Lawsuit Abuse White House Economy Conference

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 15, 2004

President Discusses Lawsuit Abuse at White House Economy Conference Washington, D.C. President's Remarks 1:32 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, thank you all for coming. I've just come off a campaign -- (laughter) -- and spent a great deal of time talking with the American people about how to make sure America is the best place in the world to do business. And there was a lot of discussion in the course of the last couple of months about what's the best philosophy to make sure that jobs are created here, that the entrepreneurial environment is strong, that small businesses can flourish -- but, most importantly, that people find jobs close to home.

And one of the things that I talked about was making sure that the environment for risking capital was conducive for job creation. And I tried to say that as plainly as I could. And one issue that I talked about to make sure that costs were reasonable and that the cost of capital was reasonable was legal reform, that the cost of frivolous lawsuits, in some cases, make it prohibitively expensive for a small business to stay in business or for a doctor to practice medicine -- in which case, it means the health care costs of a job provider or job creator has escalated, or is escalating. I talked about the competitive advantage that we must have in America if we expect jobs to stay here.

The cost of lawsuits, relative to countries that we compete against, are high. In other words, the cost of litigation in America makes it more difficult for us to compete with nations in Europe, for example.

And so I want to thank our panelists for coming today to help add some expertise to this notion that if we can achieve legal reform in America it'll make it a better place for people either to start a business and/or find work.

Now, there's much more to a comprehensive economic expansion program than just legal reform, but a cornerstone of any good program is legal reform. And there's a practical aspect to our discussions today, because I want the people who get to decide whether we're having legal reform to hear from experts -- and that would be members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle. I am here to not only thank our panelists, but to make it clear as I possibly can that I intend to take a legislative package to Congress which says we expect the House and the Senate to pass meaningful liability reform on asbestos, on class action and medical liability. (Applause.)

I want to thank -- I want to thank my good friend, Don Evans, who has served so well as the Secretary of Commerce. As you know, he has made the decision to go back to the state of Texas -- I'm glad my departure was delayed by four years. (Laughter.)

SECRETARY EVANS: So am I. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: But I do want to thank him for serving so admirably, and I want to thank you for hosting this event. (Applause.)

FULL TEXT President Discusses Lawsuit Abuse at White House Economy Conference Washington, D.C.

Assistant Administrator Ed Fox

Briefing With Assistant Administrator for United States Agency for International Development Ed Fox. FULL STREAMING VIDEO from c-span

powell

Secretary Colin L. Powell Washington, DC December 27, 2004 (12:30 p.m. EST) SECRETARY POWELL: Well, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I wanted to give you an update on the situation in South Asia as a result of the tsunami and the loss of life that was so tragic.

I have just been on the phone a few moments ago with President Bush, where he has been following this situation very closely from Crawford, and as he indicated in the statement that the White House issued yesterday and he has also now written letters to the heads of state of the countries affected, he wants to extend his deepest condolences to the families of those who were lost. This is, indeed, an international tragedy and we're going to do everything we can to assist the nations that have been affected in dealing with this tragedy.

While the loss of any single life is precious, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend particular condolences for the tragic death of Khun Bhumi Jensen, who is the son of Princess Ubolratana and grandson of His Majesty King Bhumipol of Thailand. We extend condolences to the royal family.

The United States has been following this situation from the very beginning. Our embassies are working in the affected areas to assist contacting families and others, U.S. citizens who are unaccounted for. At the moment, we know of eight Americans who have died and there are several hundred who are not accounted for yet. It just means we haven't been able to reach out and get contact with them. It does not imply that they are necessarily injured or in any way a casualty.

For family members seeking information about one of their loved ones, they can contact the hotline number that we have, 1-888-407-4747. You can also go to the State Department website to get information about each of the countries involved, and that's state.gov.

Our ambassadors in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Indonesia have provided a total of $400,000 in immediate assistance and we are in discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross about providing $4 million in the course of the day of the $6.6 million appeal that they have made. We are also examining what other assets might be needed and we'll do everything we can to help.

The United States Pacific Command is also involved in this, of course. They have dispatched some P3 patrol aircraft to the region and the Pacific fleet is examining what else they might be able to do to help in this situation. I have also talked in the course of the last 18 hours to my counterparts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, India and Malaysia, to reinforce our offers of assistance.

USAID and other elements of the United States Government have been deeply involved. What I'd like to do now, to give you more details with respect to the support we are providing, is to introduce Mr. Ed Fox, who is the Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. He'll give you some details and then I will return to the podium for questions and one or two other issues.

Ed.

