President and Mrs. Bush Thank Military Medical Caregivers (VIDEO)

President and Mrs. Bush Thank Military Medical Caregivers, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 10:34 A.M. EST.

With Mrs. Laura Bush looking on, President George W. Bush addresses military medical caregivers Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, before visiting with the wounded at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The President told the caregivers,

'... On behalf of a grateful nation, thanks for doing your duty, thanks for serving, thanks for being an important part of this march for freedom; and thanks, most of all, for bringing comfort and aid and solace to those who have been hurt on the battlefield and their families.' White House photo by Paul Morse.

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for such a warm welcome. Laura and I are thrilled to be back at this unbelievable facility -- unbelievable because of the buildings and the technology that's used here and the equipment; but, more importantly, because of the decency and compassion and skill of our healers that work for our country

So first we want to thank you all for helping do a really important job. And that is to be able to say to our country, at any time anybody gets hurt anywhere, they're going to get the best medical care possible. And that's done right here at Bethesda, as well as Walter Reed. And so we're here to thank the nurses and the docs and the healers and the volunteers who help put the smile on the faces of those who have been hurt, as well as their families.

One of the great blessings of our country is the fact that there are millions of compassionate souls who are willing to try to make somebody's life better.

I want to thank Admiral Robinson and Dr. Winkenwerder, Admiral Arthur. I want to thank General Kiley and Lieutenant General Peach Taylor, as well as Major General Farmer. And thank Tom Travis, as well -- happens to be his birthday, by the way. (Laughter.) His wife said, you're birthday gift is to say hello to the President -- not a really good gift. (Laughter.) Anyway. (Laughter.)

We're serving in an amazing time. I say, "We're serving," because we're serving together. It is a time when this nation of ours is facing unbelievable challenges. There is an enemy that still lurks, that wants to bring harm to the American people. And we've got to do everything in our power to protect the American people; that is our solemn duty. There is a fantastic opportunity, as we defeat this enemy, to lay the foundation for peace for generations to come.

We have a great opportunity as a generation called to act, called to protect America, to seize the moment and defeat this ideology with freedom. You know, I like to tell people about how -- "amazed" isn't the right word -- but how stark this story I'm about to tell you is to me, what an amazing contrast it is about Japan.

You know, my dad, as an 18-year-older signed up -- in the United States Navy, by the way. There you go. (Applause.) And there were a lot of 18-year-old and 19-year-old and 20-year-old kids, and some older people, too -- (laughter) -- to fight against a sworn enemy which had attacked us.

Laura and I just got back from the Far East, and I sat down at the table with the Prime Minister of Japan, talking about how to keep the peace, talking about how to deal with North Korea, talking about how -- and thanking him, by the way, for sending troops to Iraq to help this young democracy develop. And it was that contrast between what 41 did and what 43 is doing -- that would be my dad and me. (Laughter.) To sit down with a dad -- which we're going to do here over Christmas -- who fought the Japanese, and his son is helping to keep the peace with the Japanese, something had to have happened.

And one of my predecessors, Harry Truman, recognized the power of freedom to transform an enemy into an ally, that's what happened. And so Japan adopted a Japanese-style democracy, and in that, democracies don't fight each other; in that, democracy is the best way to encourage a peaceful world. It's working.

And what we're seeing today is brave troops and committed citizens who are not only determined to chase down the killers and bring them to justice before they hurt us again, but understand that by spreading freedom and democracy, we're battling an ideology of darkness with an ideology of hope, and we're laying that foundation for peace for generations to come. The task at hand is one that requires determination and discipline and great faith in the ideals of human freedom and human liberty.

And so coming here today is a chance to not only thank you for being a part of this incredible team of healers, but also being a part of this historic moment. Some day, an American President will be sitting down with a duly elected leader of Iraq, working hard to keep the peace, and future generations of America will be saying, thank God this generation of America stood strong for what we believe. (Applause.)

