Lester M. Crawford Commissioner of Food and Drugs

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual to serve in his Administration:

The President intends to nominate Lester M. Crawford, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Crawford currently serves as Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Physiology-Pharmacology at the University of Georgia, Administrator of the Food Safety and Inspection Service and Deputy Commissioner of FDA. Earlier in his career, Dr. Crawford was Director of the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy at Georgetown University and Virginia Tech. He has served as an advisor to the United Nations' World Health Organization for nearly twenty years. Dr. Crawford is a Member of the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (UK). He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and his PhD in pharmacology from the University of Georgia. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2005 Personnel Announcement

President's Statement on Beirut Terrorist Attack

Statement on Beirut Terrorist Attack

The President was shocked and angered to learn of the terrorist attack in Beirut today that murdered former Prime Minister Hariri and killed and injured several others. Mr. Hariri was a fervent supporter of Lebanese independence, and worked tirelessly to rebuild a free, independent, and prosperous Lebanon following its brutal civil war and despite its continued foreign occupation. His murder is an attempt to stifle these efforts to build an independent, sovereign Lebanon free of foreign domination. The people of Lebanon deserve the freedom to choose their leaders free of intimidation, terror, and foreign occupation, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1559. The United States will consult with other governments in the region and on the Security Council today about measures that can be taken to punish those responsible for this terrorist attack, to end the use of violence and intimidation against the Lebanese people, and to restore Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and democracy by freeing it from foreign occupation. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2005

Attorney General Gonzales at Swearing-In Ceremony

President Thanks Attorney General Gonzales at Swearing-In Ceremony FULL STREAMING VIDEO and transcript U.S. Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 10:06 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Laura and I are pleased to be here with Al Gonzales, his wife Becky, and their wonderful family. Thank you all for coming. I turned to Al and said, "It seems like they're cheering pretty loud." He said, "Most of them work for me now." (Laughter.)

For the past decade, Al has been a close advisor, an honorable public servant, and a dear friend. Now, he assumes a new title. Today it is my honor to call this son of Humble, Texas, the 80th Attorney General of the United States. (Applause.)

I appreciate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor for administering the oath, and admitting publicly that she was born in Texas. (Laughter.) I want to thank the current and former members of my Cabinet who are here. I appreciate Senator Pat Leahy, Senator Judd Gregg and Kathy, Senator John Cornyn and Sandy, Senator Mel Martinez for joining us today. I thank Congresswoman Grace Napolitano for joining us. I thank the other distinguished guests who are here, and I thank the Texans who have come up. (Applause.)

As Attorney General Gonzales begins his service, he will build on the outstanding work of Attorney General John Ashcroft. (Applause.) Over the past four years, Attorney General Ashcroft has started the Department of Justice on the right course in the war on terror; he's helped reduce violent crime to a 30-year low; he's taken vital new steps to protect children from exploitation. John Ashcroft has worked tirelessly to make our nation safer and more just, and America is thankful for your lifetime of service. (Applause.)

Attorney General Gonzales now joins every employee at the Department of Justice in an urgent mission to protect the United States from another terrorist attack. Few periods in our history have demanded so much of this department. With Al's principled leadership, the Department of Justice will continue this important mission, and will defend the security of all Americans and the liberty of all Americans.

The men and women of this department are meeting your duty every day -- from your headquarters in Washington to U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, to dangerous posts overseas. You've reorganized your resources to confront the threats of this new war. You've devised effective methods to investigate and prosecute terrorists. Some of you have volunteered for demanding new duties in complex areas such as intelligence and counterterrorism. Our nation is grateful for your dedication and sacrifice.

And in return, we must provide you all the tools you need to do your job. And one of those tools is the Patriot Act, which has been vital to our success in tracking terrorists and disrupting their plans. Many key elements of the Patriot Act are now set to expire at the end of this year. We must not allow the passage of time or the illusion of safety to weaken our resolve in this new war. To protect the American people, Congress must promptly renew all provisions of the Patriot Act this year. (Applause.)

Your mission to ensure equal justice for every American extends far beyond the war on terror. By aggressively prosecuting gun criminals and drug dealers, you make neighborhoods safer for all families. By holding corporate wrongdoers to account, you build confidence in our economy. By protecting victims of child abuse and domestic violence, you help guarantee a compassionate society. And by defending the civil rights of every American, you affirm the dignity of every life, and you set an example of liberty for the entire world.

As we strive to provide equal justice, we must ensure that Americans of all races and backgrounds trust the legal system. By spreading the use of DNA analysis, we can solve more crimes, lock up more criminals, and prevent wrongful conviction. So I've asked Congress for more than a billion dollars over five years to expand this vital technology. And to help ensure that the death penalty is applied justly, I've also requested new funding to train prosecutors, judges and defense counsels in capital cases.

To maintain confidence in the legal system, we must ensure that judges faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench. I've a constitutional responsibility to nominate well-qualified men and women for the federal courts -- I have done so. And I've benefited greatly from the sound judgment of Attorney General Gonzales on picking qualified people to serve on our benches. I will continue to rely on his advice. And the United States Senate must also live up to its constitutional responsibility. Every judicial nominee deserves a prompt hearing and an up or down vote on the floor of the United States Senate. (Applause.)

As he embarks on all these duties, Attorney General Gonzales has my complete confidence. From his early days of selling soda at Rice University football games, to his time in the Air Force, to his distinguished legal career and service on the White House staff, Al has been a model of courage and character to his fellow citizens. I've witnessed his integrity, his decency, his deep dedication to the cause of justice. Now he will advance that cause as the Attorney General and ensure that more Americans have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Attorney General -- or, General -- congratulations. (Applause.)

GENERAL GONZALES: Thank you.

From the day the President announced my nomination as the Attorney General of the United States, three months ago, I have thought often about how to best prepare to meet the awesome responsibilities of this office. Outside these walls, the cries of those powerless souls who are injured, disenfranchised, or otherwise aggrieved may, indeed, be faint. But those same pleas for help echo powerfully within the Department of Justice. Every day, like a steady drum beat, we are asked to provide an answer to a problem, to secure a remedy, to be a champion. And every day, this department responds, as it has done so time and time again throughout the history of our beloved America.

There has been much discussion during my confirmation about the appropriate role of the Attorney General, certainly an important and legitimate debate about the individual viewed by many as the primary guardian of our rights and protector of our freedoms. Undeniably, the Attorney General is a member of the President's Cabinet, a part of his team. But the Attorney General represents, also, the American people, and his first allegiance must always be to the Constitution of the United States.

And so I rise today to reassure you that I understand the special role of this office, and to commit to do my best on behalf of the American people, to fulfill the confidence and trust reflected in my appointment. I rise also to express my thanks to all of you here and around the country, particularly in Texas, who have walked with me, even for just a short time, along my journey.

My words, I fear, are inadequate to convey my gratitude for picking me up when I have stumbled. Can a son repay the debt reflected in a lifetime of sacrifice by his parents? Can a husband express in appropriate words and deeds his love and respect for the many years of affection and loyalty of a loving wife? Can a friend compose a message of sufficient gratitude for a President who has been an inspiration and mentor? Mom, Becky, Mr. President: I do not believe I can, nor do I intend to even try in this abbreviated ceremony, other than to acknowledge, from the bottom of my heart, how much each of you has meant in my life. In the years ahead, I hope that my service as Attorney General will serve to honor your faith and trust in me.

