bush radio address 07/23/05 full audio, text transcript

bush radio address 07/23/05 full audio, text transcript

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Under the Constitution, one of the most consequential decisions a President makes is an appointment to the Supreme Court. This week I was proud to announce my nomination of Judge John Roberts to be the Supreme Court's next Associate Justice.

Judge Roberts has a stellar record of achievement. He is a man of sound judgment and the highest integrity. He has the qualities Americans expect in a judge -- experience, wisdom, fairness and civility. He has profound respect for the rule of law and for the liberties guaranteed to every citizen. He will strictly apply the Constitution and laws, not legislate from the bench.

Judge Roberts currently serves on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which is often considered America's second highest court. He has also served as a top lawyer at the Department of Justice, an attorney in the White House for President Ronald Reagan, and a distinguished advocate in private practice. He gained early experience at the Supreme Court as a law clerk to Justice William Rehnquist. He graduated with high honors from both Harvard College and Harvard Law School. And as a young man growing up in Indiana, he captained his high school football team and worked summers in a steel mill to earn money for college.

One of the highest honors for any lawyer is to argue a case before the Supreme Court. In his extraordinary career, Judge Roberts has argued a remarkable 39 cases before the nation's highest court. He is known by Democrats and Republicans alike as a brilliant thinker, a fair-minded judge, and a decent man. After I nominated Judge Roberts to the Court of Appeals in 2001, a bipartisan group of more than 150 lawyers sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee -- and here is what they wrote: "Although as individuals we reflect a wide spectrum of political party affiliation and ideology, we are united in our belief that John Roberts will be an outstanding federal appeals court judge and should be confirmed by the United States Senate. He is one of the very best and most highly respected appellate lawyers in the nation."

The next step for Judge Roberts is the Senate confirmation process. The process is off to a good start. Since I announced his nomination, Judge Roberts has met with a number of senators from both parties. Democrats and Republicans have expressed their respect for Judge Roberts' qualifications and intellect, just as they did two years ago when they confirmed him to be a federal appeals court judge by unanimous consent.

In the weeks ahead, the Senate will have an opportunity to rise above partisanship. I've spoken to Senate Majority Leader Frist and Minority Leader Reid, as well as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, Senators Specter and Leahy. These senators share my goal of an orderly and dignified confirmation process, and it is important that Judge Roberts be confirmed before the Court reconvenes on October the 3rd.

President Clinton's two appointments to the Supreme Court proved that the Senate can conduct a thorough review and vote on a nominee within a reasonable timetable. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed 42 days after the President submitted her nomination, and Justice Stephen Breyer was confirmed 73 days after his nomination was submitted. In both cases, Democrats and Republicans helped move the process forward promptly and voted to confirm the justices, despite significant philosophical differences.

America is fortunate to have a man of such wisdom and intellectual strength willing to serve our country. I'm grateful to Judge Roberts' wife, Jane, and their two children, Jack and Josie, and I look forward to the Senate voting to confirm Judge John Roberts as 109th justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Thank you for listening.

END For Immediate Release July 23, 2005

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Press conference - 15:45 - 22/07/05 London Bombing

Press conference - 15:45 - 22/07/05 Please click the following links for a larger image of each suspect shown left: This is a transcript of today's press conference with Sir Ian Blair and Andy Hayman. 1. Image 1 2. Image 2 3. Image 3 4. Image 4

Commissioner:
As you are aware there is a lot of police activity going on today in relation to the underground and bus incidents of yesterday. This is a very, very fast moving investigation.

Andy Hayman is going to make an appeal for new information. I have a few points that I would like to make to begin with. As I've said before, this is the greatest operational challenge ever faced by the Metropolitan Police Service. The MPS and its sister services are doing a magnificent job, but officers are facing previously unknown threats and great danger.

We need the understanding of all communities, and the co-operation of all communities, and we need calm. We know that there are rumours sweeping London, and I really do appeal for people to listen to the facts as they emerge. We remain resolute, and will work tirelessly, and imaginatively with every community in London to solve this crime. The most important message we have other than this appeal is that this operation is targeted against criminals. It is not targeted against any community, or any section of the community. There are hundreds of police officers working across London on these inquiries and the anti-terrorist teams are working literally around the clock and there probably won't be a let-up in that for some considerable time.

I can say as part of operations linked to yesterday's incidents, Met police officers have shot a man inside Stockwell Underground Station at approximately 10am this morning. London Ambulance Service and the air ambulance both attended and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. I understand Stockwell tube station remains closed.

The information I have available if that this shooting is directly linked to the ongoing and expanding anti-terrorist operation. Any death is deeply regrettable. I understand the man was challenged and refused to obey. I can't go any further than that at this stage, and I am now going to hand over to Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman.

AC Andy Hayman:
I would like top start of by reminding everyone, that about two weeks ago we stated our objectives for this investigation. The object is to identify and successfully prosecute the people responsible for these events. The resolve to achieve that objective has never been stronger. The energy and enthusiasm of both the community and our officers is at its height.

The purpose of today is to set out what we have done since yesterday's events, which has then led us to asking the community for their help. It was said yesterday by colleagues that following such an event as yesterday evidence opportunities and intelligence opportunities increase. That is the case.

Since yesterday we have been very busy - analyzing CCTV tapes, taking numerous statements and conducting house to house enquiries. This has been fruitful, because this afternoon we are going to be issuing CCTV images of four men we urgently want to trace in connection with attempts to detonate four explosive devices on the transport system in central London yesterday.

It is crucial that detectives are able to question them about yesterday's events at the Oval, Shepherds Bush, Warren St underground station and on a Route 26 bus in Hackney Road at the junction with Colombia Road, E2.

I want to be very clear now about what I want the public to do. There are two requests here.

Firstly anyone who has information about where these men currently are - you should immediately call 999 and ask for urgent police response. The public are asked not to approach them.

If anyone knows they believe the identities of these men, or has other information about them or their movements, they should contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

What I would like to do now is deal with all scenes individually and describe to you about the events that occurred there and also show you the images that a relevant to those scenes.

At the Oval underground station a device was left in a carriage on a Northern line train traveling northbound. The image we are now showing shows a man running away from the northern line at the Oval underground station at approx 12:34hrs yesterday.

We believe this man had traveled northbound on the northern line from Stockwell underground station to the Oval. He was wearing a dark top with the words "New York" written in white across the front. This top was later found in Cowley Road, Brixton.