And so on behalf of a grateful nation, thanks for doing your duty, thanks for serving, thanks for being an important part of this march for freedom; and thanks, most of all, for bringing comfort and aid and solace to those who have been hurt on the battlefield and their families.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2006. May God bless your work, and may God continue to bless the United States. (Applause.)

END 10:41 A.M. EST For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 21, 2005

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Swearing-In of Millennium Challenge CEO (VIDEO)

President Attends Swearing-In of Millennium Challenge CEO,FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The State Department 10:06 A.M. EST.

President George W. Bush stands by as John Danilovich signs appointment affidavits after being sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during ceremonies at the U.S. Department of State.

Looking on are Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and members of Mr. Danilovich's family. White House photo by Paul Morse."

President George W. Bush stands by as John Danilovich signs appointment affidavits after being sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during ceremonies at the U.S. Department of State.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's nice to be back here at the State Department. I'm glad to be with my friend, Condi Rice, who's doing a fabulous job as our Secretary of State. (Applause.) It's also good to be here with the Board and staff of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. And I'm proud to be here to congratulate the new Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador John Danilovich.

This is a vital part for our country and for my administration. And that's why I've come. The MCC is an integral part of our strategy to fight poverty and to encourage economic development. And leading this organization requires a combination of idealism and managerial skill and diplomatic savvy and economic expertise. John Danilovich has those qualities -- that's why I picked him and that's why he's going to be a great executive leading this important corporation.

I'm also proud to be standing up here with Irene; and I'm glad to be with his three children, J.C., Alice and Alex, proud members of the Danilovich family. I appreciate Ambassador Negroponte being here today -- thank you, John. He's doing a fine job as the Director of National Intelligence. In order to defeat the enemy, we have got to have the best intelligence possible. Thanks for your leadership.

Deputy Secretary Bob Kimmitt of the Treasury is with us. I see my friend, Mosbacher, here, from OPIC. Thanks for coming, Rob. Members of the administration too numerous to mention are here, and I want to thank the ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Your Excellencies, thanks for being here today.

America is founded on the belief that every life has dignity and every life has value, and we have long felt a special responsibility to help the less fortunate. For decades, our country sent aid to developing -- to the developing world with the best of intentions -- but we did not ask if we were getting the best of results. Too often, American aid was squandered by inept leaders, pocketed by corrupt officials, and swallowed up by rampant inflation. Without insisting on accountability in exchange for generosity, we were not serving the people of the developing countries, and we were not serving American taxpayers.

And so my administration decided to do something about it. We decided to insist upon results. Almost two years ago, we launched the Millennium Challenge Account as an entirely new way to provide aid. The MCA is based on clear principle: countries that seek our aid must demonstrate a record of performance. I don't think that's too much to ask on behalf of the taxpayer, nor is it too much to demand on behalf of people living in the countries we're trying to help.

Specifically, countries seeking MCA assistance have got to show results in three key areas. They must govern justly -- that makes sense. They must invest in their people -- that's a wise use of money. And they must encourage economic freedom.

Poor countries that prove a commitment to these sound policies are eligible to apply for an MCC compact. That's an interesting word, "compact." It means we're working together. It means these countries have to design a proposal that will reduce national poverty and stimulate economic growth. We consider each proposal through a rigorous process -- sometimes too slow and too rigorous -- and then award compacts to countries with wise proposals that include a way to measure results. By requiring countries to create and implement their own strategies, they have a stake in their own success -- and we're giving Americans reason to be confident as we spend their money.