Finally, I rise to embrace the employees of the Department of Justice. I assume this office knowing that the dedicated men and women here are focused on protecting the lives and the liberties of our citizens. Tremendous strides in the war on terrorism were made under the leadership of Attorney General John Ashcroft, and I thank him for his service to our country and to the cause of freedom. Like John, I am but one instrument in our battle for freedom and the protection of our rights. And I am confident that in the days and years ahead, we in the department will work together tirelessly to address terrorism and other threats to our nation, and to confront injustice with integrity and devotion to our highest ideals.

America is my home. I believe in her promise, and I will do what I can to secure that promise for future generations of our children. America is great, not because of our military might or our economic strength, but because of the greatness of Americans. And I welcome the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder, side by side, with each of you, to preserve our heritage, rich in liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 10:19 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 14, 2005

Personal Retirement Accounts

“As we fix Social Security, we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers. And the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts.”

President George W. Bush State of the Union Address February 2, 2005

􀂾 The President believes personal retirement accounts must be part of a comprehensive solution to strengthen Social Security for the 21st century.
􀂾 Under the President’s plan, personal retirement accounts would start gradually. Yearly contribution limits would be raised over time, eventually permitting all workers to set aside 4 percentage points of their payroll taxes in their accounts. Annual contributions to personal retirement accounts initially would be capped, at $1,000 per year in 2009. The cap would rise gradually over time, growing $100 per year, plus growth in average wages.
􀂾 Personal retirement accounts offer younger workers the opportunity to build a “nest egg” for retirement that the government cannot take away.

• Personal retirement accounts could be passed on to children and grandchildren. The money in these accounts would be available for retirement expenses. Any unused portion could be passed on to loved ones. Permitting individuals to pass on their personal retirement accounts to loved ones will be particularly beneficial to widows, widowers, and other survivors. According to the non-partisan analysis by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Retirement Policy, the ability to inherit personal accounts provides the largest gains to widows and other survivors.
• Personal retirement accounts help make Social Security better for younger workers. A personal retirement account gives a younger worker the chance to save a portion of his or her money in an account and watch it grow over time at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver. The account will provide money for the worker’s retirement in addition to the check he or she receives from Social Security. Personal retirement accounts give younger workers the chance to receive a higher rate of return from sound, long-term investing of a portion of their payroll taxes than they receive under the current system.

􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would be voluntary. At any time, a worker could “opt in” by making a one-time election to put a portion of his or her payroll taxes into a personal retirement account.
• Workers would have the flexibility to choose from several different low-cost, broadbased investment funds and would have the opportunity to adjust investment allocations periodically, but would not be allowed to move back and forth between personal retirement accounts and the traditional system. If, after workers choose the account, they decide they want only the benefits the current system would give them, they can leave their money invested in government bonds like those the Social Security system invests in now.
• Those workers who do not elect to create a personal retirement account would continue to draw benefits from the traditional Social Security system, reformed to be permanently sustainable.

􀂾 Personal retirement account options and management would be similar to that of the Federal employee retirement program, known as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). A centralized administrative structure would be created to collect personal retirement account contributions, manage investments, maintain records, and facilitate withdrawals at retirement. The structure would be designed to facilitate low costs, ease of use for new investors, and timely crediting of contributions. This centralized investment structure would help minimize compliance costs for employers.
• Contributions would be collected and records maintained by a central administrator. Similar to the TSP, private investment managers would be chosen through a competitive bidding process to manage the pooled account contributions.
• The central administrator would answer questions from account participants and distribute periodic account statements.
• The central administrator would also facilitate withdrawals and the purchase of annuities with account balances.
• Like TSP, we expect participants to have easy access to investment information and to their accounts. Participants could easily check account balances and adjust investment allocations.

􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would be invested in a mix of conservative bonds and stock funds. Guidelines and restrictions would be put in place to provide sound investment choices and prevent individuals from spending the money in these accounts on the lottery or at the race track. Workers would be permitted to allocate their personal retirement account contributions among a small number of very broadly diversified index funds patterned after the current TSP funds.
• Like TSP, personal retirement accounts could be invested in a safe government securities fund; an investment-grade corporate bond index fund; a small-cap stock index fund; a large-cap stock index fund; and an international stock index fund.
• In addition to these TSP-type funds, workers could choose a government bond fund with a guaranteed rate of return above inflation.
• Workers could also choose a “life cycle portfolio” that would automatically adjust the level of risk of the investments as the worker aged. The life cycle fund would automatically and gradually shift the allocation of investment funds as the individual neared retirement age so that it was weighted more heavily toward secure bonds.

􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would be protected from sudden market swings on the eve of retirement. To protect near-retirees from sudden market swings on the eve of retirement, personal retirement accounts would be automatically invested in the “life cycle portfolio” when a worker reaches age 47, unless the worker and his or her spouse specifically opted out by signing a waiver form stating they are aware of the risks involved. The waiver form would explain in clear, easily understandable terms the benefits of the life cycle portfolio and the risks of opting out. By shifting investment allocations from high growth funds to secure bonds as the individual nears retirement, the life cycle portfolio would provide greater protections from sudden market swings.
􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would not be eaten up by hidden Wall Street fees. Personal retirement accounts would be low-cost. The Social Security Administration’s actuaries project that the ongoing administrative costs for a TSP-style personal account structure would be roughly 30 basis points or 0.3 percentage points, compared to an average of 125 basis points for investments in stock mutual funds and 88 basis points in bond mutual funds in 2003.( ici.org/issues/fee/fm-v13n5).
• The low costs are made possible by the economies of scale of a centralized administrative structure, as well as limiting investment options to a small number of prudent, broadly diversified funds.
• Most of these administrative costs are for recordkeeping which would be done by the government, not investment management done by Wall Street. (Report of the 1994-1996 Advisory Council on Social Security, p. 171 & January 31, 2002 Memorandum from the Social Security Actuary in the Final Report of the President’s Commission on Social Security, p. 19).

􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would not be accessible prior to retirement. American workers who choose personal retirement accounts would not be allowed to make withdrawals from, take loans from, or borrow against their accounts prior to retirement.
􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would not be emptied out all at once, but rather paid out over time, as an addition to traditional Social Security benefits. Under a system of personal retirement accounts, procedures would be established to govern how account balances would be withdrawn at retirement. This would involve some combination of annuities to ensure a stream of monthly income over the worker’s life expectancy, phased withdrawals indexed to life expectancy, and lump sum withdrawals. Individuals would not be permitted to withdraw funds from their personal retirement accounts as lump sums, if doing so would result in their moving below the poverty line. Account balances in excess of the poverty-protection threshold requirement could be withdrawn as a lump sum for any purpose or left in the account to accumulate interest. Any unused portion of the account could be passed on to loved ones.
􀂾 Personal retirement accounts would be phased in. To ease the transition to a personal retirement account system, participation would be phased in according to the age of the worker. In the first year of implementation, workers currently between age 40 and 54 (born 1950 through 1965 inclusive) would have the option of establishing personal retirement accounts. In the second year, workers currently between age 26 and 54 (born 1950 through 1978 inclusive) would be given the option and by the end of the third year, all workers born in 1950 or later who want to participate in personal retirement accounts would be able to do so.
􀂾 The President’s personal retirement account proposal is fiscally responsible. The President's proposal is consistent with his overall goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009. Based on analysis by the Social Security Administration Actuary, the Office of Management and Budget estimates that the President’s personal retirement account proposal will require transition financing of $664 billion over the next ten years ($754 billion including interest). This transition financing will not have the same effect on national savings, and thus the economy, as traditional government borrowing. Personal retirement accounts will not reduce the pool of savings available to the markets because every dollar borrowed by the Federal government to fund the transition is fully offset by an increase in savings represented by the accounts themselves. Moreover, the transition financing for personal retirement accounts should be viewed as part of a comprehensive plan to make the Social Security system permanently sustainable. Publicly released analysis by the Social Security Administration has found that several comprehensive proposals including personal accounts would dramatically reduce the costs of permanently fixing the system.( ssa.gov/OACT/solvency/).
􀂾 Establishing personal retirement accounts does not add to the total costs that Social Security faces. Personal retirement accounts effectively pre-fund Social Security benefits already promised to today's workers and do not represent a net increase in Federal obligations. The obligation to pay Social Security benefits is already there. While personal retirement accounts affect the timing of these costs, they do not add to the total amount obligated through Social Security.
8
View entire document in PDF format: Strengthening Social Security for the 21st Century SOURCE: whitehouse.gov