A device was left at the rear of the top deck of the Route 26 bus travelling from Waterloo to Hackney Wick. The image that is now showing is of a man at the rear of the top deck on that bus at about 12:53.

He got off the bus at Hackney Road at approximately 1306hrs. He was wearing a grey t-shirt with what appears to have a palm-tree design on the front and a dark jacket with, and a white baseball cap.

At Warren Street a device was left in a carriage on the northbound Victoria line. The image that is now showing of the third person we want to identify shows a man leaving Warren Street underground station at approximately 12:39. He was wearing dark clothing.

Finally, at Shepherd's Bush a device was left on a Hammersmith & City line train travelling westbound. This final image that is showing is of a man at Westbourne Park underground station at approximately 12:21. We believe he then travelled westbound on the Hammersmith & City line to Shepherd?s Bush underground station where he ran from the station. He was wearing a dark shirt and trousers and was later reported to be wearing a white vest.

Yesterday?s incidents do bear similarities to the bomb attacks in London on July 7th in as much as there were three underground trains and a bus that were targeted. There are other features that are emerging which are also of interest to detectives.

We are actively pursuing lines of enquiry you are aware that earlier today, this afternoon, we were entering a house in central London.

What this demonstrates is how fast moving this investigation is and how hopefully productive the lines of enquiry are.

Initial forensic examination indicates that a bomb partially detonated at each of the four sites. At this stage it is believed that the devices consisted of home-made explosives and were contained in dark coloured bags or rucksacks.

At this stage it is too early to tell how these were detonated.

I am urgently seeking the public's assistance. It is time to do what the public are very good at - which is support investigations.

It is for us to decide whether any info that is given is of relevance. So if someone thinks it may be relevant - we would ask them to contact us as we have guided.

I would just like to pose a couple of questions which might help people think through this request:

Do you recognise any of these men?
Did you see them at the three underground stations or on the bus?
Did you see them at a different location?
Did you see these men together before or after the incidents?
Did you see them with anyone else?

If I can remind you - if you see these men, the public response should be to ring 999 and not approach them yourselves.

If you believe you know the identity of these men or have information relevant to those questions a different response is required - that is to ring the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

Commissioner
I would like to place on record my congratulations to Andy and his team - for the speed at which they have reached this stage of the investigation.

Just two final messages from me.

The first one is this reiteration of the need for calm and the need to understand that rumours will sweep around about what is happening. At the moment the situation is under control and the investigation is proceeding. The scenes are under control and the house being searched is under control and the second crucial message is that we can only defeat this form of terror is by working with communities, by getting the communities support in to everything that we are doing. We will try and explain everything that we possibly can - but it is a very very fast moving scenario and we can only do that from time to time.

I am very grateful to people of London for the way in which they have reacted so far. I hope very much we will be able to bring this to as swift a conclusion as possible.

Click here to see the Police appeal poster. [PDF document - 274kb. Opens in a new window]

Bulletin 0000000233 22 July 2005

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Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Reform

Bosnia and Herzegovina Defense Reform

The United States supports the July 18 recommendations of the Defense Reform Commission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including establishing a single defense budget, abolishing conscription, and eliminating entity defense ministries. These recommendations provide a framework for a NATO-compatible single military force and for complete implementation of military aspects of the Dayton Accords.

The U.S. calls on Bosnia’s government and parliaments to rapidly enact the Commission’s proposals. We are committed to helping implement the defense reforms necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic integration. The United States looks forward to Bosnia and Herzegovina's admission into the Partnership for Peace once NATO's conditions, including full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, are met.

Source: state.gov 2005/718, Released on July 21, 2005 Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 21, 2005

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Forced Return of Montagnard Asylum Seekers

Forced Return of Montagnard Asylum Seekers

The United States views with concern the forced return of 94 Montagnards from Cambodia to Vietnam on July 20. We have raised U.S. objections to this involuntary repatriation with both the governments of Cambodia and Vietnam.

We are disappointed that these individuals were repatriated before an internationally-staffed monitoring program was in place in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and before other solutions could be considered for these individuals.

We urge the Government of Vietnam to immediately allow international monitors to observe Montagnard returnees in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Source: state.gov ### 2005/717 Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 20, 2005

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Rewards For Justice Campaign in Afghanistan

United States Launches New Rewards For Justice Campaign in Afghanistan

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Rewards for Justice Program has launched a new three-month media ad campaign in Afghanistan to increase awareness of financial rewards being offered for information leading to the apprehension of wanted terrorists.

The television ad began airing today in both the Dari and Pashto languages. Local broadcasts will reach audiences in Mazar-I-Sharif, Herat, Kabul, and after August 15, 2005, will reach audiences in Kandahar and Jalalabad.


The radio ads began airing on Afghani radio on July 12, 2005, in both the Pashto and Dari languages. Broadcasts will reach audiences in Kabul, Mazar-I-Sharif, Herat, Kandahar, and after August 15, 2005, will be heard in Jalalabad.

The television and radio spots announce rewards for Mullah Omar, Ayman Al Zawahiri and Usama Bin Laden. They remind the Afghans that these men are not only enemies of Afghanistan, but also of the world, and that in recent years, terrorists have been responsible for the murders of large numbers of their citizens. The ads urge anyone with knowledge of these three men or other wanted terrorists and their activities to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kabul at (93) 79 021 304, the local Provincial Reconstruction Team, or to visit the web site at rewardsforjustice.net to share information that may prevent further loss of innocent lives.

In addition to the radio and television ads, matchbooks and posters advertising the Rewards for Justice Program are being distributed nationwide. The matchbooks feature photos of Usama Bin Laden, Saif al-Adel, and Ayman Al-Zawahiri and text in Pashto and Dari. The posters show photos of the Rewards for Justice Program’s 17 most wanted terrorists and contact information for U.S. Embassy Kabul, the Rewards for Justice website, and the local Provincial Reconstruction Team.

Since its inception in 1984, the Rewards for Justice Program has paid more than $57 million to 43 persons who have provided credible information that has resulted in the capture or death of terrorists or prevented acts of international terrorism.

Copies of the television and radio ads and English translations will be available to the press. To request copies of the radio and television ads, please contact Diplomatic Security public affairs at (571) 345-2503 or DSPublicAffairs@state.gov.