The Millennium Challenge Account has the potential to transform the way the world delivers aid. So far, we have signed compacts with five nations, and committed to deliver nearly a billion dollars in assistance. That money is making life-changing difference in some of the poorest countries in the world. In Madagascar, where 80 percent of the people live on less than $2 a day, the MCA compact is helping to modernize the national land registry, which will help secure property rights for more than 60,000 families. In Honduras and Nicaragua, MCA compacts are helping farmers improve their business plans to grow more profitable crops, and to get the crops to the markets faster. In Georgia, where I visited last spring, an MCA compact is helping to rebuild a gas pipeline that will provide reliable heat and electricity for more than a million people. And in Cape Verde, off the Atlantic coast of Africa, an MCA compact is funding the construction of new roads and bridges that will connect some of the nation's key islands. These small nations are making big commitments, and America is proud to stand by their side.

We support people who fight corruption. We support people who invest in the health and education of their children. We support people who understand that economic freedom is the way to improve the lives of their citizens.

We have more to do to fight poverty. I believe central to our foreign policy must be, to whom much is given, much is required. That's why we're leading the fight against HIV/AIDS. That's why we're feeding the hungry. And we're going to continue to help eradicate poverty around the world. John Danilovich is the right person to take on this part of our efforts to fight poverty. He knows how to set priorities, he knows how to solve problems, he knows how to cut through bureaucracy.

In his first six weeks on the job, he has taken steps to streamline the administration at the Corporation, and to expedite the application process for eligible countries. John and the MCC board will now consider the applications of nearly two dozen countries that were recently selected as eligible for compacts. Many of these countries have made good progress on their proposals. I've asked John to complete and sign several more compacts in the coming months.

It's a good program. Let's get it moving and let's implement it for the sake of -- for the sake of eliminating poverty around the world. The success of the MCA is reinforcing our belief that lifting nations out of poverty requires partnership -- not paternalism. In the 21st century, America is willing to be a partner with every nation that works to advance the prosperity, equality and liberty of its people.

This is a commitment I've carried across continents -- from the United Nations in New York to Europe, to South America, to Africa, and Asia. It is a commitment I have urged leaders of other developed nations to adopt, by insisting on measurable results for their own foreign aid. It is a commitment that I urge the United States Congress to continue to support, by funding our requests for MCC funding. And it is a commitment that I am honored to entrust to Ambassador John Danilovich, as he becomes the second Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Congratulations, John. Thanks for your willingness to serve. (Applause.)

(Ambassador John Danilovich is sworn in.) (Applause.)

AMBASSADOR DANILOVICH: Mr. President, Madam Secretary, members of the administration, distinguished guests, family and friends. Mr. President, I want to thank you for your generous words of support and entrusting me with the leadership of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. And I want to express my personal appreciation for your presence and remarks here this morning to reiterate your commitment to this initiative, and to reinforce our efforts to fulfill that vision.

Your bold, creative, and innovative vision of the Millennium Challenge Account, to reduce poverty through sustainable economic growth, represents the most significant and dynamic initiative in development assistance since the Marshal Plan. In response to your call to action, the MCC has taken shape, and with the leadership of Secretary Rice as our chair, a distinguished board, and a dedicated MCC staff, I can assure that we are now moving expeditiously to fulfill your mandate.

Our core principle is that growth occurs fastest in countries that adopt and adhere good policies, and that foreign assistance is most effective in countries that are democratic and practice good governance, invest in the well-being of all of their people -- men and women -- and encourage economic freedom. Our 16 policy indicators are used to select countries that are fighting corruption, to provide an environment for free and open exchange of ideas, that create a just and equitable legal system, and that invest in health and education.

Through a consultative process and country ownership, we promote and create incentives for a culture of accountability and transparency. Our MCA countries are taking the at times difficult, complicated, and in some cases, previously unimaginable, but absolutely necessary steps, to put in place the reforms to be eligible for MCA funding.

These are not Pollyanna remedies. They hammer home a tough but clear message of reason, compassion and hope that enable these countries to use the tools in their own hands to reduce poverty and provide them with a firm grip on the ladder of economic development and growth.

We're presently working with 23 countries that are eligible for MCA funding. We have signed five compacts, as the President noted, with Madagascar, Cape Verde, Nicaragua, Honduras and Georgia, and have committed nearly $1 billion to implement these compacts. We plan to sign three more compacts in the immediate future, and several more throughout 2006.