President Iraqi election provisional results

Two weeks ago, more than eight million Iraqis defied terrorists and went to the polls. The world saw long lines of Iraqi men and women voting in a free and fair election for the first time in their lives. The United States and our Coalition partners can all take pride in our role in making that great day possible.

Today, the provisional results of the election have been announced. We still await their review and certification. I congratulate the Iraqi people for defying terrorist threats and setting their country on the path of democracy and freedom. And I congratulate every candidate who stood for election and those who will take office once the results are certified. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 13, 2005 Statement by the President

FULL Provisional RESULTS IN PDF FORMAT Provisional Results for 6 Governorates, Kurdistan Assembly and Transitoinal National Assembly From the IECI (Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq). The IECI is a wholly independent body, set up and run using funds allocated in the Iraqi Budget.

The Iraqi Elections Results

Provisional Results for 6 Governorates, Kurdistan Assembly and Transitoinal National Assembly

FULL Provisional RESULTS IN PDF FORMAT From the IECI (Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq). The IECI is a wholly independent body, set up and run using funds allocated in the Iraqi Budget.

The Commission is tasked by law to prepare for and conduct elections in Iraq in accordance with the highest international electoral standards. It must be completely impartial and thoroughly professional in order to help ensure the credibility of the coming polls.

Members of the Commission were selected by a committee formed of international judges and legal experts attached to the U.N.O. No governmental party, either Iraqi or foreign, has intervened in this mission. It was a prior condition that the selected member should be a non-partisan Iraqi national, never worked before with the previous repressive institutions which contributed or cooperated in oppressing citizens, should not have amassed a fortune through illegal ways to the detriment of the country and the public treasury and was never convicted with an immoral or dishonorable crime. The Commission is an Iraqi entity unbiased toward any political, dogmatic, religious, sectarian or national inclination. It is internationally recognized and enjoys an independent legal personality beside its full financial and administrative autonomy. It is not subjected in its work to any governmental or other administrative authority. It possesses the prerogative of declaring, execution and imposition of regulations, rules and procedures according to laws in force concerning elections during the transitional period. The Commission is fully independent of the legislative, legal and executive branches of the State and it is the only electoral authority in Iraq. SOURCE: Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq

World Leaders React to The Iraqi Elections

Iraqis in large numbers voted at 5,216 polling centers around Iraq on January 30.

Iraqi officials organized the election and Iraqi security forces protected the polling places. Over 30,000 trained Iraqis monitored the elections.

More than 265,000 Iraqis participated in the Out-of-Country Voting program, held in 14 countries worldwide. 94% of those who registered reportedly voted.

A 275-member Transitional Assembly will be seated within the next few weeks.

Leaders around the globe responded quickly and favorably to the January 30 Iraqi elections, praising the courage and determination of the Iraqi people in going to the polls. They also recognized that the election, while a milestone, is a first step on a longer road to democracy. Some of their statements follow.

North America

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew: “This Sunday marks an important milestone in Iraq’s political transition toward a stable and functioning democracy.... Despite obvious challenges, Iraqis have shown determination and commitment to their electoral process.”

Mexican President Vicente Fox: The Iraqi election “is an important democratic step and we hope that the process won’t be impeded by violence.”

Central America

El Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca: “I believe that very few in the world expected such a marvelous response on the part of the Iraqi people – that such a high percentage went out to vote.... We’ve been through the most difficult part, today comes the most important part, which is to allow the established authorities to be at the forefront of control in their country.”

Europe

British Prime Minister Tony Blair: “It was moving and humbling... to see the simple determination and clear-sighted courage of millions of Iraqis exercising the right to vote for the first time in their lives. A democratic Iraq is not just a giant step forward for Iraq itself; it is a blow right at the heart of global terrorism....”

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer: Iraqis “deserve great recognition for the will they have shown to shape the future of their country peacefully and democratically, despite massive intimidation.”
Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski: “These elections show we are dealing with an optimistic scenario.... For sure the high election turnout shows the Iraqis, in contrast to the black scenarios and various predictions, have made this their day, their celebration.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes: “The future of Iraq will be determined by Iraqis themselves. That is the message coming from today’s elections.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin: “The conditions for the election in Iraq were, to put it mildly, very difficult. At the same time it is a step in the right direction; it is a positive event.”

Asia and the Pacific

Indonesian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Marty Natalegawa: “Their active participation, despite the very difficult security situation, reflects a commendable determination to seize their own destiny in restoring sovereignty and in establishing a democratic Iraq.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff: “These elections represent a key step toward achieving a democratic and peaceful Iraq.”

South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Ban Ki-moon: “We highly praise and celebrate Iraq's general elections, which we have viewed as an opportunity to bring peace and stability to the nation.”

The Middle East

Iranian Parliamentary Deputy Alaeddin Boroujerdi: The vote is “a great step for Iraqis towards an independent and popular regime.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah II: “If we have good examples of democratic process, whether it's in Iraq or with the Palestinians, it does help countries such as Jordan to be able to push the envelope. So I think what we saw yesterday in Iraq is a positive thing. I think it is a thing that will set a good tone for the Middle East, and I’m very optimistic.”

Kuwaiti Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Fahd al-Saabah, the President of OPEC: “I think this is the first step for a stable Iraq.”

South Asia

Afghan President Hamid Karzai: “I am happy for the people of Iraq and hope that today’s elections will be another important step on the path of achieving stability, democracy and prosperity for our Iraqi brothers and sisters.”

Other Leaders
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan: “The Iraqis who turned out today are courageous; they know that they are voting for the future of their country. We must encourage them and support them to take control of their destiny.”

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana: “Despite the many difficulties that lie ahead, the elections mark progress towards a transition to a democratic, free and peaceful Iraq.”

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano: “The international community hopes this day may magnify a future of peace.”

Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC February 8, 2005

bush, HHS Secretary Leavitt at Swearing-In Ceremony

10/03/05 - President Nominates Harriet Miers Supreme Court Justice (VIDEO)

bush leavitt 1

President Thanks HHS Secretary Leavitt at Swearing-In Ceremony FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Great Hall U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C. 10:45 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I'm proud to visit this fine Department and to congratulate my friend, Michael Leavitt, on becoming America's 20th Secretary of Health and Human Services. Congratulations.

bush leavitt 2

SECRETARY LEAVITT: Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)

bush leavitt 3

THE PRESIDENT: I know this is a particularly special day for Mike -- after all, it's his 54th birthday. (Laughter and applause.) And it's always a special day for him when his family members are here.