### SOURCE: stare.gov 2005/716 Media Note, Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 20, 2005

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Lebanese Government Formation

Lebanese Government Formation

The United States welcomes the agreement between President Lahoud and Prime Minister-designate Siniora on a list of cabinet ministers for Lebanon's next government. Through democratic elections and popular movements, the Lebanese people have expressed their desires for sovereignty and a genuine program of political, economic, and institutional reform.

Much hard work still lies ahead. We look forward to seeing the Prime Minister-designate and his proposed cabinet slate presented to the Parliament for a vote of confidence, so that the important work on reform and implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559 can proceed.

The international community stands ready to support a Lebanese reform program and looks forward to working with the new cabinet after a Parliamentary vote of confidence.

Source: state.gov 2005/711 Released on July 19, 2005 Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 19, 2005

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USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005

H.R.3199 Title: To extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [WI-5] (introduced 7/11/2005)

Cosponsors (None) Related Bills: H.RES.369, S.1266

Latest Major Action: 7/21/2005 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 257 - 171 (Roll no. 414). House Reports: 109-174 Part 1, 109-174 Part 2

Bill Summary and Status for the 109th Congress

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Man shot at Stockwell tube station London

Man shot at Stockwell tube station

We can confirm that at just after 10am this morning, Friday 22 July, armed officers from the Metropolitan Police entered Stockwell tube station in south London.A man was challenged by officers and was subsequently shot.

London Ambulance Service and the Helicopter Emergency Service attended the scene.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Stockwell tube station is closed and cordons of 200 metres are in place.

As is routine, officers from the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

Source: Metropolitan Police Service Bulletin 0000000232 22 July 2005

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White House Press Briefing by Scott McClellan 07/21/05

more at Karl Rove or rove and John Roberts or Supreme Court and London or London bombing and London bomb

Press Briefing by Scott McClellan, FULL STREAMING VIDEO James S. Brady Briefing Room, 12:53 P.M. EDT

MR. McCLELLAN: Good afternoon, everyone. Let me begin with something you all have been interested in today, the situation in London. This morning, it was probably around 8:30 a.m. this morning, the President was informed of the situation in London by Andy Card and Steve Hadley. This was toward the end of his intelligence briefing. We have continued to monitor the situation throughout the morning. The President has been kept informed about developments. Around 11:00 a.m. this morning, after he had returned from his remarks, Andy Card and Fran Townsend, our Homeland Security Advisor, provided the President with an additional update about what is known and what Prime Minister Blair had said in his remarks.

Our mass transit systems remain at a heightened state of alert. It was a step that we took two weeks ago out of an abundance of caution following the attacks that took place in London. There are additional security precautions that we put in place at that point. Those included more law enforcement personnel around those systems, bomb-detecting dog teams, increased video surveillance, and increased inspections. There is no plan, at this time, to change the alert level for our mass transit systems. Those systems remain at the orange level, or heightened state of alert.

And with that, I will be glad to go to your questions.

Q Did you say, Scott, in the 11:00 a.m. update, how clear of a picture did the President receive of what's happened in London?

MR. McCLELLAN: It's basically what the British authorities have shared with you all publicly.

Q You don't know anything more about -- it seems like a pretty fuzzy picture of what's going on.

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, remember, we have U.S. authorities and officials who have been working closely with British authorities over the course of the past two weeks. We have been in close coordination in assisting British authorities as they have moved forward since the attacks of two weeks ago, and that continues. We will continue to assist in any way we can.

Q And I guess it's safe to assume, since you say there's no change in the alert status, there's no indication of anything unusual in the United States, any place you see?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we are always taking any possible threats as seriously as possible. And that's why I said that we remain at a heightened state of alert out of an abundance of caution. And that was a step that we took more than two weeks ago. There's nothing additional that I have to share at this point. But we're constantly sharing information and staying in close contact with state and local authorities about information that we get.

Q Why does Karl Rove still have security clearance and access to classified documents when he has been revealed as a leaker of a secret agent, according to Time magazine's correspondent?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there is an investigation that continues, and I think the President has made it clear that we're not going to prejudge the outcome of that investigation.

Q You already have the truth.

MR. McCLELLAN: We're not going to prejudge the outcome of that investigation through --

Q Does he have access to security documents?

MR. McCLELLAN: -- through media reports. And these questions came up over the last week --

Q Did he leak the name of a CIA agent?

MR. McCLELLAN: As I was trying to tell you, these questions have been answered.

Q No, they haven't.

Q Let me ask --

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead, David.

Q And they most certainly haven't. I think Helen is right, and the people watching us know that. And related to that, there are now --

MR. McCLELLAN: Let me correct the record. We've said for quite some time that this was an ongoing investigation, and that we weren't going to comment on it, so let me just correct the record.

Q If you want to make the record clear, then you also did make comments when a criminal investigation was underway, you saw fit to provide Karl Rove with a blanket statement of absolution. And that turned out to be no longer accurate --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, and there were preferences expressed by those overseeing the investigation that we refrain from commenting on it while they're continuing to look at -- investigate it.

Q White House officials have been very clear through their attorneys or through other leaks to make it known that it was essentially journalists who educated them about who Valerie Plame was, what she did, and her role in sending her husband to Niger. It has now come to light that in fact White House officials were aware, or at least had access to a State Department memo that the President's own Secretary of State at the time had with him when he was traveling on Air Force One to Africa, which indicated both who she was, what she did, and her role in the Niger trip. So did the White House, in fact, know about her through this memo, or not?

MR. McCLELLAN: I thank you for wanting to proceed ahead with the investigation from this room, but I think that the appropriate place for that to happen is through those who are overseeing the investigation. The President directed us to cooperate fully, and that's exactly what we have been doing and continue to do.

Q But you don't deny that attorneys for Rove and others in the White House are speaking about these matters, creating a lot of these questions, right, that you say you can't speak to?

MR. McCLELLAN: As I said, we're not getting into talking about an ongoing investigation. That's what the President indicated, as well.

Q Can I ask you something on a different topic?

MR. McCLELLAN: Sure.

Q Do you feel like you have the votes for John Roberts, for his confirmation today? I realize people are sort of waiting before they make judgment, but do you feel based on your own canvassing, that he's got it in the bag?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think it's way too early in the process to start trying to get into vote counting or anything of that nature. The President is pleased with the warm reception he is receiving from senators, both Democrats and Republicans. He continues to meet with senators today. Judge Roberts is visiting with, I think, an additional six senators today as part of his initial courtesy visits and as part of his consultations going forward. And I'm not going to try to get into the Washington game of vote counting or anything of that nature. It's the Senate's responsibility to move forward on the confirmation process. The President has called for a dignified and civil process, and the indications are that the Senate is inclined to move forward in that direction, and we appreciate that.