From Mongolia to Morocco, Mali and Mozambique, to Gambia, and Ghana and Namibia and Lesotho, to Benin and Burkina Faso and Tanzania, to Bolivia and El Salvador, to Senegal, Sri Lanka and East Timor, to Armenia and Banawatu, your initiative, Mr. President, has begun to provide the impetus for social, economic and political reform and transformation. And these countries know that the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, members of Congress and the MCC acknowledge their efforts, and are willing to support and reward them.

Mr. President, Madam Secretary, you have my commitment and the commitment of all of us at MCC to see this through. I want to express my gratitude to Senator Lugar and to Congressman Kolbe, and other members of our Congress, for their support in this effort.

I also want to thank my family -- my wife, Irene, and our children, John Charles, Alice and Alexander -- for their support and understanding. In Costa Rica and Brazil and now Washington, they have responded with strength, grace, and agility to the bands upon them, and they have been outstanding ambassadors for our country.

And Mr. President, Madam Secretary, I thank you for your guidance and support of the MCC and for your friendship. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

END 10:20 A.M. EST For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 20, 2005

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President Visits "Toys for Tots" (VIDEO)

President Visits "Toys for Tots" Collection Center, FULL STREANIBG VIDEO, Naval District Washington, Anacostia Annex, Washington, D.C. 3:18 P.M. EST.

President George W. Bush meets with U.S. Marines working Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 at the 'Toys for Tots' collection center at the Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Kimberlee Hewitt.

THE PRESIDENT: Two-hundred-eighty-nine-thousand toys being distributed from here to children throughout D.C.

It's an interesting process. The toys are collected, the Marines sort with D.C. police and distribute. Is that right?

VOLUNTEER: Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for doing this -- a great part of the compassion of our country. Now, I told our troops that, one, we're a great military; we're great because of the men and women who serve; we're great because of our strength. We're also great because they're decent people who care about a neighbor in need.

So Laura and I are thrilled to be here. Thank you all for your service. We're getting to work.

END 3:19 P.M. EST, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 19, 2005

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President Congratulates the Afghan People on Inauguration of Afghan National Assembly

President Congratulates the Afghan People on Inauguration of Afghan National Assembly

I congratulate the Afghan people on the inauguration of the new Afghan national assembly. Today is another milestone in Afghanistan's historic transition to a stable and democratic state governed by the rule of law. A freely and fairly elected legislature plays a vital role in the life of a representative democracy. I applaud the members of the national assembly on their service to their country and support their efforts, with President Karzai and his government, to improve the lives of the Afghan people.

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

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President Congratulating Congolese People on Voting for New Constitution

Statement on President Congratulating Congolese People on Voting for New Constitution

President Bush congratulates the Congolese people for their deep desire to embrace democracy as demonstrated by the nationwide vote for a new constitution on December 18-19. A decision on this constitutional referendum represents an important step in the democratic process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The United States will work cooperatively with the international community, all political parties, and Congolese civil society to ensure the DRC's political transition occurs peacefully, freely, and fairly through democratic elections at the presidential, legislative, and provincial levels.

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

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President Urges Senate to Reauthorize Patriot Act and Pass Defense Bill

President Urges Senate to Reauthorize Patriot Act and Pass Defense Bill, The South Lawn 10:11 A.M. EST

President George W. Bush speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, before boarding Marine One for Maryland. Urging Senate to reauthorize the Patriot Act

and pass the defense bill, the President said, 'There is an enemy that lurks, a dangerous group of people that want to do harm to the American people ... and we must have the tools necessary to protect the American people.' White House photo by Kimberlee Hewitt.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. The Senate is debating two very important measures, and I urge the United States Senate to pass the Defense Appropriations Bill. It is an important piece of legislation that provides necessary funding for our troops who are fighting in Afghanistan and in Iraq, and who are serving our country around the world. It's an obligation of every member of the United States Senate to provide necessary funding for our troops on the front lines so that we can fight and win the war on terror.