He loves his family. He's got a great wife, named Jackie; Westin is here representing his brothers and sisters; his dad's first name is Dixie -- kind of sounds like he should be from Texas. (Laughter.) Appreciate the other members of the Leavitt family who are here.

bush leavitt 4

I want to thank Senator Bob Bennett, from the great state of Utah, for joining us, and Congressman Ralph Regula for being here -- I appreciate you both coming. I want to thank other members of my Cabinet and administration who have joined us. I particularly want to thank the men and women of Health and Human Services for your hard work, and remind you that you're serving during a critical time for America's health and well being.

Thanks to Secretary Tommy Thompson's superb leadership, HHS has helped our medical community prepare for a new era in public health. You've made groundbreaking progress toward new cures for disability and disease. You've led a bold initiative to win the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The good work of this Department is making America healthier and more hopeful, and I thank each of you for your commitment and your compassion. As Secretary Leavitt begins his service, HHS is embarking on a set of new challenges and historic opportunities. One of your most important responsibilities will be implementing the Medicare Modernization Act, which I signed some 14 months ago. This law is a landmark achievement in American health care, and millions of older Americans are already benefiting from its reforms.

Because we acted, Medicare now covers preventive medicine, including screenings for heart disease and diabetes, and a "Welcome to Medicare" physical. Instead of waiting to get sick or facing costly treatments, seniors can now identify problems early and manage them before they grow worse. By reducing major surgeries and longtime hospital stays, preventive medicine will save money, and, more importantly, it will extend the lives of our seniors.

Because we acted, Medicare will also cover prescription drugs. Under the old system, Medicare would pay $28,000 for ulcer surgery, but not the $500 a year for the prescription drugs that eliminated the cause of most ulcers. That system didn't make any sense. It made no sense for our seniors; it made no sense for American taxpayers.

Because prescription drugs are expensive, many seniors face the terrible choice between buying groceries and buying medicine. We left those days behind with the Medicare Modernization Act. Low-income seniors can get up to $600 to buy medicine this year. Next January, every senior in Medicare will have the option of a prescription drug benefit. And so that all seniors can get the care they need, low-income seniors will get extra assistance and will pay a reduced premium or no premiums at all on prescription drugs.

Because we acted, seniors in Medicare will have more control over their health care. Seniors will be able to choose a health plan that meets their needs and health plans will compete for their business, which will lower costs throughout the program. The system probably sounds familiar to some here -- (laughter) -- after all, it's what we offer federal employees. If choosing your health plan is good enough for the federal employees, it's good enough for America's seniors, as well.

Putting these reforms in action will be challenging. But with the leadership of Secretary Leavitt and Administrator McClellan, I know you're up to the task. We all know the alternative to reform: a Medicare system that offers outdated benefits and imposes needless costs. For decades we promised America's seniors that we can do better, and we finally did. Now we must keep our word. I signed Medicare reform proudly and any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors and to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare will meet my veto. (Applause.)

Secretary Leavitt will also lead important reform in the Medicaid program. He will work closely with the governors to make Medicaid more fair and more flexible. And together, we will take new steps to ensure that Medicaid fully serves our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children. Both Medicare and the State Children's Health Insurance Program -- it's what's called S-CHIP -- offer preventive care to low-income families at little or no cost. Yet, millions of eligible American children are not signed up. So I proposed a billion-dollar effort called, "Cover the Kids," to help state and community groups and faith-based charities enroll more children in Medicaid and S-Chip. We must not allow a lack of attention or a lack of information to stand between these children and the health care they need.

To reinforce America's health safety net we are also increasing support for community health centers. These compassionate facilities meet a critical need by providing primary care to the poor and the uninsured. They also take the pressure off of our emergency rooms and our hospitals. When I took office, I pledged to open or expand 1,200 community health centers by 2006. Thanks to the hard work of this Department, we've opened or expanded 619 centers so far, and we're on track to meet our objective by the end of next year. Now Secretary Leavitt and I are working toward a new goal: We will ensure that every poor county in America has a community health center. (Applause.)

As we deliver quality health care to those in need, we must also help more adults find private health insurance at their jobs. More than half of all the uninsured Americans are small business employees and their families. To help these people get good coverage, I have asked Congress to allow small businesses to pool together to buy insurance at the same discounts that big companies get. I've proposed tax credits for small businesses and low-income workers that would allow more people to open tax-free health savings accounts. To reduce health care costs and prevent medical errors, we're working to expand the use of information technology in health care. And to make health care more affordable for every doctor, patient and entrepreneur, Congress needs to pass medical liability reform this year. (Applause.)

At HHS you bring the hope of better health to millions of your fellow citizens, and you do much more. HHS promotes adoption, and abstinence and pre-school education, and leads our efforts to stop drug abuse and domestic violence. Secretary Thompson has called this "America's Department of Compassion," and I know Secretary Leavitt sees it the same way.

Many of your greatest allies in the armies of compassion are found in faith-based and community groups. With Secretary Leavitt's leadership, we'll continue to support the hopeful works of these caring citizens. We'll also work with Congress to reauthorize welfare reforms that require work and strengthen marriage and promote responsible fatherhood. We'll continue the life-saving work of combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad.

As you fulfill all these duties, HHS is also meeting the needs of a nation at war. Researchers at NIH and the Centers for Disease Control are on the front lines of defending America against the threat of bioterror. FDA inspectors are expanding efforts to secure the food supply and ensure the safety of medicine. We've completed the doubling of funding for medical research at NIH. Yet spending is not our only measure of success. When we commit taxpayer dollars, we will insist on results in return. And in every scientific pursuit, we will uphold the values of freedom, equality and human dignity. We must never sanction the creation of life, only to destroy it. (Applause.)

With this new responsibility, HHS Secretary Leavitt continues a distinguished career of public service. I've known him as a governor. We're members of the ex-governor's club. (Laughter.) I've known him as the administrator of the EPA. I've witnessed his integrity and creativity and compassion. He has a proven ability to move beyond the partisan debate, to work with leaders at all levels of government and to improve the lives of the people he serves.

That is what I've asked Mike to do as America's Secretary of Health and Human Services. With your help, I know he will succeed. Congratulations. (Applause.)

SECRETARY LEAVITT: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I approach this task with enormous optimism, and appreciation. I feel the gravity of the responsibility. But I feel your confidence. And I feel the fundamental privilege it is to serve the people of the United States of America.

I'd like to thank my family and so many friends who have traveled to Washington today for this ceremony. I also want to acknowledge a couple of members of my family who are not here -- my four children that aren't present with Jackie and my son Westin; our oldest son, Mike, and his wife, Carrie; Taylor and spouse Tammy; Anne Marie, our only daughter, and Hyrum, her husband; and our son Chase, who is doing missionary service for our church; and also my mother, who is off on a mission of her own today helping some grandchildren at a moment of need. (Laughter.)

I'd also like to thank a number of special guests that are here -- my colleagues on the Cabinet: Elaine Chao, Margaret Spellings, John Walters, Steve Johnson, the acting administrator of the EPA. I know so many of my friends from the White House, which I find gratifying that you would come. Secretary Card, thank you for administering the oath of office -- Heidi Smith, Jim Connaughton, John Walters, Terrel Halaska. I saw Doug Badger, Philo Hall, I think I notice Harriet Miers and Dan Bartlett and Dina Powell. All of them I deeply appreciate your coming.

I must also say Senator Bennett and Mr. Regula, how much I appreciate you're being here, two people I look forward to working with on so many of these issues.