Q So the White House won't count votes at any point?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we appreciate the warm reception that Judge Roberts has received from the Senate.

Q Scott, was there discussion prior to today of possibly lowering the terror threat level here in the U.S.?

MR. McCLELLAN: We're always looking at the threat level, and that is something we evaluate on a daily basis. And as I said, there is no change in the threat level for the mass transit systems. Now, that was just for the mass transit systems that we elevated it to a heightened state of alert, or the orange alert level.

Q Is there any full meeting of the NSC planned for today, at any point?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the President had a Security Council meeting earlier this morning, but that was to talk about the progress we're making in Iraq.

Q And on the decision by the Senate last week not to increase the transportation funding for security in the transit lines, do you feel that there's an adequate level of funding to secure American transit lines?

MR. McCLELLAN: Our Homeland -- our Secretary of Homeland Security spoke about that issue last week, and that remains our position. We have provided, I think it's some $250 million in money to the mass transit systems that you're referring to. We've provided an additional more than $8 billion in grants to states and local officials. And that's money or additional resources that they can direct toward the mass transit systems if they see best. What we want to -- as they see best.

We want to make sure that resources are targeted toward the risks. And so it's a risk-based assessment that we believe should be used for those resources.

Go ahead.

Q The Secretary of Homeland Security stirred some controversy, I think it was last week, when he said that the risks are greater from an airplane than from mass transit. Has the second attack in London made people reconsider that perspective?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think that you ought to look at the full context of his remarks. I think he was talking in the context of the federal responsibility. Aviation security is solely a federal responsibility. The mass transit systems -- when you talk about subways and trains and things of that nature, that is a shared responsibility of local, state and federal authorities, and that's what he was talking about.

Q But at a time when it's possible that mass transit is being targeted, is it something that you might need to reconsider in terms of where the federal dollars should go?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we are dedicating a lot of resources toward mass transit systems, as well. I just pointed out what we've dedicated toward mass transit systems.

Go ahead, Carl.

Q Chinese official news is reporting an unnamed North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman as suggesting that if the U.S. were to normalize its relationships with North Korea, then there wouldn't be a need for them to have nuclear weapons program. What do you make of all that?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we look forward to the talks that will be continuing next week. The five parties put a proposal on the table and it's time to move forward on that proposal in a serious way. North Korea has indicated that they want to see a nuclear-free peninsula and that they are committed to making progress toward that goal in the six-party talks next week.

North Korea needs to make a strategic decision to abandon its nuclear ambitions. If they make that decision, they can start to realize better relations with the international community and start to realize some of the benefits of coming into the international community. And they need to make the strategic decision.

But no one should be coming into the talks with any preconditions. The talks next week will be centered on talking about how we move forward on the proposal that was outlined a year ago. That proposal, we believe, and other -- the other members to the talks believe addresses the concerns of all parties. And it is the way forward to getting to our shared goal of a nuclear-free peninsula.

Q Does the administration then take this latest piece of information seriously? Or is this the type of stuff that in the past has come in advance of meetings?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, like I said, no one should come into the discussions with any preconditions. The place to talk about all the issues are in the six-party talks. And it's North Korea that needs to make the strategic decision to abandon their nuclear ambitions, and to work in a serious way to move forward toward the goal of a nuclear-free peninsula.

Go ahead.

Q Scott, the President talked about the war on terrorism --

MR. McCLELLAN: Elaine.

Q Thank you, Scott, I appreciate it. The President today talked about the war on terrorism and made remarks about how the ideologies are different. But since September of 2001, can you talk about the diplomatic outreach and how, in fact, Americans and people around the world can measure the progress on that front? Not just al Qaeda and rounding up terrorists --

MR. McCLELLAN: On the diplomatic front? Well, there's a lot of cooperation among many countries in the global war on terrorism. There are some 90-plus countries that are part of the global war on terrorism. And we are coordinating and sharing information and working closely with many countries around the world, many countries in the civilized world that recognize this is an ideological struggle against terrorists who base their ideology on spreading hatred and fear. The terrorists want to intimidate us. They want to spread fear and chaos. They will not intimidate us. They want to shake our will. We will defeat them by continuing to stay on the offensive and bring them to justice before they can carry out their attacks; and by spreading freedom and democracy, as the President talked about in his remarks earlier today. And we continue to work with countries around the world on the diplomatic efforts, as well.

You point out a very important aspect there. This is a war that is fought on multiple fronts, the diplomatic, the law enforcement, the intelligence, the military. And we're waging a comprehensive strategy to prevail over the ideology the terrorists espouse.

It is a long-term ideological struggle that we're engaged in. We remain at war on terrorism.

Q But Tony Blair today faced questions about the Iraq war continuing to be a reason that these terrorists are citing as targeting their efforts on certain countries, his included. Does the -- is there a concern that perhaps the diplomatic efforts have not succeeded to the point where you can overcome that point of view?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, the terrorists have been carrying out their attacks on the civilized world for some two decades now. All you have to do is go back and look at the attacks on the Marine barracks in Lebanon; all you have to do is go and look at the attacks that took place on our World Trade Center back in 1993, and the attacks that occurred on September 11th that will always be etched in the hearts and minds of the American people.

The terrorists have no regard for human life. They seek to spread an ideology that is based on hatred and oppression. The way to defeat that ideology is to spread freedom and democracy. We must continue to take the fight to the enemy and fight them abroad so that we're not fighting them here at home. And that's exactly what we're doing.

The President recognized and made a decision after September 11th that we were no longer going to look the other way at what was taking place in a dangerous region of the world, that we were going to go on the offensive and that we were going to spread freedom and democracy. I don't know if people are making the same argument that because we're in Afghanistan, they're carrying out these attacks. They're carrying out these attacks because they have a hateful ideology and they seek to spread fear and chaos, and shake the will of the international community, and shake the will of the civilized world. They cannot shake our will. We are united in our resolve to prevail in the war on terrorism.

Q One more question on this State Department memo that David brought up. Did any senior official on Air Force One see that memo -- the State Department memo that Secretary Powell brought with him?