And the second important piece of legislation is the Patriot Act. In order to protect America, the United States Senate must reauthorize the Patriot Act. The terrorists still want to hit us again. There is an enemy that lurks, a dangerous group of people that want to do harm to the American people -- and we must have the tools necessary to protect the American people. The Patriot Act passed overwhelmingly shortly after the September the 11th attack. It has been an effective tool; it has worked.

And the same as we protected the American people using the Patriot Act, we've also protected their civil liberties. There is extensive oversight on this very important program. The Patriot Act tore down the wall between law enforcement and intelligence communities, which makes it easier to connect the dots before an attack. The Patriot Act also gave law enforcement tools to investigate terrorism that they have already got to investigate other types of crimes.

The Patriot Act is scheduled to expire at the end of this year. The terrorist threat is not going to expire at the end of this year. The House has voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act, and they left town, because they thought their -- because their business is finished. The Senate is still debating this issue. A majority of the United States Senate supports reauthorization; a minority of senators is filibustering and preventing the Senate from voting to renew the Patriot Act. The Senate Democratic Leader recently boasted about killing the Patriot Act. This obstruction is inexcusable. The senators obstructing the Patriot Act need to understand that the expiration of this vital law will endanger America and will leave us in a weaker position in the fight against brutal killers. It's important that the Senate act quickly on these two bills.

Thank you very much.

END 10:14 A.M. EST For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 21, 2005

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President Signs Gulf Opportunity Zone Act (VIDEO)

President Signs H.R. 4440, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, Room 350, Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. 3:07 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. In a few moments I will sign the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. This important bill will help the citizens of the Gulf Coast continue to put their lives back together and rebuild their communities in the wake of the devastating hurricanes that hit the region earlier this year.

I want to thank the members of Congress who have joined us here, and those who haven't joined us here, for passing this important piece of legislation. I want to thank Trent Lott, from Mississippi, for being here. Trent Lott invited me one time to his home, right there on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. It no longer exists. He knows firsthand what it means to live through one of these devastating storms -- and I appreciate you, Senator, for being here.

I want to thank Congressmen Jim McCreary of Louisiana and Bill Jefferson of Louisiana. Both these members have worked very hard for the people of the great state of Louisiana with Congress to put a package together to help the people of Louisiana and Mississippi get back up on their feet.

I want to thank Max Baucus -- he's not from the Gulf Coast area of America, he's from Montana, but he cares. And he's a ranking member of the Finance Committee and it's kind for you to be here.

I want to thank members of my Cabinet who have joined us here today: Elaine Chao and Alphonso Jackson, Mike Chertoff.

And, finally, I want to thank my friend, Don Powell, who is the federal coordinator for the Gulf Coast rebuilding effort. His job is to represent the administration there as he interfaces with state and local officials. I want to thank you, Don, for taking on this assignment.

When I spoke to the nation from Jackson Square, in New Orleans, I said our job and our goal for the Gulf Coast was not just to survive, but to thrive, and not just to cope, but to overcome. And I meant it. And we're now implementing a comprehensive plan to help the people of the region recover and rebuild. We've helped a lot of people get temporary housing. We're now in the process of helping them to transition to permanent homes. Helping people find housing is going to be one of the really important challenges that we all face together in order to help these areas rebuild.

We're working to assist the school districts that have taken in students from the affected areas. There's a lot of school districts around our country that said, we want to help, let us educate the children of those who evacuated and now we're helping to rebuild them.

We're also helping rebuild the schools in the affected regions. Last week, we announced our plan to strengthen the levee system in New Orleans. And in the last 24 hours, I extended full federal coverage of the cost of debris removal for Louisiana and Mississippi. We want to get the debris out of the way. I can't imagine anything more discouraging then to continue to see the piles -- and I mean, literally, piles -- of debris. And the sooner we can get that debris removed and disposed of, the more hopeful people will become.