And I've asked two of my colleagues from HHS to attend, representing my new colleagues here at this department -- Mirtha Beadle. Mirtha, I thank you. Mirtha is the acting Deputy Director of the office of -- a very important office here at this department, Minority Health. She's responsible for providing leadership on important issues like minority health and assuring that we do away with the health disparities that so often creep into our society. She's also known in this department for remarkable dedication.

I'd also like to introduce you to Daniel Baker. Daniel Baker began working in federal service in November of 1939. He has been working in federal service for 65 years. The only break he has had was to serve in World War II, to fight for this country. I met Mr. Baker, and it reminded me, Mr. President, of a conversation I had with a man about Mr. Baker's age, and I said to him, "So have you lived in this town your whole life?" And he said, "Not yet, I haven't." (Laughter.) I think the same could be said of Mr. Baker. He has made not just a career, but a life out of serving the disabled and the elderly in this country. And interestingly enough, he was part of the original work team that was established to create Medicare.

I also want to acknowledge -- (applause.) I also want to recognize Tommy Thompson, whose portrait will soon hang on this wall. He inspired this department. His four years at the helm made America a healthier and a safer place, and I will build on that legacy.

I want to make clear that I understand the very clear mission that the President of the United States has given me, and that is to help Americans live longer and healthier, and to do it in a way that protects our economic competitiveness as a nation.

Now, this is a new chapter for me in my public service. But, Mr. President, as I listened to you today articulate your agenda, it reminded me of an incident that I have recounted on other occasions as I began a new chapter, that I believe defines in many ways my own aspirations. When I was a boy I spent a lot of time on our farm. There was a farmer down the road from my grandfather who always had more land than he could afford and a brand-new John Deere tractor that I admired.

One day I said to him, "Grandpa, how can he do that?" My grandfather said, "Mike, if we'll stick with what's real and right, we'll be farming a long time after he's been repossessed." (Laughter.) And that's exactly what happened. A few years later the new tractor was gone, but we were still farming.

So as I heard you articulate your agenda today, I -- that story came back to me, because it's what's real and what's right. Responsibility to care for the truly needy is real. Fostering self-reliance as we do it is right. The enabling and ennobling virtue of work is real. The responsibility to remember that as we make national policy on human service programs is right. The responsibility to nurture children, to care for the elderly, to arm future generations with enduring values is real. Strengthening marriages and protecting families is right.

This commitment we have as a nation to provide health care for the disabled, for the elderly, for children and low-income families, that's very real. And as you said, fixing Medicaid is right. The opportunity to transform, to fundamentally transform our health care system is real. Putting health insurance, health records, health savings that we own into the reach of every American, that's right.

The need for fewer medical mistakes, for lower costs, for better health care fundamentally is real. A health system that revolves around consumers, and not the system, that's right.

NIH, in its opportunity to eliminate cancer, and diabetes, and the cause of human suffering and pain, with focused, real peer-reviewed science is, in fact, real. Transforming CDC to prevent diseases, rather than to simply treat them, is right. The threat of bioterrorism is real. Being vigilant and ready is right. The trust that this nation places in the Food and Drug Administration is real. Adopting a new and a more bold -- an emboldened vision for that agency for the 21st century is right.

Real and right, Mr. President, values that we should all be teaching our children, and it's the way I aspire to lead this department.

During the time that I served as governor I kept a treasures box -- just little things that I thought would mean a lot to me in the future. I've begun to sort through them on occasion, as I have time. And the other day I found a note that my mother had written to me just before I was sworn in as governor. I thought maybe I would read it to you today.

"Dear Michael: When you were a little boy, and television had just come to our town, the show you never missed was Gunsmoke. Strangely, the part you liked the most occurred before the episode began. It was the part where Matt Dillon rode his horse up onto a ridge, and paused, leaned forward onto the saddle horn and described the rigors of being a U.S. Marshall in Dodge City. Mr. Dillon would say, 'It's a chancy job, and a little lonely.' In perfect imitation, you used to gallop your stick-horse around the house, stopping at appropriate intervals to declare in your deepest four-year-old voice, 'It's a chancy job, and a little lonely.'" (Laughter.)

"Well," she continues, "Here you are again, son, a chancy job, this time for real. But I have a strong sense of security knowing that you understand so well that this job, as well as any other, even when you feel lonely, you really never need to be alone."

Well, Mr. President, it's occurred to me that Washington is a little like Dodge City. (Laughter and applause.) And I just want to assure you and the people of this country that I understand the principle well. I do not intend to approach this job alone. Not only will I depend on so many remarkable people, but I will acknowledge the blessings of God on this country, and I will seek his help.

Thank you. (Applause.) END 11:07 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 11, 2005

AL MADINAH, Iraq 1st Marine Division

Ribbon cutting ceremony

AL MADINAH, Iraq -- Local residents and U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Division of the I Marine Expeditionary Force celebrated the completion of a village improvement project here with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 10.

The ribbon cutting symbolized a "mission complete" for the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, who will return to Camp Lejeune in the coming weeks.

Throughout the past seven months, the Marines worked with village leaders here to build working relationships and identify ways to improve the village's living conditions.

The battalion invested more than $360,000 for the refurbishment of 32 homes, which provided residents with new septic and electrical systems. The projects improved the quality of life for the Iraqi people, and strengthened their local economy - many of them were hired to do the work themselves, according to Chief Warrant Officer Dwight Torres, the information operations officer for the battalion.

Prior to the upgrades, the village was in a state of decay. The ground was covered in litter and the homes lacked such amenities as running water and electricity.

“I don’t believe this change,” said Mamud, a furniture salesman and resident who welcomes new business as a result of the improvement project. “I would never have believed my home would look like this.”

The Marines have spent the deployment building relations and trust with the residents of Al Madinah - one of two local towns the battalion has worked with in an effort to improve quality of life for the residents.

The battalion has also aided Al Kabani, a local fishing village, with a water pipeline system and a means to access electricity. They oversaw the contracting to have Kabani's school reconditioned, and had a soccer field made last fall.

The Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based battalion, which is at the end of a seven-month deployment to Iraq, provides security for Camp Taqaddum, the headquarters base for 1st Force Service Support Group, and other U.S. military posts in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT CPICPRESSDESK@BAGHDADFORUM.COM.For more information, please contact Capt. Amy Malugani, public affairs officer, 1st Force Service Support Group, at maluganiae@1fssgdm.usmc.mil Release #A050211k

Hkun Htun Oo (UNA) arrested in Burma

Arrest of Pro-Democracy Leaders in Burma

The United States is deeply concerned that the Burmese junta has arrested several pro-democracy leaders, including Hkun Htun Oo, the chairman of the Shan National League for Democracy. We also are concerned that authorities have prohibited the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), Burma’s leading coalition of pro-democracy ethnic political parties, from commemorating Union Day on February 12. These actions further demonstrate the junta’s rejection of genuine national reconciliation as well as its disregard for the well being of the Burmese people and the views of the international community.

We reiterate our call on the junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, to allow the National League for Democracy to reopen its offices nationwide, and to engage the democratic opposition in a meaningful dialogue leading to genuine national reconciliation and the establishment of democracy. 2005/183

Released on February 11, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC February 11, 2005

Freedom Calendar 02/12/05 - 02/19/05

February 12, 1909, On 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, African-American Republicans and women’s suffragists Ida Wells and Mary Terrell co-found the NAACP.

February 13, 1862 Birth of Republican Benigno Hernandez, first Hispanic U.S. Representative from New Mexico (1915-17, 1919-21).

February 14, 1928, Birth of Ben Garrido Blaz, Hispanic Republican and former Brigadier General; served as Delegate from Guam to U.S. Congress, 1985-93.

February 15, 1932, Republican President Herbert Hoover nominates Benjamin Cardozo as second Jewish Justice on U.S. Supreme Court.

February 16, 1812 Birth of Republican civil rights activist and U.S. Senator (R-MA) Henry Wilson, Vice President under Ulysses Grant.

February 17, 1973, Republican Navy Secretary John Warner commissions frigate in honor of first African-American naval aviator, Jesse L. Brown, who died in combat during Korean War.

February 18, 1946, Appointed by Republican President Calvin Coolidge, federal
judge Paul McCormick ends segregation of Mexican-American children in California public schools.

February 19, 1976, President Gerald Ford formally rescinds President Franklin Roosevelt’s notorious Executive Order authorizing internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during WWII.

“I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.”

From the final Emancipation Proclamation

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

predator mq-1

Title: The MQ-1 Predator (drone), a lightweight, low horsepower

Description: The MQ-1 Predator (drone), a lightweight, low horsepower, unmanned aerial vehicle capable of flying more than 20 hours of intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance aids in the protection of ground troops and LSA Anaconda force protection. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Leah R. Burton, 28th Public Affairs Detachment) (released)

Location: Balad Country: Iraq Photographer: Spc. Leah R. Burton Date Taken: 2005-01-25

predator (drone) mq-1

bush radio address 02/12/05 full audio, text transcript

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

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In my State of the Union address, I discussed the need to act to strengthen and save Social Security. Since then, I have traveled to eight states and spoken with tens of thousands of you about my ideas. I have reminded you that Social Security was one of the great moral successes of the 20th century. And for those born before 1950, I have assured you that the Social Security system will not change in any way, and you will receive your checks.

I've also warned our younger workers that the government has made promises it cannot pay for with the current pay-as-you-go system. Social Security was created decades ago for a very different era. In 1950, about 16 workers paid into the system for every one person drawing benefits. Today, we have only about three workers for each beneficiary, and over the next few decades, baby boomers like me will retire, people will be living longer and benefits are scheduled to increase dramatically. Eventually, there will be just two workers per beneficiary. With every passing year, fewer workers will be paying ever-higher benefits to ever-larger numbers of retirees.

So here is the result: 13 years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it collects in payroll taxes; and every year afterward will bring a new and larger shortfall. For example, in the year 2027, the government will somehow have to come up with an extra $200 billion a year to keep the system afloat. By the year 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than $300 billion a year. And by the year 2042, the entire system would be bankrupt. If we do not act now to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other government programs.

To keep the promise of Social Security alive for our children and grandchildren, we need to fix the system once and for all. Fixing Social Security permanently will require a candid review of the options. In recent years, many people have offered suggestions, such as limiting benefits for wealthy retirees; indexing benefits to prices, instead of wages; increasing the retirement age; or changing the benefit formulas and creating disincentives for early collection of Social Security benefits. All these ideas are on the table.

I will work with members of Congress and listen to any good idea that does not include raising payroll taxes. But we cannot pretend that the problem does not exist. Social Security will go broke when some of our younger workers get ready to retire, and that is a fact. And if you're a younger person, you ought to be asking your elected officials, what are you going to do about it -- because every year we wait, the problem becomes worse for our children.

And as we fix Social Security permanently, we must make it a better deal for younger workers by allowing them to set aside part of their payroll taxes in personal retirement accounts. The accounts would be voluntary. The money would go into a conservative mix of bond and stock funds that would have the opportunity to earn a higher rate of return than anything the current system could provide. A young person who earns an average of $35,000 a year over his or her career would have nearly a quarter million dollars saved in his or her own retirement account. And that money would provide a nest egg to supplement that worker's traditional Social Security check, or to pass on to his or her children. Best of all, it would replace the empty promises of the current system with real assets of ownership.

Reforming Social Security will not be easy, but if we approach this debate with courage and honesty, I am confident we will succeed, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics.

Thank you for listening. END For Immediate Release February 12, 2005

Economic Support Funds with Respect to Jordan

Presidential Determination No. 2005-20

SUBJECT: Waiving Prohibition on Use of Fiscal Year 2005 Economic Support Funds with Respect to Jordan

Consistent with the authority vested in me by section 574 of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (the "Act"), Division D of Public Law 108-447, I hereby:

$ Determine that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive, for a period of 6 months from the date of this determination, the prohibition of section 574(a) of the Act with respect to Jordan; and

$ Waive the prohibition with respect to this country for that period.

You are authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress, and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 11, 2005 Memorandum for the Secretary of State

Roland W. Betts New York Olympic Committee

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to name Roland W. Betts as a member of the New York Committee on the Olympic Games Board of Directors.

The International Olympic Committee will be making their final selection on the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games this summer. Mr. Betts will serve on the NYCOG Board of Directors if New York City is selected to host the 2012 Olympic Games by the IOC.

Mr. Betts is Founder and Chairman of Chelsea Piers, L.P., which developed and operates the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment complex in New York City. In addition, he is Founder and President of Silver Screen Management, Inc. Mr. Betts is also a Director of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, which is charged with rebuilding Lower Manhattan. Earlier in his career, Mr. Betts was lead owner of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. He received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 10, 2005 Personnel Announcement

Department of Defense Announces Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Rotational Units

Department of Defense Announces OIF Rotational Units

The Department of Defense announced today that the Headquarters, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany, and major subordinate units of the Corps will deploy to Iraq in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Headquarters, V Corps is scheduled to replace XVIII Airborne Corps as the headquarters for the Multi-national Corps-Iraq in early 2006.

Major subordinate units of V Corps scheduled to deploy include the 3rd Corps Support Command, V Corps Artillery, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, 130th Engineer Brigade, 22nd Signal Brigade and 30th Medical Brigade, are all based in Germany.

Other units identified as part of this rotation were previously announced on Dec. 14, 2004, Jan.4, and Jan.18, 12005.

DoD will continue to announce large units as they are identified and alerted.

For information on Army units involved in this rotation please contact Army public affairs at (703) 692-2000. For information specific to the units announced today please contact the V Corps public affairs office at (49) 6221-57-5816/5813.

No. 148-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2005

U.S.-Pakistan Bilateral Investment Treaty

U.S.-Pakistan Bilateral Investment Treaty Negotiations

Representatives of the United States and Pakistan met February 7-10 in London for the first negotiating session for a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Officials from the Department of State and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative led the U.S. delegation. The Secretary of the Pakistani Board of Investment headed the Pakistani delegation.

The delegations examined the draft text in detail, making progress and reaching informal agreement on several issues. The negotiating teams intend to meet for another round of negotiations in Pakistan this spring.

2005/181 Released on February 11, 2005 Media Note (Revised) Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 11, 2005

Yankees Bernie Williams, Department of State Cultural Ambassador

New CultureConnect Ambassador Bernie Williams Visits Venezuela and Colombia

Bernie Williams, star centerfielder for the New York Yankees and newly selected U.S. Department of State Cultural Ambassador, is traveling to Venezuela and Colombia for his inaugural CultureConnect trip, starting February 11. He will conduct baseball clinics with young baseball players in Caracas, Venezuela, before traveling to Cartegena and Baranquilla in Colombia, to lead additional baseball clinics. In addition to the baseball events, Williams, who is an accomplished jazz and Latin guitarist, will perform with the Etnia Latin Jazz Band at the Uni Norte Auditorium in Baranquilla.

Williams was introduced as a CultureConnect Ambassador at an awards ceremony in December 2004. The CultureConnect program, created two years ago by Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Patricia S. Harrison to reach younger audiences, comprises accomplished men and women from the arts, sports and business who generously contribute their time and talent on behalf of youth. These Cultural Ambassadors have worked with young people worldwide, through master classes, concerts and discussions. They also continue to mentor young people they have met through the CultureConnect website, cultureconnect.state.gov/. Other CultureConnect Ambassadors who have traveled under U.S. Department of State auspices include: Debbie Allen, Michael Kaiser, Denyce Graves, Daniel Libeskind, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Frank McCourt, Joel Meyerowitz, Doris Roberts, Ron Silver, and Mary Wilson. In addition, two recently graduated Georgetown basketball players, Courtland Freeman and Omari Faulkner, have joined the program as CultureConnect Envoys, traveling to all regions of the world to conduct basketball clinics.

Through the CultureConnect program, Cultural Ambassadors and Cultural Envoys have traveled to over 40 countries and worked with tens of thousands of youth. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs manages more than 30,000 annual professional, cultural and academic exchanges, including the Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leadership Program. For more information on CultureConnect or other ECA exchanges, please visit exchanges.state.gov.

2005/178 Released on February 11, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 11, 2005

H.R.418 REAL ID Act of 2005

H.R.418 Title: To establish and rapidly implement regulations for State driver's license and identification document security standards, to prevent terrorists from abusing the asylum laws of the United States, to unify terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and removal, and to ensure expeditious construction of the San Diego border fence. Sponsor: Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] (introduced 1/26/2005) Cosponsors (140) Related Bills: H.RES.71, H.RES.75 Latest Major Action: 2/10/2005 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 261 - 161 (Roll no. 31).

Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

REAL ID Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require asylum applicants accused of being members or supporters of guerrilla, militant, or terrorist organizations to prove that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be (if removed) the central reason for their persecution.

Allows credible, persuasive, and fact-specific testimony of the applicant to sustain this burden of proof without corroboration unless corroborative evidence is requested by the trier of fact.

Lists factors relevant to credibility determinations in asylum cases.

Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive laws as necessary to ensure expeditious construction of certain barriers and roads at the U.S. border.

Expands grounds of inadmissibility and deportability due to terrorist or terrorist-related activity.

Modifies the provision defining "engage in terrorist activity" to eliminate the possibility of discretionary waivers of inadmissibility for material support of organizations or individuals that have engaged in terrorist activity.

Expands the definition of "terrorist organization."

Prohibits Federal agencies from accepting State issued driver's licenses or identification cards unless such documents are determined by the Secretary to meet minimum security requirements. Sets forth issuance standards for such documents that require, among other things: (1) evidence that the applicant is lawfully present in the United States; and (2) issuance of temporary driver's licenses or identification cards to persons temporarily present that are valid only for their period of authorized stay (or for one year where the period of stay is indefinite). Authorizes the Secretary to impose additional requirements.

Requires States, as a condition of receiving financial assistance, to participate in the interstate compact regarding the sharing of driver's license data.

Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in conforming to the document standards of this Act.

Repeals overlapping provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.

Human Rights Watch Allegations on Nepal

Human Rights Watch Allegations on Nepal

Question: What is the U.S. view of today’s Human Rights Watch allegations that Nepal opposition members will be made to “disappear?”

Answer: The United States is concerned about the welfare of Nepalese opposition, student and human rights activists and leaders detained under the state of emergency imposed by King Gyanendra on February 1. The United States has called repeatedly for the King to release detainees, lift house arrest and restore civil liberties and freedom of the press. U.S. Ambassador to Nepal James Moriarty made these points directly to the King when he met him on February 7, and has also been meeting with members of Nepal’s civil society. He has, however, been prevented by Nepalese security forces from meeting with several senior political leaders under house arrest in Kathmandu. The United States will continue to press for the restoration of civil liberties in Nepal.

2005/170 Released on February 9, 2005

Taken QuestionOffice of the SpokesmanWashington, DCFebruary 9, 2005 Question Taken At February 9, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Class Action Fairness Act Roll Call Vote

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

Vote Summary
Question: On Passage of the Bill (S. 5 )
Vote Number: 9
Vote Date: February 10, 2005, 03:03 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Bill Passed
Measure Number: S. 5, Full bill history. (Class Action Fairness Act of 2005), Full Roll Call Vote.
Measure Title: A bill to amend the procedures that apply to consideration of interstate class actions to assure fairer outcomes for class members and defendants, and for other purposes.
Vote Counts: YEAs, 72, NAYs, 26, Not Voting, 2

Class Action Bill S.5

President's Statement on Class Action Bill
( Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 S.5)

Our country depends on a fair legal system that protects people who have been harmed without encouraging junk lawsuits that undermine confidence in our courts while hurting our economy, costing jobs, and threatening small businesses. The class action bill is a strong step forward in our efforts to reform the litigation system and keep America the best place in the world to do business. I applaud the strong bipartisan majority in the Senate for passing this bill, and I call on the House to act promptly so that I can sign it into law. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 10, 2005

Robert B. Zoellick Richard Lee Armitage

Nomination Sent to the Senate 2005

NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE:

Robert B. Zoellick, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of State, vice Richard Lee Armitage, resigned. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 10, 2005

North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA")

Modifying Rules of Origin Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, 2005 A Proclamation by the President of the United States

1. Presidential Proclamation 6641 of December 15, 1993, implemented the North American Free Trade Agreement (the "NAFTA") with respect to the United States and, pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "NAFTA Implementation Act"), incorporated in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (the "HTS") the tariff modifications and rules of origin necessary or appropriate to carry out the NAFTA.

2. Section 202 of the NAFTA Implementation Act provides rules for determining whether goods imported into the United States originate in the territory of a NAFTA party and thus are eligible for the tariff and other treatment contemplated under the NAFTA. Section 202(q) of the NAFTA Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3332(q)) authorizes the President to proclaim, as a part of the HTS, the rules of origin set out in the NAFTA and to proclaim modifications to such previously proclaimed rules of origin, subject to the consultation and layover requirements of section 103(a) of the NAFTA Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3313(a)).

3. I have determined that the modifications to the HTS set out in the Annex to this proclamation are appropriate. For goods of Mexico, I have decided that the effective date of the modifications shall be determined by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

4. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the "1974 Act") (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of the relevant provisions of that Act, of other Acts affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 604 of the 1974 Act, section 202 of the NAFTA Implementation Act, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, do hereby proclaim:

(1) In order to modify the rules of origin under the NAFTA, general note 12 to the HTS is modified as provided in the Annex to this proclamation.

(2) Any provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

(3) The modifications made by the Annex to this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods of Canada that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2005. The modifications made by such Annex shall be effective with respect to goods of Mexico that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after a date that the USTR announces in the Federal Register.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 10, 2005

Railroad Retirement Board, Act, Insurance

Memorandum for the Chairman of the Railroad Retirement Board

SUBJECT: Delegation of Reporting Authority

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the functions and authority conferred upon the President by section 7(b)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act and section 12(l) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act to provide the specified report to the Congress.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 10, 2005

$950 Million for Tsunami Relief

President's Statement on Additional $950 Million for Tsunami Relief

More than six weeks have passed since the tsunami took over 150,000 lives in one of the world's worst natural disasters. Thanks to the immediate and effective response of the U.S. military and the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United States working with other members of the international community was able to prevent additional loss of life and to deliver relief to those in need.

I will seek $950 million as part of the supplemental appropriations request to support the areas recovering from the tsunami and to cover the costs of relief efforts to date. This amount includes an additional $600 million above my initial commitment of $350 million. We will use these resources to provide assistance and to work with the affected nations on rebuilding vital infrastructure that re-energizes economies and strengthens societies.

I appreciate the efforts of former Presidents Bush and Clinton to raise private donations in the United States, and we are grateful to all of those who have donated money to help those in need. # # #

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 9, 2005

BUSH KWASNIEWSKI 02/09/05 text, video

President and Polish President Discuss International Policy FULL STREAMING VIDEO
The Oval Office

President's Remarks 11:50 A.M. EST

George W. Bush and Aleksander Kwasniewski

PRESIDENT BUSH: The President and I will have opening statements. I'll answer a question from the American press; he'll answer a question -- or somebody will answer a question from the Polish press. And we'll do this twice.

Thank you all for coming. Welcome back to the Oval Office. It is my great pleasure to welcome my friend back here to discuss important international policy and policy related to our bilateral relationship. We discussed, and will continue to discuss, very important issues. We'll talk about, of course, Iraq and our mutual desire to train Iraqis so that they can defend their own freedom. We'll talk about my trip to Europe. I'm looking forward to advice from my friend.

We'll continue to discuss the Ukraine. And let me just step back and say that I'm impressed by the leadership of President Kwasniewski when it came to the Ukraine. He showed remarkable leadership. And the people of Ukraine are better for it, and the world appreciates that and I appreciate it.

George W. Bush and Aleksander Kwasniewski 2

George W. Bush and Aleksander Kwasniewski 3

We'll spend time continuing to talk about the importance of our bilateral relationship, whether it be trade and commerce, or whether it be the ability of Polish folks to travel to the United States of America. The visa policy of the country has been under review for a while, and now we've got a way forward to make trips to America easier for Polish citizens.

I want to thank you for your leadership on that issue, Mr. Prime Minister. I mean, Mr. President. Excuse me. I demoted him. (Laughter.) Well, it's not a demotion.

PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI: No.

PRESIDENT BUSH: It's a lateral transfer. (Laughter.) Anyway, I am thrilled you're here, and look forward to seeing you not only over lunch, but in Brussels on my trip. Welcome.

PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI: Thank you. So I should speak Polish in the beginning.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to express my joy that this is my fourth visit already to the White House, visiting President George W. Bush.

I want to tell you that we talked about Polish-American cooperation, which has now a strategic, lasting character. And in the recent years, we have had many successful events in cooperation with the United States.

During our meeting today we talked about Iraq. Poland participates in the stabilization mission in Iraq, and we are full of optimism thinking about that country and about the successful completion of our mission.

We have been talking about the transatlantic relationships, and we are very happy that America is getting closer and is having better and better relations with our European neighbors and also with Poland. We talked about bilateral cooperation, and both President Bush and myself talked about the adoption of the road map that is going to solve the visa problem. And it implies concrete decisions that are going to be made in relation to the visa regime, doing away with some old information -- old data, statistics concerning the immigration violation from before 1989, easing the procedures, review of different -- that are connected to the visa system, and further cooperation with the Congress in order to facilitate the process as much as possible.

We hope that the road map that has been accepted will be a very good solution. Poland will have to observe many rules, and it will bring about a final doing away with this problem that has been present in our talks for many years now.

I would like also to say that as far as the thank-you words concerning Ukraine are concerned, everything wouldn't be possible without the participation of the United States. And without the United States' role, it wouldn't be possible to finish the crisis situation in Ukraine and strengthen democracy in that country. It is the success of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, but it is also the success of all of us.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Very good, thank you.

Deb.

Q Mr. President, Secretary Rice said today in Brussels that the United States would not tolerate foot-dragging by Tehran on accounting for their nuclear program. Is time running out for Iran to come to terms with the European negotiators?

PRESIDENT BUSH: The Iranians just need to know that the free world is working together to send a very clear message: Don't develop a nuclear weapon. And the reason we're sending that message is because Iran with a nuclear weapon would be a very destabilizing force in the world.

And I look forward to going over to Europe to continue discussing this issue with our allies. It's important we speak with one voice. I'm very pleased with the response that European leaders have given to Dr. Rice on this issue. She has made -- her trip, by the way, has been a fantastic trip. I want to thank Aleksander, the President, for being so gracious to her on the first leg of her trip, or one of the first legs on her trip. But the message is, is that we're going to speak with one voice, and we'll continue to do so.

Yes, Polish --

PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI: Yes, please, Polish press.

Q I have a question to President Bush. Are you going to -- concerning the visa problem, are you going to support the legislation being introduced in the Congress? I talked to some congressmen; they say they keep receiving mixed signals from the White House concerning the issue.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, we've got a way forward to answer the questions of a lot of the members of the United States Congress to get this issue solved. And the President has been very -- hard at work in helping develop a road map that is fair to the Polish people. And I adopt the principles and accept the recommendations of the road map, and that will become the basis for legislation.

Adam.

Q Mark McClellan is now acknowledging the new Medicare drug benefit will cost $720 billion, far more than the White House initially said. Will you consider steps to lower the cost? Might Medicare be a bigger problem now than Social Security?

PRESIDENT BUSH: Well, there's no question that there is a unfunded liability inherent in Medicare that we're -- Congress and the administration is going to have to deal with over time. Obviously, I've chosen to deal with Social Security first. And once we accomplish -- once we modernize and save Social Security for a young generation of Americans, then it will be time to deal with the unfunded liabilities in Medicare. The same issue that deals with -- creates a problem with Social Security creates a problem for Medicare. In other words, baby boomers are retiring with fewer payers going into the system. And I look forward to working with them.

Listen, the reforms haven't even begun yet. I signed a piece of legislation last year and the major reforms of providing prescription drugs for our seniors kicks in next year. And I look forward to watching those reforms take effect. I'm convinced they'll have cost savings for our society, and I know it will make the life of our seniors better.

And so we look forward to working with Congress to make sure that the Medicare reforms that are in place are fully enacted and the people can realize the benefits of them.

Q I've got a question to President Bush. Sir, will the United States increase its assistance in modernization of Polish armed forces?

PRESIDENT BUSH: We -- Aleksander and I, the President and I talked about that. He has been very insistent that -- about our mil-to-mil relations. He's been very forthright and very clear, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue. I am -- intend -- I say "intend" because our system is one where I make requests; Congress has to appropriate the money. But we will make requests that will enable there to be a mil-to-mil expenditure to help Poland modernize and fulfill its mission of about $100 million this year.

Now, again, I repeat, I don't get to write the checks in the American system; the government -- the Congress does that. But I get to put out requests. And I assured the President that would be -- when it's all said and done, that would be the request that we would put forward. I'm confident the Congress will respond.

Listen, Poland has been a fantastic ally, because the President and the people of Poland love freedom. And I know the people of your country must have been thrilled when the millions of people went to the polls and showed that people from all parts of the world want to live in a free society, just like your great nation has shown the world over the last decade.

So, Mr. President, welcome. Thanks for coming. I value our friendship.

PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI: Thank you, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. END 12:01 P.M. EST

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary February 9, 2005