage others to join them. Since taking office, I have asked Americans to take an active role in serving their communities by dedicating 4,000 hours, or two years, over the course of their lives to helping others. In order to encourage people to help, I started the USA Freedom Corps, and that's a website to match potential volunteers with opportunities to volunteer at the local level. And if you want to find out more about the website, the USA Freedom Corps website, go to www.usafreedomcorps.gov.

The 30 young men and women we honor here today in the White House answered the call to service. They know they have a responsibility to be citizens, not spectators, and that by serving a cause larger than themselves, communities grow stronger. One of the greatest responsibilities in a free society is responsible stewardship of our natural environment. All of you have taken that duty seriously. You have set a clear and strong example, and you're inspiring others to do their part.

Tomorrow I'm going to Tennessee, in honor of Earth Day, to help volunteers restore the trails at Cades Cove. I'm looking forward to getting my hands dirty. (Laughter.) Looking forward to getting outside of Washington. (Laughter.)

As volunteers, you've put your talents to good use. In Cairo, Georgia, you set up a science camp to promote recycling. In St. Paul, Virginia, you helped restore a newly-named wetland and made it an outdoor classroom. In Oklahoma and California, you cleaned up debris around local creeks. You built nesting boxes to protect local birds in Staten Island, New York. You improved trout habitats in Hyrum, Utah. You started a project for the Fender's blue butterfly in Salem, Oregon. You spearheaded a public education program to protect a stream near Cleveland, Ohio. You planted a beech tree at an elementary school in Middletown, Rhode Island. And you taught schoolchildren about groundwaters in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Each of these acts touched a community, and together they are improving our nation. All of you are meeting your responsibility to our country's natural spaces, and our government is doing the same. America's air and water are cleaner today than they were in 2001. My budget for the coming year fulfills my commitment in 2001 to spend $4.9 billion over five years to improve our national parks, and to make our parks more inviting and accessible to all Americans.

We're implementing the Clear Skies rule to cut power plant emissions by 70 percent. Under the farm bill I signed in 2002, we will provide $40 billion over 10 years to help our farmers and ranchers protect wetlands, water quality, and wildlife habitats. I've pledged to restore, improve, and protect 3 millions of wetlands over the next five years. To safeguard our forests and woodlands against fire damage, I've signed the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. And since I took office, the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have removed hazardous fuels from more than 10 million acres of federal land.

Across America, we're working with state and local governments to accelerate the cleanup and redevelopment of old industrial sites. We're working hard to improve our environment, and so are you. Each of you here today has worked hard. You've been idealistic in the right way, and you've been dedicated. I know your parents are proud of you, your communities are proud of you, and so is your President. (Applause.)

So it is now my great honor to welcome the 2005 winners of the President's Environmental Youth Awards. The Acting Administrator will do the duties.

(The awards are presented.) (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all for coming. We're proud to have you here in the White House. I want to welcome and congratulate our students again. I really want to welcome your parents, too. You've done a good job. And I want to thank your teachers. Teaching is a noble profession. (Applause.) We hope you enjoy the White House as much as Laura and I do.

God bless you all. Welcome. (Applause.)

END 3:43 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005

President on Senate Confirmation of Negroponte

President's Statement on Senate Confirmation of Negroponte (More John Negroponte )

I commend the Senate for moving quickly to confirm John Negroponte as the first Director of National Intelligence. I congratulate John on his confirmation, and I look forward to working closely with him. As the DNI, Ambassador Negroponte will lead a unified intelligence community as it reforms and adapts to the new challenges of the 21st century. The United States continues to make progress in the global war on terror against the enemies of freedom who target innocent civilians and seek weapons of mass destruction. I appreciate John's willingness to once again serve his country and the many men and women who serve in the intelligence community.

# # # Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005

President on House Passing Energy Bill

President's Statement on House Passing Energy Bill

I commend the House for taking an important step to secure our energy future and to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. The House energy legislation is largely consistent with the key objectives of my comprehensive national energy policy: increasing conservation and efficiency, expanding domestic production in environmentally responsible ways, diversifying our energy supply with more renewables and clean fuels, and modernizing our energy infrastructure. For more than a decade our Nation has not had a sensible, balanced, and comprehensive energy strategy. An energy bill will help us make better use of the energy supplies we have and will make our supply of energy more affordable and more secure for the future. I look forward to swift Senate action so that I can sign a bill into law by August.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005

RELATED:

• H. R. 6 Energy Policy Act of 2005 - 109th CONGRESS 1st Session IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 18, 2005 Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 132

President, Senate Passing Supplemental Budget

President's Statement on Senate Passing Supplemental Budget

I applaud the Senate for its strong bipartisan support for our troops and our continued effort to win the war on terror. New democracies are taking root in Iraq and Afghanistan, and America is proud to stand with them. Both countries are assuming greater responsibility for their own security, which will help our troops return home as quickly as possible with the honor they have earned. I urge the House and Senate to reach a final agreement that focuses taxpayer dollars on providing the tools our troops and diplomats need now, so that I can sign a bill into law as soon as possible.

# # #For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005

Intelligence Reform Terrorism Prevention Act Reporting Functions

For the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, Attorney General, and Secretary of Homeland Security

SUBJECT: Assignment of Reporting Functions under the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code:

1. The reporting functions of the President under sections 4026(a)(4)(A), 4026(c)(2), 7104(e)(4)(A), 7202(d), 7204(c)(1)-(2), and 7119(a) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108 458, 118 Stat. 3638)(the "Act") are hereby assigned to the Secretary of State.

The reporting function under section 7202(d) of the Act on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center shall be coordinated with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Heads of departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish to the Secretary of State information the Secretary requests to perform such functions, in the format and on the schedule specified by the Secretary.

2. The reporting function of the President under section 7104(i) of the Act is hereby assigned to the Secretary of Defense.

Heads of departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish to the Secretary of Defense information the Secretary requests to perform such functions, in the format and on the schedule specified by the Secretary.

3. The reporting functions under sections 1022 and 1094 of the Act are hereby assigned to the Director of National Intelligence.

Heads of departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish to the Director of National Intelligence information the Director requests to perform such functions, in the format and on the schedule specified by the Director.

The Secretaries of State and Defense, and the Director of National Intelligence shall perform such functions in a manner consistent with the President's constitutional authority to withhold information the disclosure of which could impair foreign relations, national security, the deliberative processes of the Executive, or the performance of the Executive's constitutional duties.

Any reference in this memorandum to the provision of any Act shall be deemed to include references to any hereafter-enacted provision of law that is the same or substantially the same as such provision.

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005 Memorandum

Title I, Intelligence Reform Terrorism Prevention Act 2004

For the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Director of National Intelligence

SUBJECT: Effective Dates of Provisions in Title I of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

Subsection 1097(a) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-458, December 17, 2004)(the Act) provides:

(a) IN GENERAL- Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, this title and the amendments made by this title shall take effect not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Subsection 1097(a) clearly contemplates that one or more of the provisions in Title I of the Act may take effect earlier than the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of the Act, but does not state explicitly the mechanism for determining when such earlier effect shall occur, leaving it to the President in the execution of the Act. Moreover, given that section 1097(a) evinces a legislative intent to afford the President flexibility, and such flexibility is constitutionally appropriate with respect to intelligence matters (see United States v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation, 299 U.S. 304 (1936)), the executive branch shall construe section 1097(a) to authorize the President to select different effective dates that precede the 6-month deadline for different provisions in Title I.

Therefore, pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including subsection 1097(a) of the Act, I hereby determine and direct:

1. Sections 1097(a) and 1103 of the Act, relating respectively to effective dates of provisions and to severability, shall take effect immediately upon the signing of this memorandum to any extent that they have not already taken effect.

2. Provisions in Title I of the Act other than those addressed in numbered paragraph 1 of this memorandum shall take effect immediately upon the signing of this memorandum, except:

(a) any provision in Title I of the Act for which the Act expressly provides the date on which the provision shall take effect; and

(b) sections 1021 and 1092 of the Act, relating to the National Counterterrorism Center.

The taking of effect of a provision pursuant to section 1097(a) of the Act and this memorandum shall not affect the construction of such provision by the executive branch as set forth in my Statement of December 17, 2004, upon signing the Act into law.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005 Memorandum

Robert B. Holland, III,Charles E. Johnson, Roger Dwayne Pierce

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Robert B. Holland, III, of Texas, to be the United States Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, for a term of two years. Mr. Holland currently serves as United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He previously served as a Managing Partner with Texas Limited, a consulting and investment firm. Prior to this position, Mr. Holland served as General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Triton Energy Limited. He earned his bachelor's degree from Stanford University and his law degree from the University of Texas.