Today, I'm going to sign the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. It's a step forward to fulfill this country's commitment to help rebuild. It's going to help small businesses, is what it's going to do. For small businesses in the affected area, the GO Zone will double expensing for investments and new equipment from $100,000 to $200,000.

The bill also provides a 50 percent bonus depreciation, and that means tax relief for small businesses that -- and businesses that purchase new equipment and build new structures. In other words, this tax act provides incentives for people to move forward. And as these businesses move forward, they're going to need to employ people. So this is a tax bill that has got employment consequences to it. This is going to help the entrepreneurs of Louisiana and Mississippi and Alabama, entrepreneurship creates opportunity, which creates job.

This is just part of our plan to help the people get back to work. We've got to help workers get the skills they need. I just met with a group of concerned citizens from business and labor and education, all aspects of society. Again, I want to thank you all for being there. We're talking about how to help put together a strategy that takes advantage of the jobs that are going to be created down there to make sure there's a skill set match. We've got a lot of people that want to work, and yet they may not all be electricians or plumbers. And so one of the real challenges and opportunities we have is to match willing worker with jobs which will actually exist. And that's what we're talking about and strategizing about.

And, again, I want to thank you all very much. This is the private sector and public sector working in close coordination. Don Powell is going to help put together a strategy that will be, one, it's easy to understand; and, two, that will have moments that we'll be able to measure whether or not we're making progress.

The GO Zone Act does a couple of other things. It increases funding for Hope scholarships and lifetime learning credits for students attending colleges and graduate students in the -- and graduate schools in the Gulf Opportunity Zone. It's going to make continuing education for workers more accessible and help support high school training that these Gulf Coast residents are going to need to fill the jobs which are actually going to be existing.

By the way, in a year from now, we're going to be talking about, what are we going to do about all these jobs, and who's going to fill them? As a matter of fact, there's a job shortage already down there. And, again, I repeat to you, this provides a great opportunity to make sure that the folks in Mississippi and Louisiana can find work. And those are the folks we want to be first in line, by the way. If you're from New Orleans, Louisiana, we want you to be the first person to get the job. And what I'm telling you is we're going to work to make sure housing is available for you, and there's a training center, or training program, that will help you match your desire to work with the jobs which actually exist.

If you're from Mississippi, we want those new jobs to go to Mississippi residents, and we want to help the Mississippi community college, for example, to become a vital training center for the jobs which are going to be needed to help this important part of our country get back up on its feet.

The Senate passed a deficit reduction bill that's going to provide $2 billion to help states pay for critical medical care for those evacuees who need it; that's important. The defense appropriations bill that the Senate is now considering, and I hope passes, would help repair damaged transportation infrastructure, and provide important federal funding for New Orleans to rebuild the levees, and correct any design and construction flaws of those levees. These bills are important for the future of the Gulf Coast.

The DOD bill is really important, as the good senator will tell you. This time of year, Americans, we give our thanks for the many blessings we have. We renew our commitment to help those who are in need. We are going to continue to work together to build a better future for the people of the Gulf Coast. And the bill I'm about to sign is going to make a difference. It's an important piece of legislation. It's part of our strategy to accomplish an important national goal, and that is a revitalized Gulf Coast and a New Orleans that is a shining example of what America can do when it puts its mind to something.

So, again, thank you all for coming. Now I'm honored to sign the bill.

(The bill was signed.) (Applause.)

END 3:16 P.M. EST, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 21, 2005

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Presidential Message: Christmas 2005

Presidential Message: Christmas 2005

'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and will remain with us forever.

Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We have much to be thankful for in this country, and we have a responsibility to help those in need. Jesus calls us to help others, and acts of kindness toward the less fortunate fulfill the spirit of the Christmas season.

On Christmas, we pray for freedom, justice, and peace on Earth. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace. Our entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe return.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # # Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, December 19, 2005

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Presidential Message: Hanukkah 2005

Presidential Message: Hanukkah 2005

I send greetings to all those celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights.

More than 2,000 years ago, the Jewish people led a revolt against oppressors who forbade them to pray, study the Torah, or observe their religious customs. Led by Judah Maccabee and fueled by their faith, their small army triumphed over tyranny. When they reclaimed the desecrated Temple and prepared it to be purified and re-dedicated, the holy oil that should have lasted only one day instead burned for eight days. During Hanukkah, Jews around the world honor this miracle by lighting the menorah, a symbol of hope shining through darkness.

As Jewish Americans prepare to light the Hanukkah candles this year, we give thanks for God's many blessings and His watch and care over our Nation. We remember our many military families and ask God's special blessing on those who have lost loved ones in freedom's cause. We are grateful for the courage and commitment of America's men and women in uniform and pray for their safety as they serve around the world to spread peace and liberty.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyful Hanukkah.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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

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Presidential Message: Kwanzaa 2005

Presidential Message: Kwanzaa 2005

I send greetings to those observing Kwanzaa.

African Americans and people around the world reflect on African heritage during Kwanzaa. The seven days of this celebration emphasize the seven principles of Nguzo Saba -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These values contribute to a culture of citizenship and compassion, and Kwanzaa activities help pass on African values and traditions to future generations.

As families and friends gather for Kwanzaa, Americans remember the many contributions African Americans have made to our country's character and celebrate the diversity that makes our Nation strong. May your commitment to family, faith, and community thrive during this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy Kwanzaa.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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

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President Signs 'Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005'

President Signs 'Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005'

President George W. Bush smiles as he signs into law H.R. 2520, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, during ceremonies Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. White House photo by Paul Morse.

On December 20, 2005, the President has signed into law:

H.R. 2520, the "Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005", which creates a new Federal program to collect and store cord blood, and expands the current bone marrow registry program to also include cord blood.

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

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to contract with qualified cord blood stem cell banks to assist in the collection and maintenance of human cord blood to be made available for transplantation through the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program. Requires the Secretary to require that recipients of such contracts: (1) acquire, tissue-type, test, cryopreserve, and store donated units of human cord blood acquired with the informed consent of the donor in a manner that complies with applicable federal and state regulations; (2) make collected cord blood units available for stem cell transplantation or, if not appropriate for clinical use, available for peer-reviewed research; and (3) submit data for the Program and for inclusion in the stem cell therapeutic outcomes database. Limits such contracts to three years unless the Secretary: (1) finds that an inadequate amount of high-quality human cord blood has not been collected; and (2) does not receive an application from a cell bank that has not entered into such a contract or the Secretary determines that outstanding inventory need cannot be met by the one or more qualified cord blood stem cell banks that have submitted an application.

(Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to rewrite provisions requiring the Secretary to establish and maintain a National Bone Marrow Donor Registry to require the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish and maintain the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program to increase the number of transplants for recipients suitably matched to biologically unrelated donors of bone marrow and cord blood. Requires the Secretary to establish an Advisory Council to advise the Secretary on matters related to Program activities. Sets forth reporting requirements.

Requires the Program to: (1) operate a system for identifying, matching, and facilitating the distribution of donated cord blood units; (2) allow transplant physicians, health care professionals, and patients to search by electronic means for available cord blood units; (3) support studies and demonstration and outreach projects for the purpose of increasing cord blood donation to ensure a genetically diverse collection of cord blood units; and (4) carry out information and educational activities for the purpose of increasing cord blood donation and promoting the availability of cord blood units as a transplant option.

Requires the Secretary to establish and maintain a scientific database of outcome information relating to patients who have been recipients of stem cell therapeutics product from a biologically unrelated donor (replacing provisions establishing a bone marrow scientific registry).

Authorizes appropriations.

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