MR. FOX: As soon as this tragic incident happened, USAID moved, at the Secretary and the Administrator's direction, to set up and dispatch a Disaster Assistance Response Team, which are our specialists throughout the world. We drew two from the region and we're sending an additional 19, for a total of 21 members, at the moment, which will be in the area to help with sanitation, health and other kinds of relief supplies.

We also draw upon our prepositioned supplies in the region, both from the Philippines and in Dubai, where we have shelter and food. We have water cans, bladders, and things of that nature. The first important thing will be to help in the removal of debris and disaster and to help the people, not only those tragically killed, but the million or more who are also going to be displaced and will need shelter and food and clothing.

As the Secretary had said, not only have we responded, both in terms of the short run, with $400,000 to the various embassies and also a large commitment to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, but it's anticipated that we'll add another -- at least immediately -- another probably $10 million, for a total of about $15 million, in our initial response to this tragedy.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you very much, Ed.

Before taking questions, I just might take note of the Ukrainian election. This is an historic moment for democracy in Ukraine. While the results of Sunday's election are not yet official, it appears that the Ukrainian people finally had an opportunity to choose freely their next president. As the OSCE observers mission indicated in its statement, while some shortcomings remain, the overall vote brought Ukraine substantially closer to meeting international democratic standards: campaign conditions were more equal; observers received fewer reports of pressure on voters; the election administration was more transparent and the media more balanced than in previous rounds. The Ukrainian people can truly be proud of this achievement.

Throughout the Ukrainian presidential campaign, the United States has supported a democratic process, not a particular candidate. We congratulate Ukrainians for the courage they displayed in standing up for their democratic rights. We call on Ukrainians now to set their divisions behind them and to refrain from violence, separatism or provocations. We have said that we are prepared to work closely with the winner of Sunday's election as long as the election was won in a free and fair contest. We are prepared to move forward on many issues of importance to Ukraine.

With that, let me invite Ed back up and take whatever questions you might have on this or other issues.

Yes.

QUESTION: Ukraine, please?

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, let's go to Ukraine first.

QUESTION: Let's try Ukraine. Need it be an open sore, so far as U.S.-Russian relations are concerned? You accused them of meddling. And by the way, I know at least one think tank who says the U.S.'s hands aren't all that clean; they didn't just train judges, you had money going through the National Endowment and, second, going to Yushchenko, that the U.S. was engaged, too.

But anyhow, what's the future? Is this a blot on U.S.-Russian relations?

SECRETARY POWELL: No, I don't think so. And in fact, statements coming out of Moscow today suggest that they will accept the results of the election as well.

We have used for years organizations such as the National Endowment for Democracy to assist civic society in learning how to participate in open, free elections, and that is what we have done in this instance as well. And all we wanted to see was a full, free, fair election, and that appears now to be what happened yesterday. And we will wait for the official results, which should be out later this week, and I don't expect this to be a blot on U.S.-Russian relations. We'll move forward.

Ukrainians chose for themselves. They did not choose for the East or for the West. They have to live with both the East and the West. And let's all join together now and see what we can do to help Ukraine.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, an Iraq question. You spoke of free, fair elections in Ukraine. The Iraqi Islamic Party has now announced that it will also boycott the vote. How concerned are you about the fact that Sunnis may not be terribly well represented, and what, if anything, is the Administration doing with the Iraqis to ensure that there will be Sunni representation in the next government?

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, as you know, the President of the Iraqi Interim Government and the Prime Minister have made it clear that we're going to go forward with these elections on the 30th of January and it's important that all segments of Iraqi society across the political spectrum participate. I'm aware of the statement that you just made with respect to this one party, although it's not an official statement that they might not participate. We'll have to wait and see whether that turns out to be the case or not.

But we are encouraging all Sunnis and all Sunni leaders to join in this effort to say no to terrorism, no to murder, and yes to democracy. We are also talking to all of our friends in the region, the neighboring countries that have influence and contacts with the Sunni community, to get them to encourage Sunni leaders to turn out the vote.

This is, I think, an essential aspect of the Iraqi Interim Government and the coalition government -- coalition's process of moving forward, to have this election on the 30th of January, with maximum participation. Obviously, security is an issue and that's what our commanders and the Iraqi Government is working on now, to improve security conditions so that people will feel safe in coming out.

It's interesting that even with difficult security conditions, people are working to put in place polling stations, to put in place the infrastructure needed to have an election, even within the Sunni areas.

Yes.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, there were published reports in the past few days that in meeting with the President and Tony Blair, you suggested that there be more troops, more boots on the ground in Iraq. One, is that true? And, two, what sort of reaction did you get from both men?

SECRETARY POWELL: It was a pretty straightforward conversation. I normally don't speak of these kinds of conversations that took place in the Oval Office, but I will in this instance. And we were talking about the situation on the ground. And I said that there was a need for more troops on the ground and the solution to that problem was the buildup of Iraqi forces, which is what we are doing, which is what General Petraeus is all about, what a lot of money is going into.

And so President Bush noted it, as did Prime Minister Blair, and it wasn't a shocking statement or anything that they were surprised about because that is our strategy, and I was just reinforcing the need for us to build up Iraqi forces as rapidly as possible because they are the ones who ultimately will have to dominate the ground, take control of the terrain.

QUESTION: Can I do a follow-up? Apparently, according General Petraeus and others, that's not going as well as one would hope, or at least as well as the U.S. had hoped. Do you think that the Iraqi forces will, by the end of next year, be able to maintain security of their country, as General Casey said?

SECRETARY POWELL: It is a difficult task to create military forces and police forces. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes equipment. General Petraeus has got a plan that we're all supporting, and I cannot tell you right now what it's going to look like at the end of 2005. But more and more units are coming inline. Battalions are being trained. Police are coming through the police training system, both in neighboring countries as well as the facilities within Iraq. But we're facing a difficult insurgency and nobody's trying to sell that short. But ultimately, it's going to be Iraqi security forces that are going to be responsible for the security of Iraq.

Let's -- yeah.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary

SECRETARY POWELL: Yeah.

QUESTION: Can I get some clarification, perhaps, from Mr. Fox on the additional funding that you would expect? You said there will probably be 10 million more. Is that money that would then be given to individual governments and not additional money to the Red Cross in its appeal?

And could you also spell your name on camera? There are a lot of people watching live, and I just want to make sure they can [inaudible] appropriately.

Thank you. (Laughter.) Oh, no, no, I didn't do that on purpose, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY POWELL: Yeah, right. (Laughter.) Spell your name, Ed.

QUESTION: No, I'm sorry. Is it --?

MR. FOX: E-d.

(Laughter.)

QUESTION: Is it just F-o-x? (Laughter.) I did not do that -- (laughter) -- oh, I'm so embarrassed. I didn't --

MR. FOX: Umm, my name is Fox.

QUESTION: I'm so sorry.

(Laughter.)

MR. FOX: Like the animal.

To your question about money, at this point, we don't know exactly how much of that will be in terms of cash to be disbursed or whether it will be commodities, but we anticipate that our initial reaction to this is going to be in the neighborhood of $15 million. That may increase. It may change. But we haven't divided it up until our DART teams are all on the ground, in place. That's their purpose is to make assessments as to where this money will need and to what purpose. Sometimes it's moving commodities. Other times it's contributions, as it is to the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

QUESTION: So the 4 million will go to the Red Cross, as you envision it --

MR. FOX: Yes, that's part of the --

QUESTION: And the rest of it will go through USAID to where -- to their recommendation --

MR. FOX: At the moment, that's our anticipation, yes.

QUESTION: Okay, thank you.

SECRETARY POWELL: We also have to see this not just as a one-time thing. Some 20-plus thousand lives have been lost in a few moments, but the lingering effects will be there for years. The damage that was caused, the rebuilding of schools and other facilities, will take time. So you need a quick infusion to stabilize the situation, take care of those who have been injured, get immediate relief supplies in, and then you begin planning for the longer haul.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary --

SECRETARY POWELL: A follow-up?

QUESTION: Just to follow you up, yes. I mean, I'm not putting it as, you know, [inaudible] of clearing up possibly inaccurate published reports. One deals with the advice, the Blair and Bush meeting. The published report was you spoke of increasing American troops --

SECRETARY POWELL: I did not.

QUESTION: The account I was given -- you were talking about Iraqi troops, and that's correct, isn't it?

SECRETARY POWELL: I told you what I said.

QUESTION: Yes, sir.

SECRETARY POWELL: I don't -- I can't account for the rest of the article.

QUESTION: Okay.

SECRETARY POWELL: But to refresh my memory, I went back and looked specifically at the memorandum of conversation, and the point I was making is that the solution to the problem of needing more troops is not going to be solved by more coalition troops as much as it's going to be solved by more Iraqi troops, and the article made some connection to announcements that were made later. Well, you'll have to ask the author of the article.

QUESTION: No, we got that account. And the other thing, there's another published report about telling the Sunnis that they can have a disproportionate share of the seats in the assembly.

SECRETARY POWELL: I would be delighted --

QUESTION: That also sounds a little bit whacky.

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, I don't write them. I just --

QUESTION: No, I know. But we've got to check them when they're --

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, I will answer it. The Transitional Administrative Law provides for 275 seats in the Transitional National Assembly. There is no provision in the Transitional Administrative Law for those seats to be selected in any other manner than by the election. That's it.

With respect to the idea that you could then add more seats through some process and go up to a higher number of seats, that is also not provided for in the Transitional Administrative Law. The United States Government has not been participating in any discussion with Iraqi leaders as to how you might change the Transitional Administrative Law to affect an increase in the size of the national assembly. And even if somebody would wish to do that, you can't do it until there is a national assembly to deal with this.

Now, when the national assembly is selected as a result of the election on the 30th of January, they will create a transitional administration. That transitional administration and its composition, the leadership and the ministers that will be in that transitional government, that is something to be decided by the Iraqi government at that time.

QUESTION: One on Ukraine. Back to Ukraine. As you look to support the new government and its ambitions for greater integration with European and the U.S. institutions, what specifically can you do to help them, and is there anything concrete that you're looking for the government to do?

SECRETARY POWELL: We have, of course, relations with Ukraine and we have regular contact with them. We don't believe that it is in anyone's interest to suggest that Ukraine belongs either to the East or the West. It belongs to the world. Ukrainians own Ukraine. And what we're going to do is work with the Ukrainians to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations, help them improve their economy, and to help them improve their relations with us and with the rest of the world.

And so we will wait until the election results have been certified and there is a new government, and then we will engage with the new government as to how best they think we can assist them in their efforts to move forward with respect to economic development, civil society, military-to-military relations. And I'm quite confident that the new Ukrainian Government will be seeking the same kind of dialogue with the Russian Federation, with the European Union and all of the other countries in the region that it wishes to have good relations with.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY POWELL: Yes.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, going back to Asia [inaudible] disaster. Many countries are already commending the United States, especially you, for acting fast, or help is on the way. My question, Mr. Secretary, that as far as your estimate, that how many countries, or if any countries officially have requested the United States for help?

And also, it's been now four years that you have been dealing with these Asian countries, and especially with India. Where do you put, as we enter the new year – 2005 -- India and U.S. relations, sir?

SECRETARY POWELL: On the, I think, one -- we have one official request, Ed, that you may be aware of. I think Sri Lanka but I'm --

MR. FOX: Sri Lanka.

SECRETARY POWELL: Sri Lanka has made an official formal request for a particular kind of assistance. And all of the other countries, when I spoke to their foreign ministers, I said, please let us know what you need through our embassy. And so all of that is working and being coordinated by our OFDA and AID officials.

As we enter 2005, I think U.S.-Indian relations are on a very strong foundation. We have worked hard at it over the last four years. We have a new strategic plan that we're working with the Indian Government on. We've also maintained good relations with all of our other friends in the region, all of the nations, for example, who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, and also by the relations we have been able to create with Pakistan.

And what we have tried to show to South Asia is that the United States can deal with each country in a separate strong bilateral relationship and through that technique also assist them to solve regional problems. And I'm sure that will be continued into the next administration as well.

QUESTION: If I could follow up, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY POWELL: Yes, please, please. Yeah.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, following up on your earlier response about Iraq, do you think the Sunnis ought to be assured of a certain number of senior government folks in the next government, regardless of Sunni participation in the election?

SECRETARY POWELL: I think that for the government to be representative and for the government to be effective, the Transitional National Assembly would certainly have to take into account the ethnic mix of the country and find a way to make sure that all segments of the country believe that they are playing a proper role in the government.

That's the way in which the Iraqi Interim Government was formed and the current ministries operate, and it would seem to me to be sensible for the transitional government to do the same thing. But this is a matter for the Transitional National Assembly and the transitional government to work out. The United States will certainly assist them and help them and consult with them, but this is a matter for them to make judgments on and make decisions on, not for the United States.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, back on the Iraq elections there. Given the possibility of boycotts, given the possibility of intimidation and violence, is the United States making any contingency plans for the possibility that these elections will not, for whatever reason, turn out to be credible in the eyes of the international community?

SECRETARY POWELL: We are working to have successful elections on the 30th of January. We are working with the Iraqi Interim Government, and the leadership of that government is committed to these elections. Obviously, security is a concern and we're doing everything we can to ensure, with the Iraqi Interim Government, conditions of security that will permit all of the population to vote.

There are different suggestions out as to what would happen if only a certain number of Sunnis were to participate or there were a particular part of the country that wasn't able to participate, and I can't deal with these hypotheticals. Right now, we're moving steadily forward to have election by all provinces, and anyone who wants to go to a polling station on the 30th of January, to do so.

Yes, sir.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, other sections, especially in Africa, are worsened. And this morning, Tony Blair announced that he will be hopefully sending 3,000 troops into Darfur, that region, because the AU is slow to move. Also, it's no secret, but the Russians and Chinese have been funneling in small weapons into that section. And what can you do to pressure both of those governments --

SECRETARY POWELL: I'm not aware of the report about the UK, so I can't comment on that. I spoke to Secretary Straw earlier today. He did not mention that. And I don't have anything to say about the second point you mentioned because I don't have that information.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on the tsunami, what advice do you have for Americans who want to donate and provide help and some sort of assistance to the people, to the victims? Also, do you see a significant role for the U.S military, especially in terms of search and recovery efforts?

SECRETARY POWELL: The United States Pacific Command is looking at this very question now, the second question that you raised. And as I mentioned, they're sending some reconnaissance aircraft and our sea-based forces are moving into the area to see what can be done. The first thing you have to do is make an assessment of what can be done usefully, and then bring the assets that you have to bear.

With respect to the first question, I think there -- I don't know if you have it with you, Ed, the particular place you can make donations. We'll get it to you. Adam will look it up. It's already on some of the television stations. They're showing UN addresses and places where you can make donations, and we'll get that to you.

Yes, ma'am.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, you talk about the initial infusion of assistance in that region. Have you heard, or is there any consideration for help for U.S. economic interests in the region? Have you heard of any disaster plans in that regard?

SECRETARY POWELL: In terms of our business presence out there or factories, no, I haven't received any information on that yet. We've really been focusing on the humanitarian aspects of this. And I'm sure that kind of issue will come up, as we get further into this crisis. I don't think you have any on it.

MR. FOX: Saving lives.

SECRETARY POWELL: Yeah. Yes, ma'am.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, one question on China. The new Chinese defense white paper just released also emphasized the possibility of a [inaudible] in cross-strait. Combined with the anti-secession law they were promoting now, would you agree there is a negative train has been triggered, instead of a peaceful dialogue that you have been promoting in the past few months in cross-strait relations?

Thank you.

SECRETARY POWELL: We are still committed to our "One China" policy, of course, that rests on the three communiqués and our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, and we have always encouraged both parties to find ways to reach out to one another. I'm aware that there is modernization-taking place in the Chinese armed forces and we are monitoring that closely and we're in conversations with our Chinese colleagues about it.

And so I don't see reason for immediate concern at the moment. I think everybody realizes that this is not the time to escalate tension in the straits and we hope that that will continue to be the case, that tension --

QUESTION: Can I follow up?

SECRETARY POWELL: No, I really have to move on --

QUESTION: Do you know anything about a new bin Laden tape [inaudible]?

SECRETARY POWELL: No, I don't know anything about a new bin Laden.

Thank you.

QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Happy New Year.

SECRETARY POWELL: Happy New Year, everybody.
2004/1400
[End] Released on December 27, 2004

55th Presidential Inaugural Committee

55th Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Inaugural Theme and Schedule of Events

The 54th Presidential Inauguration Remembered

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Chairman Jeanne Johnson Phillips and Executive Director Greg Jenkins announced the inaugural theme, “Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service”, and the schedule of events surrounding the 55th Presidential Inauguration.

“We are a nation at war, and it is fitting that the inaugural events reflect not only the great sacrifices made by our troops everyday to protect our freedom, but also the cherished ideals that make our nation so unique,” said Phillips.

The committee released the schedule of inaugural events beginning with a Military Gala on Tuesday, January 18th and ending with a National Prayer Service on Friday, January 21st. There will be a variety of events throughout the four-day span, including a youth entertainment concert and a Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.

The youth entertainment concert will focus on community and public service. It will include musical acts, video clips, and guest speakers.

The Commander-in-Chief Ball will be a special celebration for troops and their families, focusing on those that have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan or will soon be deployed. This event has been added to the inaugural celebrations to honor our troops and thank them for their service. It will be free of charge.

“The Commander-in-Chief Ball will specifically honor and thank the men and women and their families who are on the front lines of freedom every day. This unique event will celebrate the vital work of our military to protect our nation,” said Jenkins.

There will also be three candle light dinners, nine inaugural balls, the traditional parade, and other activities. Parade participants and entertainment will be announced as appropriate.

The website for the 55th Presidential Inauguration will be live today. It is designed to assist members of the public as they seek tickets and information about President Bush’s second inauguration and learn more about America’s inaugural traditions. New features will be frequently added as inauguration day nears.

Current Features include:

Remembering the 54th Inaugural. This feature includes a video featuring photos, and audio clips from President George W. Bush’s first inaugural address. Inaugural history. Learn how our inaugural traditions got started with the story of the first inaugural and facts about each inaugural since. Request tickets online. This feature includes an online form for the public to request tickets to inaugural events.

Members of the media and the public will be notified of any changes to the schedule of events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2005 SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE The MCI Center CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION Mellon Auditorium YOUTH CONCERT The DC Armory WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2005 CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH Mellon Auditorium A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM The Ellipse CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1 Union Station CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2 The Nat’l Building Museum CANDLELIGHT #3 The Washington Hilton THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005 ST. JOHN’S CHURCH SERVICE St. John’s Church SWEARING IN CEREMONY US Capitol

INAUGURAL PARADE Pennsylvania Ave. CONSTITUTION BALL Washington Hilton FREEDOM BALL Union Station INDEPENDENCE BALL Convention Center (A) TEXAS WYOMING BALL Convention Center (B) LIBERTY BALL Convention Center (C) DEMOCRACY BALL Convention Center (D) PATRIOT BALL Convention Center (E) STARS AND STRIPES BALL Convention Center Ballroom COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BALL National Building Museum FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2005 NATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE National Cathedral

RELATED

• 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee announced participants to perform - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Executive Director Greg Jenkins announced the initial list of participants invited to perform in the 55th Inaugural Parade.
• Presidential Inaugural Committee - The following is a list of the Members of the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Committee: The committee will be responsible for planning and coordinating all official activities associated with the President's upcoming Inauguration
• 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee - "On January 20, 2005, George W. Bush and Vice President Cheney will be inaugurated for a second term as President and Vice President of the United States. The 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) organizes, plans, and executes most Inaugural celebration activities as well as works to select participants for the Inaugural parade and assign credentials to media covering the Inauguration and surrounding festivities. All Americans are invited to share in this historic celebration."

BushMonkeys

"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist." ~ Oscar Wilde

"No one has the right to choose what is wrong." ~ 16th US President Abraham Lincoln

"I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it." ~ Mae West

A portrait of President George W Bush has been removed from the free public gallery of NYC's Chelsea Market. The acrylic on canvas trompe-l'oeil by Christopher Savido, was deemed unfit for display by the Market's Management. The censorship has stirred worldwide outcry in support of the 23 year old artist, a Pittsburgh Pennsylvania native. The work's monetary value is listed at $3,500.00

Workmade.com

savido'sBushMonkeys_byMike Segar/Reuters

bushmonkeys_savido_ byJohn Marshall Mantel for The New York Times

Bush Monkeys Billboard

Bush Monkeys Billboard

UPDATE: Subsequent to Chelsea Market's banning of Christopher Savido's portrait of President Bush, anonymous donors arranged to have Bush Monkeys placed on an electronic billboard at the NYC entrance to the Holland Tunnel. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people will see the work in it's new domain. The original canvas is being auctioned on eBay. A portion of the proceeds are to be donated to the parents of those serving in Iraq. The donated funds will go toward the purchase of body armor for military personnel.

Related: CapitolHillBlue Reuters NYT.com NYNewsday.com Syracuse.com Oddly Enough - Reuters

Arthur E. Dewey Kaoru Ishikawa Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC December 14, 2004

United States-Japan Bilateral Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance

The United States and Japan held the inaugural session December 13 of the U.S. – Japan Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance. The participants reaffirmed the strong level of cooperation between the United States and the Government of Japan on humanitarian issues and, as world leaders in humanitarian response situations, agreed to explore new avenues for continued collaboration and coordination.

Arthur E. Dewey, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, William J. Garvelink, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance and Kaoru Ishikawa, Director General of the Global Issues Department for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led their respective delegations in discussing global and multilateral issues, including: policy priorities and practice of humanitarian assistance; human security; meeting global challenges multilaterally; food security issues; humanitarian initiatives and opportunities for sustained coordination in Iraq, Afghanistan and crises on the African continent.

The delegations agreed to continue these talks to determine a framework for increased cooperation between the governments in humanitarian affairs. The next meeting will be held in Tokyo in spring 2005.

2004/1360 [End] Released on December 14, 2004

(GPS) (GLONASS) United States – Russian Federation Joint Statement

Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC December 14, 2004

United States – Russian Federation Joint Statement

Following is the text of a joint statement by the United States and the Russian Federation on the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).

Delegations of the United States and the Russian Federation met in Washington D.C. on December 9-10, 2004, to continue discussions on matters relating to GPS and GLONASS cooperation.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to continuing these talks and reaffirmed that the United States and the Russian Federation intend to continue to provide the GPS and GLONASS civil signals appropriate for commercial, scientific and safety of life use on a continuous, worldwide basis, free of direct user fees.

The United States and the Russian Federation intend to cooperate, as appropriate, on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based navigation and timing signals and systems, value-added services, and global navigation and timing goods in relevant international organizations and fora.

In particular, both sides intend to work together to the maximum extent practicable to maintain radio frequency compatibility in spectrum use between each other's satellite-based navigation and timing signals.

Both sides will work together to the maximum extent practicable to maintain compatibility and promote interoperability of GPS and GLONASS for civil user benefits worldwide. To this end, both sides intend to establish working groups on matters of development and use of GLONASS and GPS and their respective augmentations.

Both sides will begin preliminary discussions on an agreement for GPS – GLONASS cooperation.

2004/1357 [End]

India’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC December 14, 2004

United States Supports India’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

As part of our broad and growing relationship, the United States is committed to supporting the people and Government of India in their national response to the challenge of combating HIV/AIDS.

Through President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the United States has contributed over $20 million in 2004 to support India’s fight against HIV/AIDS. As part of the Emergency Plan, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and other U.S. agencies are working with the Government of India and with non-governmental organizations to share knowledge, research and resources. India and the U.S. have been partners in biomedical research and combating diseases for over 35 years.

In Tamil Nadu state in southern India, the U.S. has joined forces with the Indian Network of Positive People and the Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine to convert one wing of the hospital into India’s first Family Counseling Center, providing clients and their families with pre- and post-test counseling that focuses on HIV transmission, disease progression, treatment options, health management, nutrition, and risk management. The U.S. is also working with Pathway in pioneering a comprehensive, community-based approach to improve the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS. Pathway provides its clients and their families health care and services that are close to home. This includes teaching skills in providing home-based care to lessen the burden on the established health care system.

The United States is committed to combating HIV/AIDS, the greatest health crisis of our time, and to bring new hope to those suffering with HIV/AIDS.

2004/1354 [End

Richard L. Armitage and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin

Taken QuestionsOffice of the SpokesmanWashington, DCDecember 14, 2004 Question Taken at December 14, 2004 Daily Press Briefing

Meeting Between Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin

Question: What was the subject of the meeting between Deputy Secretary Armitage and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin?

Answer: Deputy Secretary Armitage met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin on Monday afternoon, December 13. They discussed bilateral issues and the Ethiopian-Eritrea border.

2004/1358 [End] Released on December 14, 2004

Deputy Secretary Armitage, Oleg Rybachuk, Victor Yushchenko

Taken QuestionsOffice of the SpokesmanWashington, DCDecember 14, 2004 Question Taken at December 14, 2004 Daily Press Briefing

Deputy Secretary Meeting with Oleg Rybachuk

Question: What did Deputy Secretary Armitage and Mr. Oleg Rybachuk, Chief of Staff to Ukrainian Presidential Candidate Victor Yushchenko, discuss during their meeting last Friday?

Answer: Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage and Mr. Oleg Rybachuk met briefly on Friday, December 10, 2004. During their meeting they discussed recent developments in Ukraine.

2004/1359 [End] Released on December 14, 2004

Secretary Newman Minister Askalu Menkerios

Taken QuestionsOffice of the SpokesmanWashington, DCDecember 15, 2004 Question Taken at December 14, 2004 Daily Press Briefing

Meeting between Assistant Secretary Newman and Eritrean Minister of Labor and Human Relations Askalu Menkerios

Question: What was the subject of the December 14 meeting between Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Constance Newman and Eritrean Minister of Labor and Human Relations Askalu Menkerios?

Answer: Minister Menkerios paid a courtesy call on Assistant Secretary Newman while in Washington to attend a World Bank-UNICEF meeting on orphaned children. They discussed humanitarian and bilateral issues.

2004/1361 [End]

President Presents Medal of Freedom

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
James Madison 4th president of US (1751 - 1836)

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 14, 2004

President Presents Medal of Freedom FULL STREAMING VIDEO
The East Room President's Remarks 11:30 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, and welcome to the White House. Laura and I are proud to have you all here today, especially our three honorees and their families and their friends.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civil award given to men and women of exceptional merit, integrity and achievement. Today this honor goes to three men who have played pivotal roles in great events, and whose efforts have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty.

George Tenet learned the value of hard work as a bus boy in the 20th Century Diner, the family restaurant in Queens, New York. Between work and school and athletics, George always kept up with current events and world affairs, and that enthusiasm led him into public service.

In Washington, George immersed himself in the field of intelligence work. After a long career in the legislative and executive branches of government, George was tapped by President Bill Clinton to run the agency he loved. His challenges at the CIA were many. George acted quickly and aggressively to rebuild the Agency's capabilities. He made the recruitment of new talent a top priority. Applications to join the Agency have now soared or more than 138,000 per year. Under George's leadership, the number of yearly graduates from the Clandestine Service Training Program have increased nearly sixfold. And just about every CIA officer can tell you a story about Director Tenet's hands-on style of management. He was often seen in the hallways, chewing on an unlit cigar -- (laughter) -- or showing up at their cafeteria table and talking shop.