The President intends to nominate Charles E. Johnson, of Utah, to be Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (Budget, Technology and Finance). Mr. Johnson currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency. He previously served as President of Huntsman Cancer Foundation and Vice President of Huntsman LLC. Prior to these positions, Mr. Johnson served as Vice Chairman of the Board for Strategic Direction for the Garff-Warner Organization. He earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University.

The President intends to nominate Roger Dwayne Pierce, of Virginia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cape Verde. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Mr. Pierce currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the America Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Earlier in his career, he served as Consul General and Counselor for Consular Affairs in Cairo, Egypt. Mr. Pierce previously served as an Inspector for the Department of State. He earned his bachelor's degree from David and Elkins College and his master's degree from the University of Maryland.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary April 21, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Black Network, Janice Rogers Brown

Black Network Demands Black Judicial Nominee Be Judged on Her Competence, Brown Nomination a Chance for Liberals to Prove "They Mean What They Say"

Janice Rogers Brown, an associate justice on the California Supreme Court who has been nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 21. Members of the black leadership network Project 21 are calling on the Senate to judge her record based solely on her competence.

"The overriding concern liberals say they have about Janice Rogers Brown is the unsubstantiated claim that she is out of the mainstream," notes Project 21 member Donald Scoggins. "If you look at her life and her achievements, she is well within what anyone could rationally consider mainstream. In fact, she stands out as someone who embodies American ideals."

Associate Justice Brown is the daughter of an Alabama sharecropper who began her education in a segregated school. Her family later moved to California where she earned a law degree and spent the last 25 years in public service. After serving in lower state courts, she was appointed to the California Supreme Court in 1996. She was nominated to the D.C. Circuit in July of 2003.

On the California Supreme Court, Brown wrote more majority opinions than any of her colleagues in 2001 and 2002. She was retained by California voters with 76 percent of the vote. In a letter signed by 18 of her judicial colleagues, she was described as "a superb judge" who is "extremely intelligent, keenly analytical and very hard-working" and a judge "who applies the law without favor, without bias and with an even hand."

Senate liberals began a filibuster of Brown's nomination in November of 2003. While a simple majority is needed for actual confirmation, the filibuster requires 60 votes to bring the nomination to the floor for a vote.

"Time and again, liberals have proclaimed their support for those perceived as unable to help themselves, oppressed minorities and for the empowerment of women. Yet, contrary to their rhetoric, they have viciously attacked, belittled and objected to blacks such as Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell and Clarence Thomas for seemingly nothing more that the fact that their race and politics don't meet the liberal mindset," says Project 21 member Mychal Massie. "In Janice Rogers Brown, the liberals have a pristine opportunity to redeem themselves."

Project 21 takes no position on the confirmation of any particular judicial nominee, but believes that it is in the best interest of the United States that judicial vacancies be filled with appropriate speed.

Project 21, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, has been a leading voice of the African-American community since 1992. For more information, contact David Almasi at (202) 543-4110 x11 or Project21@nationalcenter.org, or visit Project 21's website at project21.org/. -30-

For Release: April 21, 2005 Contact: David Almasi at 202/543-4110 x11or Project21@nationalcenter.org

Khmer Rouge 30th anniversary

The Khmer Rouge Anniversary

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the seizure of power by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. It is estimated that up to 3 million Cambodians died in the killing fields. The United States joins the millions of Cambodians, Cambodian-Americans, and others in remembering the victims of this deplorable regime.

The United States believes there must be accountability for these atrocities, and welcomed the agreement between the United Nations and Cambodia to establish the Khmer Rouge tribunal. For the United States to contribute to this process, we believe, as U.S. law stipulates, that the tribunal must meet internationally recognized standards of justice. As the formation of the tribunal moves forward, we will engage with the Government of Cambodia, the United Nations, and interested countries to achieve this goal.

We will also continue to focus on the importance of and need for an independent judiciary in Cambodia. It is only through respect for the rule of law and the existence of effective institutions that barriers to impunity will be built and regimes like that of the Khmer Rouge will exist only in the sad annals of history.

SOIRCE: state.gov 2005/438 Released on April 21, 2005 Press Statement (Revised) Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC