Terrorism and the EMP Threat SD-226

"Terrorism and the EMP Threat to Homeland Security " SD-226

Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security

DATE: March 8, 2005, TIME: 02:30 PM, ROOM: 226 SD

OFFICIAL HEARING NOTICE / WITNESS LIST: NOTICE OF SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security has scheduled a hearing on "Terrorism and the EMP Threat to Homeland Security" for Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Senator Kyl will preside. By order of the Chairman

Tentative Witness List
Hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and Homeland Security on "Terrorism and the EMP Threat to Homeland Security"

Tuesday, March 8, 2005
2:30 p.m. Senate Dirksen Building, Room 226

PANEL I
Dr. Lowell Wood Commissioner Congressional EMP Commission Livermore, CA

Dr. Peter Pry Senior Staff Congressional EMP Commission Washington, DC

Dr. Peter Fonash National Communications System Deputy Manager (Acting) Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC

Congress established the EMP Commission under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2001

Title XIV: Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States From Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack - Establishes the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States From Electromagnetic Pulse Attack to assess: (1) the nature and magnitude of potential high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats to the United States from all potentially hostile states or non-state actors; (2) the vulnerability of U.S. military and civilian systems to such an attack; (3) the capability to repair and recover from EMP attack damages to such systems; and (4) the feasibility and cost of hardening select systems against such attack. Requires the Commission to report findings and conclusions to Congress, the Secretary, and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Provides Commission funding from FY 2001 defense-wide O&M funds. Terminates the Commission 60 days after submission of its report.

SR-301, S.271, Federal Election Campaign Act

COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION UNITED STATES SENATE

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 9:30 a.m. SR-301, Russell Senate Office Building

Hearing to examine and discuss S.271, a bill which reforms the regulatory and reporting structure of organizations registered under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code.

WITNESS LIST

The Honorable Russell D. Feingold United States Senate Washington, DC

The Honorable John McCain United States Senate Washington, DC

Scott E. Thomas Chairman Federal Election Commission Washington, DC

David M. Mason Commissioner Federal Election Commission Washington, DC

Professor Frances R. Hill University of Miami School of Law Coral Gables, FL

Robert F. Bauer Chair, Political Law Group Perkins Coie, LLP Washington, DC

Michael J. Malbin Executive Director Campaign Finance Institute Washington, DC

S.271, Title: A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify when organizations described in section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 must register as political committees, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Sen McCain, John [AZ] (introduced 2/2/2005), Cosponsors (9) and Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon

President of the Republic General Emile Lahoud has assessed the general situation in the country with Speaker of the House Nebih Berri, who said afterwards talks focused on the aftermath of the resignation of the government of Omar Karami adding that “the president is concerned about the present national situation and is still awaiting underway consultations by various blocs to call for parliamentary consultations to nominate a prime minister designate. As you all know, underway consultations continue by the so called Ain-Teeneh and Bristol Gatherings, and nce these preliminary consultations come to an end, I agreed with his Excellency to get in touch again to set a formal date for the start of parliamentary consultations as stated by the Lebanese constitution.”

Replying to a question, Speaker Berri said “I have warned on many occasions of a possible power vacuum, and it is time now that everyone ought to assume his national responsibilities.”

Daily Press Release March 2, 2004
SOURCE; Welcome to the Presidential Palace

Ali Hassan Kadham Al-Jabouri (aka: Ali the Butcher)

Iraqi Police Capture terrorists in Baghdad

Bayaa Iraqi police captured the terrorist Ali Hassan Kadham Al-Jabouri (aka: Ali the Butcher) with five other terrorists who were setting up an illegal check point on January 22, 2005 .

Ali the Butcher, 37 years old was a soldier in the former regime. He is a leader of Sarai Al-Jihad Al-Mohad terrorist group and leader of numerous terrorist cells in Al-Khadra, Al-Dora and Ghazalia area. Ali carried out kidnapping, intimidation and weapons smuggling.

All the press release issued by ministers council – Government communication directorate
SOURCE: Iraqi Interim Government

Mohammad Hosni Mubarak, Hamad Ben Issa Al-Khalifa

President Bashar al-Assad’s speech: FULL STREAMING VIDEO

Mubarak and Al-Khalifa Hail President Assad’s Speech Damascus, March 6 (SANA)

President Mohammad Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Sunday expressed appreciation over stances included in President Bashar al-Assad’s speech at the People’s Assembly yesterday.

This came during a telephone call to President Assad from Mubarak.

Late Saturday, King Hamad Ben Issa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain telephoned President Assad and praised the speech, expressing that it will be positively reflected on the situation in the region.

Mazen.

SOURCE: Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA address : Damascus-Baramka, nearby Damascus University, P.O. Box : 2661Telephones : 2228239/2231736/2224020/2226429/2129702, Fax : 2224572/2220365/2224292/2224557/2211254/2225774, Telex : 411004/411457/411458. E-Mail : sana@net.sy

President Bashar al-Assad’s speech: FULL STREAMING VIDEO, Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the people’s Assembly; My Syrian sisters and brothers,

I address you at this critical stage of the history of Syria and the region, with the events that you have experienced with your feelings and ardor for your homeland. You prove time and time again your faithfulness, loyalty and concern for the protection of its pride and dignity.

I wanted to meet you today, under these conditions, in order to give you a review of recent developments and your country’s position towards them, and in order to provide answers to the many questions you have in mind as part of the close and transparent relationship between us. I mean to stress a basic fact: that everything we do, and all the positions we take are inspired by you. President Bashar al-Assad’s speech FULL TEXT

Task Force Liberty

Task Force Liberty raid captures suspected IED maker

TIKRIT, Iraq – A Task Force Liberty raid was responsible for the capture of a suspected improvised-explosive-device maker in Jisr Naft, Diyala Province, about 7 p.m., March 5

The suspect was found with bomb-making materials in his possession and tested positive for plastic explosives following a residue test.

The bomb making materials were confiscated, and the suspect detained by Coalition Forces.

Text for release and opsec review provided by the 42ND Infantry Division Public Affairs Office. For more information, please contact 42 ID PAO at fortysecond.id.pao@us.army.MIL.

Release #050306a

No Need to Click Here - I'm just claiming my feed at Feedster

Michael Jackson, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee To hold hearings, Monday, Mar. 7, 2005 2 p.m. to examine the nomination of Michael Jackson, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. SD-342

BIOGRAPHY: As Deputy Secretary of transportation from May 2001, Mr. Jackson served as the department’s chief operating officer with responsibility for the day-to-day operations of 11 modal administrations and the work of 100,000 DOT employees nationwide and overseas. He worked with Secretary Mineta to carry out DOT’s major missions and to provide leadership in the areas of strategic management, regulatory reform, and research and development efforts.

Jackson previously served at DOT as chief of staff to Secretary Andrew H. Card Jr. from 1992 to 1993. Before returning to DOT, Jackson worked in the private sector as vice president and general manager for business development at Lockheed Martin IMS Transportation Systems and Services.
From 1993 until 1997, Jackson was senior vice president and counselor to the president of the American Trucking Associations where he handled freight, technology and international trade matters.

Jackson has served in several other executive branch positions, including special assistant to the President and executive secretary for cabinet liaison during the first Bush administration, as well as press spokesman and deputy chief of staff to the Secretary of Education.

He has been a researcher at the American Enterprise Institute and taught political science at the University of Georgia and at Georgetown University. Mr. Jackson graduated with honors from the University of Houston and received a Ph.D. in political science from Georgetown University.

Jackson resides with his wife and daughter in Virginia.

RELATED: Michael Jackson, Jonathan Brian Perlin, Patricia Lynn Scarlett

Syria Announces Full Withdrawal from Lebanon

Urgent. Syria Announces Full Withdrawal from Lebanon Damascus, March 5, (SANA)-

President Bashar al-Assad announced Saturday that Syria will withdraw its forces based in Lebanon fully to the Bekaa region, and then to the Syrian-Lebanese borders.

" This is to complement steps that have been taken previously in the framework of al-Taif agreement and in line with the UN resolution 1559," the president said in a speech before the People’s Assembly.

The President added that "I agreed with President Emil Lahoud of Lebanon that the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council would be held during this week to ratify the pullback plan."

"With the end of this procedure, Syria will be in full compliance with its commitments over al-Taif agreement and would have carried out requirements of the resolution 1559, " the President said.

S. Younes

SOURCE: Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA address : Damascus-Baramka, nearby Damascus University, P.O. Box : 2661Telephones : 2228239/2231736/2224020/2226429/2129702, Fax : 2224572/2220365/2224292/2224557/2211254/2225774, Telex : 411004/411457/411458. E-Mail : sana@net.sy

Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA)

Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) Negotiations

Question: What progress has been made on the Free Trade Area of the Americas?

Answer: The Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) remains a priority for the United States and is an important part of our global, regional and bilateral trade agenda.

Acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier met with his Brazilian Co-Chair, Ambassador Bahadian, on February 23 and 24 to discuss how to advance the negotiations.

The meetings were quite constructive and we feel the differences are being narrowed. The Co-chairs have agreed to meet again on March 29 and 30.

The goal is to narrow the differences enough to reconvene the Free Trade Area of the Americas vice ministers meeting in April or May. 2005/279

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 4, 2005 Question Taken at March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Afghanistan: Security for President Karzai and Abdurrashid Dostam

Question: Is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security protecting President Karzai?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security has provided security for President Karzai since November 2002 at the direction of the Secretary of State. President Karzai’s security detail is comprised of Diplomatic Security special agents, private U.S. contractors, and Afghan civilian security personnel.

Question: What contact will the Bureau of Diplomatic Security have with Mr. Dostam?

Answer: The Bureau of Diplomatic Security does not expect to have any contact with Mr. Dostam in his role as President Karzai’s Chief of Staff for Military Affairs.

2005/277

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Charles Robert Jenkins

Passport Application for Charles Robert Jenkins

Question: Can the State Department confirm that U.S. Army deserter Charles Robert Jenkins applied for a U.S. passport at the US Embassy in Japan? Has a passport been issued?

Answer: Passport records are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. The Department may not release information contained or pertaining to those records without permission from the individual U.S. citizen.

2005/276

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 3, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Irish Prime Minister

President to Welcome Irish Prime Minister on St. Patrick's Day

Visit of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

President Bush will welcome Irish Prime Minister Ahern to the White House on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2005. They will participate in the traditional "Shamrock Ceremony," which celebrates the warm friendship between our nations and the many contributions to America made by the Irish and Americans of Irish descent. The President and the Taoiseach will meet in the Oval Office after the ceremony.

Following his meeting with the Taoiseach, the President will greet civil society leaders from Northern Ireland who are working to promote peace and tolerance in their community.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005 STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Giuliana Sgrena Baghdad check point

One killed and two wounded at Baghdad check point

Baghdad, Iraq -- At approximately 8:55 p.m. on March 4, Coalition Forces assigned to the Multi-National Force-Iraq fired on a vehicle that was approaching a Coalition checkpoint in Baghdad at a high rate of speed. The recently freed Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena was an occupant in the vehicle and was apparently injured. It appears a second person in the automobile was killed. Ms. Sgrena is being treated by Coalition Force medical personnel. The incident is under investigation and additional details will be provided when they become available.

TEXT FOR RELEASE AND OPSEC REVIEW PROVIDED BY THE COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT (703) 270-0279/0299/0321/0319/0273/0320 Release #050304h

Save Your Vision Week, 2005

Save Your Vision Week, 2005 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Eye disease causes suffering, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life for millions of Americans. During Save Your Vision Week, we raise awareness of eye disease and encourage all our citizens to take action to safeguard their eyesight.

As people age, they can develop conditions that affect eyesight, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, dry eye, and low vision. Through regular eye exams, many of these problems can be detected and treated early, reducing the risk of vision loss. The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests five steps for all Americans to take to protect their eyesight: regular physical exams; a complete eye exam every 1 to 2 years; a check of family history; immediate attention if you notice any loss of eyesight, eye pain, or other eye problems; and use of sunglasses and a hat to protect eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans lead better, healthier lives. We have doubled funding for the NIH, helping the United States to stay on the leading edge of medical research and technological change. Through education, prevention, early detection, and further research into effective treatments for eye disease, we can bring hope and comfort to our citizens and help more Americans keep the precious gift of sight. The Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as "Save Your Vision Week."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 6 through March 12, 2005, as Save Your Vision Week. I encourage eye care professionals, teachers, the media, and public and private organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of the measures all citizens can take to protect vision.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005

Navy Environmental Award Winners Named

Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award Winners Named

Seventeen winners have been selected in the 2004 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Environmental Awards competition, sponsored by the assistant secretary of the Navy (installations & environment).

The annual SECNAV Environmental Awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships and installations for their exceptional environmental stewardship. Competition categories include natural resources conservation, cultural resources management, environmental quality, pollution prevention, and environmental restoration.

Awards will be presented May 3, 2005, in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center.

The 2004 Navy and Marine Corps winners are:

Natural Resources Conservation Large Installation Award: Naval Base Coronado, Calif., Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Cultural Resources Management Installation Award:, Naval Base Kitsap at Bremerton, Wash., Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Cultural Resources Management Individual or Team Award:, James V. Sartain, Naval Support Activity, Panama City, Fla., Bryan P. Howard, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Environmental Quality Industrial Installation Award:, Naval Air Depot Cherry Point, N.C., Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.,

Environmental Quality Overseas Installation Award:, U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan

Environmental Quality Small Ship Award:, USS McClusky, San Diego, Calif.

Pollution Prevention Non-industrial Installation Award:, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Pollution Prevention Individual or Team Award:, Navy Region Northwest Spill Prevention and Response Team, Wash., Kathleen Stiles, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Environmental Restoration, Installation Award:, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Hawaii, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release On the Web: defenselink.mil/releases/2005/ Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: dod.mil/faq/comment or +1 (703) 428-0711 No. 230-05 IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2005

Freedom Calendar 03/05/05 - 03/12/05

March 5, 1875, Blanche Bruce (R-MS) becomes first African-American to serve full term in U.S. Senate; in 1879 he was first African-American to preside over Senate.

March 6, 1857, Republican Supreme Court Justice John McLean issues strenuous dissent from decision by 7 Democrats in infamous Dred Scott case that African-Americans had no rights “which any white man was bound to respect”.

March 7, 1965, Police under the command of Democrat Governor George Wallace attack African-Americans demonstrating for voting rights in Selma, AL.

March 8, 1990, Republican Evan J. Kemp appointed by President George H. W. Bush
as Chairman of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; first person with a disability to serve on the Commission.

March 9, 1926, Republican Bertha K. Landes elected Mayor of Seattle; first woman to be mayor of a U.S. city.

March 10, 1975, President Gerald Ford appoints Republican Carla Hills as first woman to be U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; later first woman to be U.S. Trade Representative, appointed by President George H. W. Bush.

March 11, 1874, Death of Republican U.S. Senator Charles Sumner (R-MA), author of bill that would become Civil Rights Act of 1875; on his deathbed, said “You must take care of the civil rights bill, my bill. Don’t let it fail”.

March 12, 1956, Ninety-seven Democrats in Congress condemn Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, and pledge to continue segregation.

“The Republican Party is the ship, all else is the sea.”

Frederick Douglass, Republican Civil Rights Activist

SOURCE: 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar

bush radio address 03/05/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 02/26/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In the short time since I returned from my trip to Europe, the world has witnessed remarkable developments in the Middle East. In Lebanon, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in peaceful protest over the brutal assassination of former Prime Minister Hariri. For years, the Lebanese people have suffered from the aftermath of a horrific civil war and occupation by Syria. Lebanese citizens who have watched free elections in Iraq are now demanding the right to decide their own destiny, free of Syrian control and domination. Syria has been an occupying force in Lebanon for nearly three decades, and Syria's support for terrorism remains a key obstacle to peace in the broader Middle East.

Today, America and Europe are standing together with the Lebanese people. The United States and France worked closely to pass U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559. This resolution demands that Lebanon's sovereignty be respected, that all foreign forces be withdrawn, and that free and fair elections be conducted without foreign influence. The world is now speaking with one voice to ensure that democracy and freedom are given a chance to flourish in Lebanon.

French President Chirac, British Prime Minister Blair, and German Chancellor Schr der have all called on Syria to withdraw from Lebanon. A Syrian withdrawal of all its military and intelligence personnel would help ensure that the Lebanese elections occur as scheduled in the spring, and that they will be free and fair.

At the same time, the Lebanese people were demonstrating against terrorism in Beirut, the elected leader of the Palestinian people, President Abbas, declared that his government is committed to chasing down and punishing those responsible for last weekend's terrorist attack in Tel Aviv. Such action is critical, because that attack is a reminder that there are still groups and individuals who will kill to prevent peace in the Middle East.

President Abbas made his remarks in London during an international meeting of world and Arab leaders, hosted by Prime Minister Blair. The leaders attending this meeting expressed their support for the Palestinians' efforts to reform their political institutions, their economy, and their security services. And the first reform must be the dismantling of terrorist organizations. Only by ending terrorism can we achieve our common goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and freedom.

Today, people in a long-troubled part of the world are standing up for their freedom. In the last five months, we have witnessed successful elections in Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territory and Iraq; peaceful demonstrations on the streets of Beirut; and steps toward democratic reform in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The trend is clear: In the Middle East and throughout the world, freedom is on the march. The road ahead will not be easy, and progress will sometimes be slow. But America, Europe and our Arab partners must all continue the hard work of defeating terrorism and supporting democratic reforms.

Freedom is the birthright and deep desire of every human soul, and spreading freedom's blessings is the calling of our time. And when freedom and democracy take root in the Middle East, America and the world will be safer and more peaceful.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release March 5, 2005

Steve Johnson EPA Administrator

President Nominates Steve Johnson as EPA Administrator FULL STREAMING VIDEO The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 8:45 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I am pleased to announce my nomination of Stephen Johnson to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Johnson 1

Steve Johnson is a talented scientist and skilled manager with a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. He has 24 years of experience at the EPA, spanning all four decades of the agency's history. Since late January, he has served as Acting Administrator.

He knows the EPA from the ground up, and has a passion for its mission -- to protect the health of our citizens, and to guarantee the quality of our air, water, and land for generations to come. I've come to know Steve as an innovative problem-solver with good judgment and complete integrity.

Johnson 2

I'm proud to ask him to become the first career EPA employee to hold the office of Administrator, and I'm glad he's agreed to do so.

When confirmed by the Senate, Steve will also become the first professional scientist to lead the EPA. He will use that background to set clear, rational standards for environmental quality, and to place sound scientific analysis at the heart of all major decisions. Steve shares my conviction that we can improve the Earth while maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy. He will work cooperatively with leaders in government, industry, and environmental advocacy to continue using our resources wisely. He will listen to those living closest to the land, because they know our environmental needs best.

For the last four years, Steve has served at the side of EPA Administrators Mike Leavitt and Christie Todd Whitman, and he shares in their record of achievement. Today, America's air and water are cleaner than in 2001. The clean diesel rule we finalized will cut emissions from heavy-duty vehicles by more than 90 percent over the next 10 years. Our brownfields initiative has helped restore more than a thousand abandoned industrial sites to productive use in their community. We've taken landmark steps toward improving water quality in one of our nation's most treasured natural resources, the Great Lakes.

All Americans are benefitting from the EPA's practical approach and emphasis on results, and Steve will build on that progress. His immediate task is to work with Congress to pass my Clear Skies Initiative. This innovative legislation will reduce power plant pollution by 70 percent, without disrupting the economy or raising electricity prices. The bill will give governors the flexibility they need to meet strict new air quality standards, improve public health, and protect vulnerable ecosystems from acid rain. Clear Skies is a common-sense, pro-environment, pro-jobs piece of legislation, and Congress needs to get it to my desk this year.

Steve will also bring valuable experience that will help us improve our homeland security. As an expert on pesticides, he helped design new regulations to improve food safety. In his new role, Steve will lead federal efforts to ensure the security of our drinking water supply. My budget includes a new program to better monitor urban water systems, so we can detect contamination as quickly as possible. EPA personnel are playing an important role in the war on terror, so my budget increases support for EPA homeland security programs by more than 70 percent this year.

As he embarks on all these duties, Steve has the trust and admiration of his longtime colleagues, the thousands of hardworking EPA employees across the country. He is also fortunate to count on the love and support of his wife, Debbie, and their children and grandchildren, who are with us here today -- and his mother- and father-in-law. (Laughter.) I ask the Senate to confirm this nomination promptly. I look forward to welcoming Steve Johnson to my Cabinet as America's 11th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Congratulations, Steve. Appreciate you.

MR. JOHNSON: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. President, thank you very much. Under your leadership, we have made great strides in environmental protection. I'm deeply honored that you are nominating me to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. If confirmed, it will be my distinct privilege to serve you and our nation to continue to advance environmental agenda while maintaining our nation's economic competitiveness.

I'd like to acknowledge the tremendous service of Secretary Leavitt -- first, as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and continuing now as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He came in as the Administrator and now remains a dear friend and respected colleague. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank Governor Whitman for her support.

Finally, let me say, in my over 20 years of public service, I have the utmost admiration and respect for my colleagues at the Environmental Protection Agency and throughout the government. I'd like to thank and recognize those whose love and support have brought me to this day, my family.

Mr. President, thank you again for this historic opportunity and the confidence that you have placed in me.

THE PRESIDENT: Good job, Steve.

MR. JOHNSON: Sir, thank you. Thank you very much, sir.

THE PRESIDENT: Smile, smile for the camera. (Laughter.)

END 8:51 A.M. EST

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 4, 2005

President Thanks CIA Employees

President Thanks CIA Employees Central Intelligence Agency Langley, Virginia 3:11 P.M. EST

CIA 1

THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank Director Goss for his hospitality. It was such a pleasure to come out and see hundreds of folks who work here at the Central Intelligence Agency. I came for a couple of reasons.

One, I wanted to assure the people here that their contribution was incredibly vital to the security of the United States, and that, together, we've achieved a lot in securing this country. There's a lot of really incredibly bright, capable, hard-working, dedicated Americans who work in this building. So my first mission was to thank them.

CIA 2

And the second thing was to explain that the reforms that we'll be implementing through the good graces of Ambassador Negroponte, if confirmed by the Senate, will actually help the CIA do its job better. And I got a great reception. I want to thank you, again, Director, for your hospitality. We're making progress in the war on terror. The world is changing. And this country of ours will continue to do our duty, which is to find terrorists, bring them to justice through good intelligence and hard work and some brave souls, and at the same time work to spread freedom and liberty around the world.

I'll answer a couple of questions. Tom.

Q Mr. President, your CIA Director, Mr. Goss, said yesterday that he has to wear five hats now and that he was concerned there were some ambiguities in the new arrangement about his relationship with Mr. Negroponte and Secretary Rumsfeld. Do you feel there are such ambiguities, and will you move to -- if there are, will you move to clear them up? And will this prevent -- present a problem for the flow of intelligence in this time when it's a transition period?

THE PRESIDENT: That's an excellent question. Porter and I have discussed this, of course, because I don't want there to be any interruption of intelligence coming to the White House, and there won't be. As a matter of fact, Porter Goss comes every morning with the CIA briefer to deliver the briefing. And that, of course, will go on. And it's -- secondly, we don't even have Ambassador Negroponte confirmed yet. In other words, it's hard to implement reforms without somebody to be the reformer. And so the process is ongoing. Obviously, when his name gets up to the Senate we hope there's a speedy confirmation.

But one of the purposes of the whole process, Tom, is to make sure that information flows are smooth and that efforts are coordinated. The CIA is the Central Intelligence Agency, it's the center of the intelligence community, but there's a lot of other intelligence-gathering operations around government. And the job of Ambassador Negroponte is to be -- to take the information and make sure it is coordinated in its distribution to not only the White House, but to key players in my administration. And so I'm confident that the process will work.

Obviously, one of the reasons I came here is because I know there's some uncertainty about what this reform means to the people of the CIA, and I wanted to assure them that the reforms will strengthen their efforts and make it easier for them to do their job, not harder. I'm glad I came out.

Terry.

Q Mr. President, on Social Security reform, what's your judgment about where this process stands right now, with polls showing the public skeptical; some Republicans, like Senator Grassley, are seeming to back away from your proposal; and Democrats wanting to declare it dead.

THE PRESIDENT: I would say this: I am -- know we're at the early stages of the process. I've only had nine trips around the country so far -- or nine states on my trips. I've got a lot more work to do. Now, I do believe we're making progress on the first stage of getting anything complicated and difficult done in Washington, and that is to explain the problem. And the surveys I have seen, at least, say that the American people understand we have a problem. And I'm going to continue going out to explain that to people, the nature of the problem. And the problem is, in 2018, the system starts losing money. In 2027, it's $200 billion in the hole and it gets bigger every year thereafter.

In other words, we can't pay for the promises we've made -- that's the problem.

And my second phase of this explanation to the American people is to say to seniors who have retired or people near retirement, you don't have anything to worry about, you're going to get your check. I've got a lot of work to do on that, and I understand that. But we're making progress. People are beginning to say, we have a problem. The next phase, when people say we have a problem, is going to be, what are you going to do about it? And I'm willing to put out some ideas about what to do about it. In my judgment, ultimately, I think politicians need to be worried about not being a part of the solution.

And so I'm looking forward to continue to make the case. As you know, Terry -- you have followed me a lot -- I like to get out amongst the people. I get energized. I get energized by being with people, and I get energized when I think about taking on big problems, because that's why we got elected. The American people expect people to come together to solve problems. And I'm looking forward to listening to Republicans and Democrats. I said, put your ideas out there; there will be no political third rail when it comes to Social Security. Now is the time for good people of goodwill to come together and get the problem fixed.

Q Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said today that a consumption tax, maybe even a national sales tax, might spur greater economic growth. What do you think about that?

THE PRESIDENT: I think that I'm going to wait until the tax commission I put together, the reform commission, headed by former Senator John Breaux, Democrat of Louisiana, former Senator Connie Mack, Republican of Florida, comes forward with some ideas. I told the American people I want to work to simplify the tax code and make it easier to understand, so people are spending less time filing paper, and I believe a simplified tax code will spur entrepreneurial activity. And so I'm looking forward to what the commission has to say.

Q You mentioned Osama bin Laden earlier this morning and you said several times that there's progress being made on the war on terrorism. But more than three years after September 11th, you still don't know where he is. How would you assess the adequacy of the intelligence you're getting on bin Laden, and do you expect that he's going to be found anytime soon, even within your second term?

THE PRESIDENT: If al Qaeda was structured like corporate America, you'd have a chairman of the board still in office, but many of the key operators would no longer be around -- in other words, the executive vice presidents, the operating officers, the people responsible for certain aspects of the organization have been brought to justice. A lot of them have been. And we are -- spend every day gathering information to locate Osama bin Laden and Zawahiri, obviously, people like Zarqawi. We're not resting on our laurels. We've had great successes. And -- but that doesn't mean that we should stop.

And one of the reasons I came out here was to remind people that we've had great successes. I appreciate their successes -- Khalid Shaykh Muhammad, Ramzi Binalshibh. I can go down the list. But there's more work to be done. And it's a matter of time. As far as I'm concerned and as far as the CIA is concerned, it's a matter of time before we bring these people to justice. And I can't thank the intelligence gatherers, the analysts and the operators -- I can't thank them enough for the sacrifices they're making.

Last question.

Q Mr. President, on Iran, you spoke to Condoleezza Rice yesterday, we were told. What can you tell us about the pros and cons that you're weighing now as you reach a decision on going forward with the EU?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, let me just tell you how I see the state of action here. First, I am most appreciative that our friends in Europe agreed with the United States that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, period. No ands, ifs or buts. And I thought that was a very important statement from the leaders I met with. And by the way, Mr. Putin feels the same way. And to me that is a very -- a positive start for achieving our common objective. First, you got to agree to the goal. And the goal is no weapon.

Secondly, I have told our European friends who are handling the negotiations on behalf of the rest of the world that we want to help make sure the process goes forward. And we're looking at ways to help move the process forward.

The guilty party is Iran. They're the ones who are not living up to international accords. They're the people that the whole world is saying, don't develop a weapon. And so we are working with our friends to make sure not only the world hears that, but that the negotiating strategy achieves the objective of pointing out where guilt needs to be, as well as achieving the objective of no nuclear weapon. And I felt good about our visits.

I did visit with Condi yesterday. I'm about to go visit with her again in the Oval Office to discuss not only this issue, but other key issues including Lebanon, where the message is loud and clear from the United States and France -- and many other nations -- that Syria must withdraw not only her troops, but her secret service forces out of Lebanon now. And I look forward to talking to Condi about getting an amplification on her visit with our allies overseas. I look forward to not only hear their words, I want to hear about their body language. I want to hear about their enthusiasm for the project. I think I'm going to find it was quite high because the people now understand that if you believe in democracy, why not let the democracy in Lebanon flourish and grow? And the United States of America strongly supports democracy all around the world, including Lebanon. And it cannot flourish so long as Syrian troops are there. It's time for Syria to get out.

Listen, thank you all. I appreciate seeing you.

END 3:22 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 3, 2005

Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa

Remarks at Camera Spray Before Meeting With Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa

Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC March 4, 2005 (11:30 a.m. EST)

SECRETARY RICE: Foreign Minister Zuma, we've had a relationship for some time, when I was National Security Advisor. South Africa and the United States are partners in many ways, in many ways global partners, and I look forward to a full range of discussion of our bilateral issues, but also the prospects for peace in the Middle East and the prospects for prosperity and peace on the African continent.

FOREIGN MINISTER ZUMA: Well, thank you very much. It's a pleasure to meet with you again in your new portfolio, congratulations once more. And I look forward to a very good continuing relationship that we've had in your previous portfolio but I'm sure we will continue in that direction now.

SECRETARY RICE: Thank you.

2005/280 Released on March 4, 2005

Tax Reform Panel's Third Hearing

Tampa Small Business Will Host Tax Reform Panel's Third Hearing On March 8th

The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform today announced that SAGO Networks, a small technology business in Tampa, Florida, will host the Panel's third hearing. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. at 4465 W. Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, 33611. Former Senators Connie Mack and John Breaux serve as the Chairman and Vice -Chairman of the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. The Panel's third hearing will focus how the tax system affects businesses and entrepreneurs. The witness list for this hearing will be provided at a later date.

About SAGO Networks: Sago Networks is a technology services company that provides solutions for all of its customers' bandwidth and custom telecommunications needs. From its headquarters in the Tampa Bay area and satellite offices in Miami and Dallas, Sago has implemented multiple rapidly deployable, high-speed wireless networks and maintains one of the largest bandwidth datacenters in the country. sagonetworks

About the Tax Reform Panel: The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform was established by President Bush on January 7, 2005. President Bush has charged the bipartisan panel with recommending reforms to the tax code that will make the U.S. tax system simpler, fairer and more growth oriented. ###

Alan Greenspan, et al, Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

Remarks by Chairman Alan Greenspan Chairman Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System before the President.s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform Washington, D.C. March 3, 2005

"Simplification of an overly complex structure was another important accomplishment of the 1986 reform. Unfortunately, tax code drift since 1986 has evolved to a point where taxpayers are again confronted with great complexity. Indeed, an individual taxpayer may have difficulty even knowing his or her marginal tax rate because of the overlapping web of deductions and exemptions and the provisions that attempt to limit those deductions and exemptions. And many taxpayers are now required to compute their liability under two systems--the regular income tax and the alternative minimum tax. Such challenges also affect lower-income households, who face the complexities of the Earned Income Tax Credit. A simpler tax code would reduce the considerable resources devoted to complying with current tax laws, and the freed-up resources could be used for more productive purposes. Thus, greater simplicity would, in and of itself, engender a better use of resources."

• Directions


• Agenda
  • Written Statement of Senator Connie Mack
  • Written Statement of Chairman Alan Greenspan
  • Written Statement of Secretary James A. Baker, III
  • Written Statement of Commissioner Mark W. Everson
  • Testimony of Nina E. Olson
  • Testimony of Joel B. Slemrod
  • Testimony of Leonard Burman
  • Testimony of Claudia Hill
  • Written Statement of Thomas Rinaldi
• Transcripts (to be posted when available

Elaine Chao, February Unemployment Numbers

Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao On February Unemployment Numbers
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released the following statement on the February unemployment numbers released today:

“Today's announcement of 262,000 new jobs created is great news for America's families, showing strong across the board job growth, many of which came in sectors paying above average wages. Three million new jobs have been created in the past 21 months and construction employment and spending are at an all time high.

“For this kind of growth to continue, Congress must act on the President's proposals to further strengthen our economy through energy independence, health insurance access for small businesses, social security reform, and permanent tax relief for working families.” # # #

OPA News Release: [03/04/2005] Contact Name: Pamela Groover or Jane Norris Phone Number: 202-693-4676 Release Number: 05-0361-NAT

RELATED:

• Employment Situation Summary 03/04/05 - Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 262,000 in February and the unem- ployment rate edged up to 5.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Job growth occurred in both goods- producing and service-providing industries.

Employment Situation Summary 03/04/05

THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION: FEBRUARY 2005

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 262,000 in February and the unem- ployment rate edged up to 5.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Job growth occurred in both goods- producing and service-providing industries.

Unemployment (Household Survey Data)

In February, both the number of unemployed persons, 8.0 million, and the un- employment rate, 5.4 percent, returned to their December levels after dipping in January. The jobless rate had been either 5.4 or 5.5 percent during each of the last 6 months of 2004. In February, the unemployment rates for the major worker groups--adult men (4.9 percent), adult women (4.7 percent), teen- agers (17.5 percent), whites (4.6 percent), blacks (10.9 percent), and Hispanics or Latinos (6.4 percent)--showed little change. The unemployment rate for Asians was 4.5 percent in February, not seasonally adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.) FULL TEXT and CHARTS

Technical information:
Household data: (202) 691-6378 USDL 05-345 http://www.bls.gov/cps/
Establishment data: 691-6555 http://www.bls.gov/ces/ Media contact: 691-5902
Transmission of material in this release is embargoed until 8:30 A.M. (EST), Friday, March 4, 2005.

Bush, Fox, Martin, Texas

RELATED: 03/23/05

• Joint Statement, Bush, Fox, Martin - Joint Statement by President Bush, President Fox, and Prime Minister Martin, Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. We, the elected leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, gather in Texas to announce the establishment of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

President to Welcome President Fox and Prime Minister Martin to Texas

President Bush will host Mexican President Vicente Fox and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in Texas on March 23, 2005. The three leaders will discuss ways to strengthen our continent'

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 3, 2005

“Advance Democracy Act”

Mccain, Lieberman Introduce “Advance Democracy Act”

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) today introduced legislation designed to strengthen significantly the ability of the U.S. government to promote democracy abroad. It directs and authorizes practical steps to advance liberty, freedom, and democracy around the globe.

Congressmen Frank Wolf, Chairman of the Commerce-State-Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, and Tom Lantos, Ranking Member on the House International Relations Committee, introduced identical legislation in the House.

“The promotion of democracy and freedom is simply inseparable from the long term security of the United States,” said Senator McCain. “When the security of New York or Washington or California depends in part of the degree on freedom in Riyadh or Baghdad or Cairo, then we must promote democracy, the rule of law and social modernization just as we promote the sophistication of our weapons and the modernization of our militaries. The bill we are introducing today will strengthen America’s ability to do just that.”

“From the dawn of the 20th century,” added Senator Lieberman, “presidents from Wilson to Roosevelt, Truman, and Kennedy knew that America’s vital interests are best secured when we help others find their own voice of freedom. The ADVANCE Democracy Act sends a profound message to the world that the unfinished work enshrined in the Declaration of Independence is within our global grasp if we stand with those who struggle mightily for liberty.”

The ADVANCE Democracy bill enshrines a fundamental lesson of September 11: where repression rules, the lack of political participation and economic opportunity engenders despair and even extremism in the hearts of some. Promoting democracy fulfills America’s moral mandate and bolsters our national security. As the recent events in Georgia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Palestinian Territories illustrate so dramatically, the desire of people to live free is universal.

The ADVANCE Democracy bill would strengthen America’s ability to promote democracy in a number of ways, including by:

• Establishing a new office of Democracy Movements and Transitions at the State Department and separate Regional Democracy Hubs at several embassies abroad;
• Creating a Democracy Promotion Advisory Board to provide outside expertise to the U.S. Government;
• Authorizing $250 million in increased funding for democracy promotion over two years;
• Requiring an annual report on democracy to include action plans to promote democracy in nondemocratic countries; and Providing training and incentives for State Department personnel in the promotion of democracy

-30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2005 Contact: Casey Aden-Wansbury Phone: 202.224.4041

Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela

Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela Case and Proposal from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

Question: What does the United States think about the extradition of Miguel Rodriguez Orejuela?

Answer: I would refer you to the Department of Justice for comment on this ongoing legal matter.

Question: What is the U.S. position on a reported Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia proposal to trade the three American contractors they hold hostage, in exchange for Simon Trinidad, a senior leader of that organization, presently in U.S. government custody?

Answer: It is U.S. policy not to make concessions to terrorists. We believe such concessions will only encourage future hostage taking. We hold the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia responsible for the safety, health and well being of its hostages, including three U.S. citizens. We demand that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia release the Americans immediately and unharmed.

2004/272

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC March 3, 2005 Question Taken At March 2, 2005 Daily Press Briefing

Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Salah Mohamed Abdelrahman

U.S. Urges the Government of Sudan to Provide Due Process

On January 24, 2005, Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Salah Mohamed Abdelrahman were arrested for their work highlighting the violence in Darfur. On March 1, the Government of Sudan formally charged Dr. Mudawi with crimes against the state. Dr. Mudawi has been on a hunger strike since February 19. He is now in the hospital, though still under arrest, receiving treatment for loss of weight and medical complications related to his hunger strike.

We call upon the Government of Sudan to release Dr. Mudawi immediately and to provide him with due process of law, including his right to legal representation. We hold the Government of Sudan responsible for his well-being while in custody.

There has been no news on the whereabouts of Mr. Salah Mohamed Abdelrahman since his arrest. We call on the Government of Sudan to verify his status immediately and to release him immediately if he is still in custody.

2005/271 Released on March 2, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC

Lt. Gen. Daham Alassal and Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli

Lt. Gen. Daham Alassal, Ministry of Defense, and Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, 1st Cavalry Division commander, salute during the 40th transition of authority ceremony Feb. 21. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin, 2/10th Mountain Division)

Generals

DHS Secretary Chertoff at Swearing-In Ceremony

President Thanks DHS Secretary Chertoff at Swearing-In Ceremony Ronald Reagan Building Washington, D.C. 9:25 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: I'm pleased to be here at the Department of Homeland Security with our new Secretary, Michael Chertoff. (Applause.) And I'm honored to share this moment with Meryl and their children.

This is the third time -- not the first or second, but the third time that I've asked Mike to serve our nation. I keep asking him back for a reason: He is a talented public servant, with an outstanding record of achievement and a deep commitment to the cause of justice. As a federal court of appeals judge, assistant attorney general, U.S. attorney and federal prosecutor, Mike has worked tirelessly to make our people safer and our nation more secure. And now he will carry on that vital work as the Secretary of Homeland Security.

I appreciate Michael's in-laws for being here. Always a good thing, Mike -- (laughter) -- to listen to your mother-in-law. (Laughter.)

I thank Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, not only for being here to administer the oath of office, but for serving our nation with such class and such dignity. (Applause.) I want to thank the members of the United States Senate, Senator Lautenberg and Senator Corzine, from New Jersey, for being here, and thank you for helping shepherd this good man's nomination through the Senate. I want to thank all the members of the House of Representatives who are here -- and there is a lot from New Jersey that have joined us. I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who are here, and former members of my Cabinet. And I want to thank the employees of the Department of Homeland Security. You have got a great boss. (Applause.)

Since September the 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented steps to protect the American people. We have assembled a strong coalition of nations to secure our respective countries. We have closed down terrorists, networks, and chased down their leaders in mountains and deserts around the world. We've removed two dangerous regimes that harbored terrorists and threatened the peace; we convinced a third to voluntary abandon its nuclear and chemical weapons programs. We have broken up the world's most dangerous nuclear trading network, and busted up terrorist cells around the globe.

We have been relentless, and we will continue to be relentless in our mission to secure the people of this country. From Florida to California to Massachusetts we have arrested and prosecuted terrorist operatives and their supporters. By our actions, we are sending the world a clear message that terrorists will not be permitted sanctuary or safe haven, or the tools of mass murder. (Applause.)

As we have taken the battle to the enemy, we have also taken extraordinary measures to better protect the homeland. We've carried out the largest reorganization of government in a half century, merging 180,000 people from 22 government organizations into a single department with a single mission: protecting America from attack. The success of the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security do not always make the headlines. But I understand what you've done, and I appreciate your hard work. By your tireless efforts behind the scenes, you have helped protect our citizens and secure our nation. And this country is grateful for all you do. (Applause.)

In the last two years, this department has implemented a vigorous new strategy to guard our borders, posting Homeland Security personnel at foreign ports; strengthening airport and seaport security; and instituting better visa screening for those entering the United States. We've taken important steps to protect our nation's critical infrastructure -- our bridges and tunnels and nuclear power plants and water treatment facilities and the cyber networks that keep our government and our economy running.

This department has also taken action to strengthen the hand of our partners in state and local law enforcement. Local police and other authorities are those most likely to encounter terrorists. And we're giving them the tools and information they need to do their jobs. We've established secure connections to emergency operations centers in every state and every governor's office to ensure that they get threat information on a real-time basis. We've helped states establish mutual aid agreements and reasonable response plans, so that when first responders need help from their neighbors they can be sure the right assistance will get to the right people at the right time.

We've provided more than $14 billion over the last four years to train and equip state and local first responders across America: funds for mobile command centers, communications equipment, mobile decontamination equipment, HAZMAT trucks, mobile WMD detection equipment and other capabilities they need to protect our citizens and our communities. Since 2001, we've trained more than 600,000 first responders, and more than tripled spending on homeland security. And all of you in this department, and the members of the Congress can be proud of the accomplishments and the progress we have made. (Applause.)

You have done all this, and more, under the skilled leadership of Tom Ridge. Tom is a longtime friend, and I thank him for his leadership and his dedicated service to our country. (Applause.)

And I have found an able successor in Mike Chertoff. As the 9/11 Commission said in its report, America is safer because of your efforts, but we are not yet safe. Mike Chertoff knows we cannot afford to become complacent. He understands that as we adapt our defenses, the terrorists will adapt their tactics in response. He understands they continue to pose a great threat to the American people.

Recently, we learned that Osama bin Laden has urged the terrorist Zarqawi to form a group to conduct attacks outside Iraq, including here in the United States. We're on a constant hunt for bin Laden. We're keeping the pressure on him, keeping him in hiding. And today, Zarqawi understands that coalition and Iraqi troops are on a constant hunt for him, as well. Coalition and Iraqi forces have caught and killed several of his key lieutenants. We're working every day and night to dismantle his network and to bring him to justice. (Applause.)

Bin Laden's message is a telling reminder that al Qaeda still hopes to attack us on our own soil. Stopping them is the greatest challenge of our day. And under Mike's leadership, we will do everything in our power to meet that challenge. Mike is wise and he is tough -- in a good way. (Laughter.) And he knows the nature of the enemy. As head of the criminal division at the Department of Justice, Mike helped trace the September 11th attacks to the al Qaeda network. And it didn't take him very long to do so. He understands that the terrorists are brutal and determined, and that to stop them all our agencies must work more closely together using every resource and technological advantage we have.

I have given Mike an ambitious agenda to carry out. We will continue to work to fully integrate the agencies within the Homeland Security Department. We will build on the progress that has been made. We will continue working to reduce our nation's vulnerabilities and prepare effective responses for any future attack. We will speed the development of new 21st century vaccines and treatments to protect Americans against biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological attacks. We will continue our historic investments in homeland security to match the threats facing our country. We will protect the American people from new dangers while protecting their civil liberties.

Mike understands that we need to work closely with state and local officials because he has shared their vantage point. Like men and women who wear our nation's uniform on distant battlefields, those who wear the uniform here at home risk their lives every day to protect our people. By their service and sacrifice, our police, our firefighters and emergency rescue personnel are making the homeland safer. And our nation must constantly thank them for their work.

Mike is the right person to lead this department in this vital work. He knows that to win the war on terror abroad, we always must remember where it began -- here in the homeland. He will be an outstanding Secretary of Homeland Security. Mike, thank you for willing -- for your willingness to serve our nation once again. God bless. (Applause.)

MR. CHERTOFF: Thank you. Mr. President, members of my family, friends and colleagues. Mr. President, I am grateful to you for affording me the privilege of working under your leadership to protect and safeguard our nation. As you have so powerfully described, since September 11th, the job of defending the homeland has become the challenge and the calling of our generation. Under your steadfast and determined guidance, our country has risen to meet the threat of the age of terror. We have responded in a unified, strategic and comprehensive manner, and as a result, America today is safer, stronger and more secure.

Thousands of men and women, including many here, now stand watch across this country and overseas guarding our families and our freedoms. In taking the oath as Homeland Security Secretary, I am honored to join these dedicated public servants. Ours is a Department in which the American public is deeply invested. Just in the past few weeks, I have encountered many citizens who have personally expressed to me their gratitude, their hopes and their prayers for the work of DHS. These citizens -- indeed, all Americans -- have placed their trust in the men and women who carry out the important work of homeland security. I look forward to carrying out this vital charge as we strengthen the protections already in place at our ports of entries, in our skies overhead, and in our cities and our communities.

My predecessor, Secretary Tom Ridge, his Deputy, Jim Loy, and other founding leaders of DHS did a superb job in launching this new Department. In building on their achievements, I am conscious that my new leadership team and I will be standing on their shoulders and building on what they accomplished.

Our task now is to advance the exceptional achievements of the first two years of this department, to meet and manage the threats of today, and to prepare to confront the risks of the future. Our mission is no less than this: protect America, while fostering the values of liberty, privacy and opportunity we all hold dear.

For their willingness to stand beside me in this endeavor, I thank Meryl and my children. Once again, you have given me your love, your sacrifices and your constant support. And as all members of this department know, the work we do is possible only because of the support and sacrifices of our families and friends. (Applause.)

I first embarked on public service over 20 years ago as an assistant United States attorney in Manhattan. Now as Secretary of Homeland Security, I have taken the oath of office for the fifth time. As with each prior time I have sworn the oath, I dedicate myself to serving America and the American people.

Mr. President, again, thank you for this opportunity and for your resolute commitment to the cause of freedom and the protection of our families and our way of life. I appreciate the trust you have placed in me, and stand ready to devote my full energy and strength to the duty we all share: the preservation of our nation and the liberties we cherish.

Thank you. (Applause.)

END 9:46 A.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 3, 2005

RELATED: DHS Sec. Michael Chertoff Testimony on FY '06 Budget (03/02/2005), FULL STREAMING VIDEO

President Honors Jackie Robinson, video

President Honors Jackie Robinson FULL STREAMING VIDEO at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony The U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. President's Remarks 3:18 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Members of Congress. Mrs. Robinson, and Sharon and Dave, Laura and I are honored to be with you all as we honor your husband and your dad. Reverend Jackson. You know, I figure I'm the ninth speaker -- (laughter.) I spent a little time in baseball. Commissioner, it's good to see you and appreciate the McCourts being here of the great Los Angeles Dodgers family. But a lot of times, the ninth hitter was told by the manager, keep your swing short. (Laughter.) I kind of guess that's what Nancy Pelosi meant when I got up -- she said, you are the ninth speaker. (Laughter.) How about keeping it short?

Robinson 1

I'm honored to be here for the -- to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Robinson. It's a great tradition of our Congress to honor fantastic and noble Americans, and we're doing just the thing with Jack Roosevelt Robinson.

You know, he was a great ball player. Anybody who follows baseball knows how great he was -- fantastic statistics: MVP, all the big honors you could get. But his electricity was unbelievable. Think about this. This is a guy who inspired little seven-year-olds to dream of wearing "42" and dashing for home in Brooklyn, and a seven-year-old like me hoping to get his Topps baseball card, even though I was an avid Giants fan. He was an amazing guy. And his story was powerful then, and it is powerful today.

His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America account -- to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality. It's a lesson for people coming up to see. One person can make a big difference in setting the tone of this country.

Robinson 2

He always fought for what he called "first-class citizenship." That's an interesting phrase, isn't it -- "first-class citizenship." Not second-class, not third-class -- first-class citizenship for all. As John Kerry mentioned, it started in the Army. Obviously, it really manifested itself on the baseball field. After all, it was Branch Rickey who said he was looking for a man to cross the color line who could play baseball and had the character necessary to do so. Jackie Robinson had both. And that's why we're honoring him today.

I found Martin Luther King's quote about him interesting. I'm sure you will, too. He said, "He was a freedom rider before freedom rides." That's a pretty high compliment, when you think about it. To me, it just says, courage and decency and honor.

This son of Georgia sharecroppers was taught by his mother that the best weapon against racism was the use of his talent, his God-given talent, not to waste a minute, and he didn't. And that spirit, passed on from mother to son, and now son to family, still lives through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a noble cause to help academically-gifted students of color go to college. I know the Dodgers will continue to support that foundation. I hope baseball continues to do so, as well.

It is my honor now to join Speaker Hastert and Senator Stevens in presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Rachel Robinson, in the name of her husband, the great baseball star and great American, Jackie Robinson. (Applause.)

(The medal is presented.)

END 3:24 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 2, 2005

Zimbabwe, National Emergencies Act

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency blocking the property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe is to continue in effect beyond March 6, 2005. The most recent notice continuing this emergency was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 2004 (69 FR 10313).

The crisis constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions has not been resolved. These actions and policies pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency blocking the property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe and to maintain in force the sanctions to respond to this threat.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, March 2, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Message to the Congress of the United States

Women's History Month, 2005

Women's History Month, 2005 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

During Women's History Month, we celebrate the achievements of our Nation's women. For generations, American women have helped build our great Nation through their leadership as writers, teachers, artists, politicians, doctors, and scientists, and in other professions. As mothers, daughters, and sisters, women have supported and strengthened American families and communities. Women are at the forefront of entrepreneurship in America, creating millions of new jobs and helping to build our Nation's economic prosperity.

We celebrate those who have broken down barriers for women, such as Jacqueline Cochran, who was the founder and director of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots during World War II and the first woman to break the sound barrier. Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori was the first American woman to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences, and her research significantly advanced the treatment of diabetes. In 1926, Olympic Gold Medalist Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel. Marian Anderson, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, opened doors in music as the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera. Juliette Gordon Low encouraged community service and the physical, mental, and spiritual development of America's young women as founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. As we work to advance freedom and peace and fight the war on terror, American women in uniform are serving at posts at home and across the world, taking great risks.

As we commemorate Women's History Month, I encourage all Americans to celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of American women and to continue our progress in making our society more prosperous, just, and equal.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2005 as Women's History Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of March, 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 March 2, 2005

Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe

Notice Continuation of the National Emergency Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe

On March 6, 2003, by Executive Order 13288, I declared a national emergency blocking the property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 17011706). I took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe's democratic processes or institutions, thus contributing to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law in Zimbabwe, to politically motivated violence and intimidation in that country, and to political and economic instability in the southern African region.

Because the actions and policies of these persons continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States, the national emergency declared on March 6, 2003, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond March 6, 2005. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency blocking the property of persons undermining democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, March 2, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary

USDA's Minimal-Risk Rule

Statement By Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding The Temporary Injunction Issued By The U.S. District Court For The District Of Montana Regarding USDA's Minimal-Risk Rule

"I am very disappointed in today's ruling by the court to temporarily delay the implementation of USDA's minimal-risk rule, which would re-establish trade with Canada for live cattle under 30 months of age.

"USDA remains confident that the requirements of the minimal-risk rule, in combination with the animal and public health measures already in place in the United States and Canada, provide the utmost protection to both U.S. consumers and livestock. We also remain fully confident in the underlying risk assessment, developed in accordance with the OIE guidelines, which determined Canada to be a minimal risk region.

"Today's ruling is not a reflection on the substance of the minimal-risk rule, but rather a procedural delay while the judge considers the merits of the case. We continue to believe that international trade in beef, founded on science-based regulations, should be re-established in an expeditious manner."

March 2, 2005 Release No. 0072.05 Contact: USDA Press Office (202) 720-4623

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Recent Information

03-1500 VAN ORDEN V. PERRY

03-1500 VAN ORDEN V. PERRY Decision Below: 351 F.3d 173 (5th Cir. 2003)

QUESTION PRESENTED: Whether a large monument, 6 feet high and 3 feet wide, presenting the Ten Commandments, located on government property between the Texas State Capitol and the Texas Supreme Court, is an impermissible establishment of religion in violation of the First Amendment. Cert. Granted 10/12/04

Supreme Court Docket for 03-1500, The First Amendment Center, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and in Arlington, Va. (see About the First Amendment Center), operates this Web site. Van Orden v. Perry (docket #: 03-1500)

S. J. RES. 4 bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Thursday, Mar 3, 2005 9:30 a.m.: Convene and proceed to consideration of S.J.Res.4, providing for congressional disapproval of a rule submitted by the Dept. of Agriculture.

Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Department of Agriculture under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, relating to risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Department of Agriculture relating to the establishment of minimal risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (published at 70 Fed. Reg. 460 (2005)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.

Bill Summary & Status for the 109th Congress

U.S. Urges the Government of Sudan to Provide Due Process

U.S. Urges the Government of Sudan to Provide Due Process

On January 24, 2005, Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam and Salah Mohamed Abdelrahman were arrested for their work highlighting the violence in Darfur. On March 1, the Government of Sudan formally charged Dr. Mudawi with crimes against the state. Dr. Mudawi has been on a hunger strike since February 19. He is now in the hospital, though still under arrest, receiving treatment for loss of weight and medical complications related to his hunger strike.

We call upon the Government of Sudan to release Dr. Mudawi immediately and to provide him with due process of law, including his right to legal representation. We hold the Government of Sudan responsible for his well-being while in custody.

There has been no news on the whereabouts of Mr. Salah Mohamed Abdelrahman since his arrest. We call on the Government of Sudan to verify his status immediately and to release him immediately if he is still in custody.

2005/271 Released on March 2, 2005 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC March 2, 2005