MR. McCLELLAN: And my response hasn't changed to David's question. There's an ongoing investigation; the President directed us to cooperate fully with that investigation and that's what we have been doing. And those are all issues for the people overseeing the investigation to look at.

Go ahead, Sarah.

Q My question is related to Elaine's. CNN reports that --

MR. McCLELLAN: Related to -- I'm sorry -- related to?

Q Related to the bombings in London.

MR. McCLELLAN: Okay.

Q CNN reports that about two-thirds of British residents believe the bombings are a protest to Britain's support of the U.S. effort in Iraq. Does that concern the President, and has he done anything to reassure Prime Minister Tony Blair?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think the President has talked about the situation in Iraq and the progress that we're making there. The terrorists have chosen to make Iraq a central front in the war on terrorism and we're fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here at home.

Q Today the U.S. Department of Treasury designated --

MR. McCLELLAN: Go ahead, Sarah. I'll come back to you.

Q Apparently, China still has time to up its bid for Unocal, even though the Unocal board of directors says it wants to accept Chevron's new bid. I know you have said there is a mechanism in the U.S. government to deal with foreign purchases of U.S. companies. But how does the President personally feel about the possibility of China acquiring a big U.S. oil company?

MR. McCLELLAN: The President expects that if this were to move forward, that the procedures in place would be followed. And there are procedures in place for addressing these issues.

Q The House is looking at the Patriot Act today. Within the context of what's happened today, can you talk about efforts to amend it, change it --

MR. McCLELLAN: I think you heard the President talk about it yesterday. The threats we see from terrorism are not coming to an end, nor should the provisions and tools that the Patriot Act provides our law enforcement and intelligence personnel. The Patriot Act has helped us to break down the wall that existed between law enforcement and intelligence where they could not share information. Now they're able to share information and be in better position to connect the dots and prevent attacks from happening, or disrupt plots for attacks.

I think there is a great op/ed in today's USA Today by Michael Battle, the U.S. Attorney who was involved in overseeing the efforts to disrupt the plot by the Lackawanna Six. And he talked about how important the tools in the Patriot Act are to helping us defeat the terrorists and prevent attacks from happening in the first place. And so we --

Q But in terms of greater oversight --

MR. McCLELLAN: So we continue to urge Congress to move forward and renew all the provisions in the Patriot Act.

Q Without greater oversight, other efforts that --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, there are safeguards in there when it comes to civil liberties. And I think you should look at what the safeguards are in there, as well, because this is a law that not only helps us save lives, but it also protects the liberties that we hold dear. It's the terrorists that are seeking to take away the freedoms that we enjoy.

Q Is there any concern that Pakistan is not doing enough to weed out terrorists on their home turf, and that possibly they may need additional resources from our country to help them from exporting terrorist activities, like what happened in London?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, Pakistan is a great ally in the war on terrorism. And Pakistan recognizes the threat from terrorists. They have seen that on their own soil. We have certainly seen it on our own soil here at home. And we are working very closely with Pakistan in the global war on terrorism and to go after members of al Qaeda and Taliban -- and the Taliban that continue to live in the border region there with Afghanistan. And the Afghanistan authorities are working with us; the Pakistan authorities are working with us. There's more that we can all do to continue to go after those who seek to carry out attacks on innocent civilians.

Go ahead, Roger.

Q On China's reevaluation of its currency. Was the President at all sort of discouraged by the small step that they took? I know you said he was encouraged, but it was a little bit of a small step. Does he hope for more? And also, is there any assessment on whether it would narrow the trade gap between the U.S. and China?

MR. McCLELLAN: We welcome the step that China announced today. This is a step that we are encouraged by and the President is encouraged by because it is a step toward adapting a more flexible market-based currency system. And the Treasury Department -- Treasury Secretary Snow spoke about this earlier today and I think I'll leave it with what they said in terms of their comments. The President was informed about the news out of China earlier this morning.

Q Has he offered any call or message to the Chinese leaders?

MR. McCLELLAN: We stay in close contact with our counterparts in China on issues of mutual concern, and I don't have any update from this podium at this point.

Go ahead, Les.

Q Yesterday in Baltimore, the President congratulated Maryland's Republican Governor Bob Ehrlich for achieving a $1 billion surplus since the Governor inherited a $1 billion deficit from the Democrat's former Governor Parris Glendening. And my first question, has the President had any comment on Governor Ehrlich being actually sued by the Baltimore Sun because Ehrlich has asked his administration to join him in "no comment" to only two of the Sun's more extremist writers?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think that you share the President's enthusiasm for the great job that Governor Ehrlich is doing. The President believes he's doing a great job as Governor of Maryland, and he talked about that yesterday. He pointed out that they do now enjoy a billion dollar surplus.

Q The Baltimore Sun has now directed one of its best columnists, Greg Kane, to give up his regular appearances on talk radio because, said Editor Steve Sullivan, there is hostility and a lack of civility.

And my question: Has the President ever asked any of his administration to so boycott American talk radio?

MR. McCLELLAN: Les, I'm not aware of any discussion we've had on the matter.

Q And they've never done it, right? To your knowledge, it's never been done.

MR. McCLELLAN: I think I just answered it.

Go ahead, Bob.

Q Scott, a couple of clean-up questions on Roberts. Who are the six senators he's meeting today?

MR. McCLELLAN: I'll see if we can get you more information. Obviously, I think people will see him up there on the Hill. (Laughter.) See if he's -- it includes Democrats and Republicans. I believe there are three Democrats and three Republicans that he is meeting with today.

Q Is he expected to meet with all one hundred? Is that the usual protocol? I don't remember any more.

MR. McCLELLAN: We'll keep you posted on his meetings. And -- I don't recall off the top of my head, but he will meet with a number of senators as part of our ongoing consultations as the Senate moves forward on the confirmation process.

Q And you said you were happy with the warm reception he's received up there. Are you surprised, perhaps, that a lot of the Democrats have been so reticent to offer criticism, those you might expect to criticize quickly?

MR. McCLELLAN: No, not at all. The President is pleased with the response from Democrats and Republicans alike in the Senate. We're not surprised that they recognize, as the President does, that Judge Roberts is someone who is exceptionally well-qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Roberts will make the American people proud as a Justice on the United States Supreme Court. He is someone who brings great experience and judgment and civility to the position. The President nominated him because he is someone who believes in strictly interpreting our Constitution and our laws and not trying to make law from the bench. He is someone who is committed to fairness and impartiality. And I think that's what the American people want in a Supreme Court justice.

Carl, and then I'll go to Bob.

Q Scott, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, lead by Byron Dorgan, along with the Democrats of the House Government Reform Committee, are going to hold a hearing tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. on the leaking of classified information and the damage that it could cause. Do you think that that investigation that they're conducting on -- just Democrats is helpful?

MR. McCLELLAN: I think that it's helpful for all of us to make sure we're doing our part to allow the people overseeing the investigation to do their job. And that's what we've been doing from this White House. And I really don't have anything to add beyond that.

Q One quick question again about the shield law. What's the latest administration thinking on strengthening the shield law for reporters in the District?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the Department of Justice is the lead agency when it comes to this piece of legislation because there are some law enforcement provisions that would be impacted by the legislation. So I think you should look to what the Department of Justice has been saying on it.

I understand that there are some reports that Senator Luger may be offering some changes to the legislation or something to that effect, and I'm not sure that those have been made public at this point.

Go ahead.

Q Scott, anything on how Karen Hughes is preparing for her confirmation hearing tomorrow, what the President expects from her and her new job, and with respect to the sort of war of ideas piece that you talked about earlier in the context of the anti-terror campaign, how much of a difference can be made by re-crafting the message?

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, the public diplomacy part of the war on terrorism is important. We are -- and Secretary Rice has spoken about this at length recently. We are going to continue to work to improve our public diplomacy efforts. There are a lot of people that have been working on that and they're doing a great job. Dina Powell, who was here at the White House, is now confirmed and over at the Department of State, already focusing on these issues. We look forward to the Senate moving forward quickly on Karen's confirmation so that she can go about doing the work at the State Department, as well.

But it's important for us to continue to communicate the values and -- or the values and what we stand for here in America. These are values that I think people share around the world. And the President talked about the importance of everybody living in freedom, because free societies are peaceful societies and freedom is something that is a universal right of all people.

Go ahead.

Q This week -- Department of the Treasury -- Saddam Hussein's -- as individuals who

MR. McCLELLAN: I'm sorry, I can't hear you very well.

Q Department of the Treasury has indicted six of Saddam Hussein's -- as individuals who aiding insurgency in Iraq, directing attack against coalition forces. All of them have Syria address. Are you going to talk to Syria to stop this individual --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, we continue to convey our concerns to the government of Syria. Syria has been out of step with the rest of the Middle East. The Middle East has been moving more and more in the direction of freedom and democracy, and we continue to support efforts to advance the spread of freedom in that region. That has been a dangerous region of the world. It has been a region that has exported terrorism. It is a region where the people who hijacked the planes and flew them into buildings here in the United States and took some 3,000 innocent lives -- it's the region where they came from. And that's why it's so important that we no longer appease or ignore what has been occurring there.

For decades we were looking for peace and stability while dictators continued to rule in the Middle East. And the President recognized that in order to prevail in the war on terrorism, we must also work to spread freedom and democracy, and that we could -- that the objective of peace and stability -- we got neither of those by ignoring that part of the world.

And in terms of Syria, Syria needs to get in step with the rest of the Middle East. Syria needs to shut down terrorist organizations in its territory, terrorist organizations that are trying to derail efforts to move forward on peace in the Middle East, trying to derail efforts to move forward on the two-state vision of Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. There is a historic opportunity before us right now with the disengagement plan, and it's important that all parties continue to make maximum effort to make it successful.

Syria also needs to take steps to go after those regime elements that may be operating on their territory. They need to play a helpful role with their neighbors, and that's a message we continue to express to the government of Syria.

Go ahead.

Q Back to -- on the explosions, if I may. Could you confirm a high-level meeting, security meeting between British and U.S. officials this morning prior to the explosions involving possibly senior officials from the national security?

MR. McCLELLAN: Are you talking about in London?

Q In London, yes.

MR. McCLELLAN: No, I don't have any update on meetings. Like I said, we are working closely -- in close coordination with British authorities, and we are continuing to assist in any way we can. But in terms of any updates of discussions or anything of that nature, I'll leave it to British authorities to talk more about what latest -- the latest developments are.

Q Thank you.

MR. McCLELLAN: Thank you.

END 1:21 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 21, 2005

London Police Appeal for Assistance - Can you help?

You are invited to download these banners and use them free of copyright on your web page. No charge is made for the link. We regret that reciprocal links cannot be supported on police.uk. Use of the banners does not infer endorsement by or the support of the Police Service for the product or service you offer and suggestions to this effect should not be made.

Source: Metropolitan Police Service To view banners of different sizes, click the links below:
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Macedonian Parliament Ohrid Agreement

Macedonian Parliament Reaches Milestone on 2001 Ohrid Agreement

The United States welcomes the Macedonian Parliament’s approval on July 15 of the Law on Community Symbols, the final step in completing the legislative requirements of the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement. Since 2001, the leaders of Macedonia have worked to create a stable, multi-ethnic country on the path to joining the Euro-Atlantic community. They adopted important constitutional amendments and changed more than seventy laws to fulfill the legislative agenda of the Framework Agreement.

Much remains to be done to implement the legislative changes. We call on all parties in Macedonia to continue to fully implement all Framework Agreement requirements, as well as their commitment to the rule of law and to the resolution of disagreements through dialogue and negotiation. Macedonia will have the continued friendship and support of the United States in these efforts.

SOURCE state.gov 2005/712 Released on July 19, 2005 Press Statement, Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman, Washington, DC, July 19, 2005

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Under Secretary Burns Meets Greek Deputy Cultural Minister

Question: Can we have a read out of the meeting between Under Secretary for Policy Nicholas Burns and Greek officials?

Answer: Under Secretary Burns met today with Greek Deputy Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia. They discussed the excellent bilateral ties between the U.S. and Greece and matters of joint cultural interest, including lessons learned from the successful 2004 Athens Olympiad.

### 2005/714

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC July 19, 2005 Question Taken at the July 19 Daily Press Briefing

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Saudi Arabian Ambassador Bandar

President's Statement on Saudi Arabian Ambassador Bandar

The President thanks His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud for his distinguished service as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Bandar has been a tireless advocate for close ties, warm relations, and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia for over twenty years. In troubled times U.S. Presidents past and present have relied upon Ambassador Bandar's advice. In good times, they have enjoyed his wit, charm, and humor. Throughout his tenure Ambassador Bandar has remained a close, steadfast friend to the United States. The President bids Ambassador Bandar and his family a fond farewell and wishes them all the best on their return to the Kingdom.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 20, 2005

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William Robert Timken, Jr Ambassador to Germany

Nomination Sent to the Senate

William Robert Timken, Jr., of Ohio, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Germany.

# # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 20, 2005

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London Press conference at 17.45 21 July

Press conference at 17.45 21 July

Commissioner Sir Ian Blair speaking at a press conference at 17.45 today said it had been "another difficult day". He confirmed there had been four scenes at which attempts have been made to set off explosive devices.

Reminding the media how the investigation unfolded two weeks ago he asked them to be patient. Bringing perpetrators to justice must not be prejudiced: "We'll tell you facts when we have facts. At the end of this we want to have some trials".

He emphasised that the message now is "back to business".

The Commissioner thanked London's other emergency services, British Transport Police and London Ambulance Service in particular had done "a marvellous job".

Sir Ian said "the scenes now are very tightly controlled" and that today's incidents "may represent a significant breakthrough" because of the forensic material these sites may reveal.

Sir Ian said it is imperative that no communities should be smeared with blame, rather "these are criminal acts and we are in pursuit of criminals".

The Commissioner agreed there was a "resonance" between today's attacks and those on 7 July, given there were four incidents in each, but it was too early to establish links, if there were any. He said today, importantly, the terrorists' intention to harm people had not been fulfilled.

Sir Ian said that the police investigation was changing every few minutes, and officers needed time to carry out detailed work in their search for clues.

He appealed for the public to come forward with any information or pictures.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have photos or mobile phone images from any of the incident scenes, either at the time of the incident or shortly before, to send them online via www.police.uk .

Information about today's incidents can also be submitted to police through the same website, or alternatively through the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.

See also: Incidents in London

Source: Metropolitan Police Service Bulletin 0000000230, 21 July 2005

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London transport incidents, Incidents in London 21 July

London transport incidents

Due to exceptionally high volumes of traffic, the Metropolitan Police website is currently displaying essential information only.

Incidents in London 21 July

Emergency services personnel have responded to reports of incidents at 4 sites across the capital. They are Oval, Shepherd's Bush, Warren Street and Hackney Road, E2.

As a precaution officers have been deployed at Warren Street London Underground Station in full protective equipment in order to carry out an examination of the scene. We have carried out an initial examination at Oval and early indications show that there is no trace of chemical agents.

At this stage we have no reported casualties.

We ask people to remain at work or home at this stage and await further information.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have photos or mobile phone images from any of today's incident scenes, either at the time of the incident or shortly before, to send them online to:

police.uk

Source: Metropolitan Police Service If people have any information about today's incidents, they are urged to contact the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

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President After Meeting with Judge Roberts

more at Supreme Court and John Roberts or Current Affairs and Politics

President's Remarks to the Press After Meeting with Judge Roberts, Rose Garden, 7:30 A.M. EDT, President George W. Bush stands with Judge John G. Roberts, his nominee to the Supreme Court, in the Rose Garden Wednesday morning, July 20, 2005, at the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, how are you? I just had a cup of coffee with the nominee and told him I thought things were off to a very good start for his nomination. I'm not surprised -- he's highly qualified for the job. He's the kind of person that will bring great dignity to the Court. Judge Roberts is off to the Senate this morning to begin his consultations. I'm confident the senators will come to realize what I've come to realize: We're lucky to have a man of such wisdom and intellectual strength willing to serve our country.

I'm also confident that the process will move forward in a dignified, civil way. In my conversations with senators last night, we discussed how important it is that Judge Roberts get a fair hearing, a timely hearing and a hearing that will bring great credit to our nation and to the United States Senate. And so I told Judge Roberts over coffee that we'll provide all the support that's necessary for the senators to be able to make up their minds, that we will push the process forward, because he and I both agree that it's important that he be sworn in prior to the Court reconvening in October, and that I wished him all the best.

So I appreciate you coming by for coffee this morning.

JUDGE ROBERTS: Thank you very much.

END 7:32 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 20, 2005

H.R. 3332 Surface Transportation Extension Act

Statement on H.R. 3332, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2005, Part III

On July 20, 2005, the President signed the following bill into law:

H.R. 3332, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2005, Part III, which extends highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 20, 2005

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District of Columbia Self Governmental Reorganizational Act

Text of a Letter from the President to the Congress of the United States

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Pursuant to my constitutional authority and consistent with section 446 of The District of Columbia Self Governmental Reorganizational Act as amended in 1989, I am transmitting the District of Columbia's Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Request Act.

The proposed FY 2006 Budget Request Act reflects the major programmatic objectives of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. For FY 2006, the District estimates total revenues and expenditures of $7.35 billion.

GEORGE W. BUSH, THE WHITE HOUSE, July 18, 2005.

# # # For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 19, 2005

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African Growth and Opportunity Act

2005 African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum Dakar, Senegal

On behalf of America, I send greetings to the people of all the African nations represented at the AGOA Forum. I am grateful to all of you who have traveled far to discuss our shared vision for an Africa that is home to democracy, prosperity, and opportunity.

This is a hopeful moment in the history of Africa. The governments of many African nations are being transformed. Many African economies are vibrant and growing. In Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, economic growth is now at its highest level in eight years.

An important part of Africa's rising prosperity is the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA. This wise legislation is reducing barriers to trade, increasing exports, creating jobs, and expanding opportunity for Africans and Americans alike.

AGOA is getting results. Political reforms in Africa have inspired confidence among American investors. Last year, U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa increased 25 percent - and America's imports from AGOA countries rose 88 percent. The success of AGOA is proving that open trade and international investment are the surest and fastest ways for Africa to make progress. So last year, I was proud to sign a law extending the benefits of this vital program.

Over the next several days, you will discuss further ways to expand and diversify trade, so we can sustain economic growth. I am confident that your efforts will lead to greater interest and investment in AGOA nations. You will also be offered practical information about meeting U.S. export requirements and entering U.S. markets. As part of America's long-term commitment to increased trade with Africa, I intend to launch the African Global Competitiveness Initiative, which will give a record number of entrepreneurs access to the information and advice they need to succeed in business and foreign trade.

I appreciate the good work you are doing, and I look forward to our continued partnership on AGOA. Africa is a continent of promise and talent, and opportunity - and together we will help the people of Africa realize the bright future they deserve.

Thank you very much.

### For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 19, 2005

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National Emergency Blocking Property From Liberia

more at Liberia and Africa or Charles Taylor

Notice Continuation of the National Emergency Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Importation of Certain Goods From Liberia

On July 22, 2004, by Executive Order 13348, I declared a national emergency and ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons and prohibiting the importation of certain goods from Liberia, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in PDF Format (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706). 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 former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other persons, in particular their unlawful depletion of Liberian resources and their removal from Liberia and secreting of Liberian funds and property, which have undermined Liberia's transition to democracy and the orderly development of its political, administrative, and economic institutions and resources. I further noted that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on August 18, 2003, and the related cease-fire have not yet been universally implemented throughout Liberia, and that the illicit trade in round logs and timber products is linked to the proliferation of and trafficking in illegal arms, which perpetuate the Liberian conflict and fuel and exacerbate other conflicts throughout West Africa.

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 July 22, 2004, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond July 22, 2005. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13348.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH, THE WHITE HOUSE, July 19, 2005 # # #

For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 19, 2005

NCAA Women's Basketball Champions

more at Basketball or NCAA and Baylor University or President Bush

President Congratulates 2005 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions, The Rose Garden, 8:28 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Congratulations. Welcome. I thought I'd have my picture with you, and then we'll go into the Oval Office.

It is my honor to welcome some highly successful women from the neighborhood. (Laughter.) First, I want to congratulate the Coach. She obviously knows what she's doing. But I love her spirit. I love her can-do spirit that says we're going to win, and we're proud to win.

And I appreciate the women who are here, too. The Lady Bears were really great. And I know I'm supposed to be working hard, but I watched you. (Laughter.) And I was really impressed. And I want to thank you for being such great athletes and such wonderful role models. And I appreciate you representing Baylor University, which is a great university, so well, with such class.

I'm here to welcome you to the Rose Garden and congratulate you for a job well done -- and wish one of you a happy birthday. (Laughter.)

All right, have at it. (Laughter.) Ten, two and four. (Laughter.)

Congratulations. All right, anybody want to see the Oval Office? Let's go look at it. (Applause.)

END 8:29 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 20, 2005

John Roberts, Supreme Court, George Bush

President Announces Judge John Roberts as Supreme Court Nominee FULL STREAMING VIDEO chooses a Justice, he's placing in human hands the authority and majesty of the law. The decisions of the Supreme Court affect the life of every American.

And so a nominee to that Court must be a person of superb credentials and the highest integrity; a person who will faithfully apply the Constitution and keep our founding promise of equal justice under law. I have found such a person in Judge John Roberts.

And tonight, I'm honored to announce that I am nominating him to serve as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. John Roberts currently serves on one of the most influential courts in the nation, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Before he was a -- before he was a respected judge, he was known as one of the most distinguished and talented attorneys in America. John Roberts has devoted his entire professional life to the cause of justice and is widely admired for his intellect, his sound judgment, and personal decency.

Judge Roberts was born in Buffalo and grew up in Indiana. In high school, he captained his football team, and he worked summers in a steel mill to help pay his way through college. He's an honors graduate of both Harvard College and Harvard Law School. In his career, he has served as a law clerk to Justice William Rehnquist, as an Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan, and as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General in the Department of Justice.

In public service and in private practice, he has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court and earned a reputation as one of the best legal minds of his generation. Judge Roberts has earned the respect of people from both political parties. After he was nominated for the Court of Appeals in 2001, a bipartisan group of more than 150 lawyers sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee. They wrote:

"Although as individuals we reflect a wide spectrum of political party affiliation and ideology, we are united in our belief that John Roberts will be an outstanding federal court appeals judge and should be confirmed by the United States Senate."

The signers of this letter included a former counsel to a Republican President, a former counsel to two Democratic Presidents, and a former -- and former high-ranking Justice Department officials of both parties.

My decision to nominate Judge Roberts to the Supreme Court came after a thorough and deliberative process. My staff and I consulted with more than 70 members of the United States Senate. I received good advice from both Republicans and Democrats. I appreciate the care they took. I'm grateful for their advice. I reviewed the credentials of many well-qualified men and women. I met personally with a number of potential nominees.

In my meetings with Judge Roberts, I have been deeply impressed. He's a man of extraordinary accomplishment and ability. He has a good heart. He has the qualities Americans expect in a judge: experience, wisdom, fairness, and civility. He has profound respect for the rule of law and for the liberties guaranteed to every citizen. He will strictly apply the Constitution and laws, not legislate from the bench.

He's also a man of character who loves his country and his family. I'm pleased that his wife, Jane, and his two beautiful children, Jack and Josie, could be with us tonight. Judge Roberts has served his fellow citizens well, and he is prepared for even greater service.

Under the Constitution, Judge Roberts now goes before the United States Senate for confirmation. I've recently spoken with leaders Senator First and Senator Reid, and with senior members of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman Specter and Senator Leahy. These senators share my goal of a dignified confirmation process that is conducted with fairness and civility. The appointments of the two most recent Justices to the Supreme Court prove that this confirmation can be done in a timely manner.

So I have full confidence that the Senate will rise to the occasion and act promptly on this nomination. It is important that the newest Justice be on the bench when the Supreme Court reconvenes in October. I believe that Democrats and Republicans alike will see the strong qualifications of this fine judge as they did when they confirmed him by unanimous consent to the judicial seat he now holds.

I look forward to the Senate voting to confirm Judge John Roberts as the 109th Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Roberts, thank you for agreeing to serve, and congratulations.

JUDGE ROBERTS: Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you, very much. It is both an honor and very humbling to be nominated to serve on the Supreme Court.

Before I became a judge, my law practice consisted largely of arguing cases before the Court. That experience left me with a profound appreciation for the role of the Court in our constitutional democracy and a deep regard for the Court as an institution. I always got a lump in my throat whenever I walked up those marble steps to argue a case before the Court, and I don't think it was just from the nerves.

I am very grateful for the confidence has shown in nominating me, and I look forward to the next step in the process before the United States Senate.

It's also appropriate for me to acknowledge that I would not be standing here today if it were not for the sacrifice and help of my parents, Jack and Rosemary Roberts, my three sisters, Cathy, Peggy, and Barbara, and of course, my wife, Jane. And I also want to acknowledge my children -- my daughter, Josie, my son, Jack -- who remind me every day why it's so important for us to work to preserve the institutions of our democracy.

Thank you again, very much.

END 9:09 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, July 19, 2005

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