George, and his wife, Stephanie, came to know the people of the CIA; and the people of the CIA came to know them as decent, caring people who love their country and love their family, especially their son, John Michael.

Early in his tenure as DCI, George Tenet was one of the first to recognize and address the growing threat to America from radical terrorist networks. Immediately after the attacks of September the 11th, George was ready with a plan to strike back at al Qaeda and to topple the Taliban. CIA officers were on the ground in Afghanistan within days. Seasoned American intelligence officers, armed with laptop computers, Afghan clothes and a visionary plan, rode horseback with the fighters of the Northern Alliance, identified key targets for our military and helped to free a nation.

Since those weeks, CIA officers have remained on the hunt for al Qaeda killers. More than three-quarters of al Qaeda key members and associates have been killed or detained, and the majority were stopped as a result of CIA efforts. CIA officers were also among the first to enter the battle in Iraq, alongside their colleagues in uniform.

In these years of challenge for our country, the men and women of the CIA have been on the front lines of an urgent cause, and the whole nation owes them our gratitude.

George is rightly proud of the people of the Agency, and I have been proud to work with George. George has carried great authority without putting on airs, because he remembers his roots. There's still a lot of Queens in George Tenet. (Laughter.) A colleague once said that "George has the intellect of a scholar and the demeanor of a longshoreman." (Laughter.) His tireless efforts have brought justice to America's enemies and greater security to the American people. And today, we honor a fine public servant and patriot in George John Tenet. (Applause.)
President Presents Medal of Freedom FULL TEXT

NASA Sean O'Keefe Resigns

The inspirational value of the space program is probably of far greater importance to education than any input of dollars... A whole generation is growing up which has been attracted to the hard disciplines of science and engineering by the romance of space.
Arthur C. Clarke, First on the Moon, 1970 English physicist & science fiction author (1917 - )

Glenn Mahone/Bob Jacobs Headquarters, Washington (Phone: 202/358-1898/1600) December 13, 2004 RELEASE: 04-400

NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe Resigns

Sean O'Keefe

Administrator Sean O'Keefe, who over the past three years led the National Aeronautics and Space Administration through an aggressive and comprehensive management transformation and helped the agency through one of its most painful tragedies, resigned today.

In his resignation letter to the President the Administrator wrote, "I will continue until you have named a successor and in the hope the Senate will act on your nomination by February."

"I've been honored to serve this President, the American people and my talented colleagues here at NASA," said Administrator O'Keefe. "Together, we've enjoyed unprecedented success and seen each other through arduous circumstances. This was the most difficult decision I've ever made, but it's one I felt was best for my family and our future."

O'Keefe, 48, is NASA's tenth administrator. Nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he was sworn into office Dec. 21, 2001. It was the Administrator's fourth Presidential appointment.

After joining NASA, Administrator O'Keefe focused his efforts on successfully bringing financial credibility to the agency and eliminating a $5 billion budget shortfall for the International Space Station program. He introduced a number of innovative management and budget reforms. He led all federal agencies in the implementation of the President's Management Agenda, which is designed to make government more responsive and efficient. In three of the original five categories on the Agenda, NASA's performance is at the highest standard.

The tragic loss of seven astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere during STS-107 on Feb. 1, 2003, focused the nation's attention on the future of America's space program.

Administrator O'Keefe directed significant changes in the Space Shuttle's safety and management programs. He was a key architect of the President's new Vision for Space Exploration, announced in January during a historic speech at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

The new Vision for Space Exploration led a transformation of NASA and has positioned the agency to meet the challenges of safely returning the Space Shuttle to flight, completing the International Space Station, exploring the complexities of our home planet, and going back to the moon, on to Mars and beyond.

"The President and Congress have demonstrated their faith in us. We need to seize this opportunity," added Administrator O'Keefe. "NASA has a new direction that will push the boundaries of technology, science, space flight and knowledge, and will inspire new generations of explorers for years to come and secure this great nation's future."

Encouraging students to study mathematics, science and technology has been a priority for the Administrator. In April 2002, he unveiled a new Educator Astronaut Program, in which a select few of the most outstanding teachers would be chosen to join NASA's Astronaut Corps. The new Educator Astronaut candidates were introduced in May on Space Day and are in training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

During his tenure, Administrator O'Keefe realized a number of significant mission triumphs, including Cassini's exploration of Saturn and its moons, the recent successful hypersonic test flights of the X-43A and the historic landing of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity on the Red Planet in January.

"NASA is the only agency in the world where its people are allowed to dream big and then work to make those dreams come true. Who wouldn't treasure the opportunity to be a part of pioneering history?" added the Administrator. "I'm humbled by the dedication and determination of the NASA Family and their commitment to the future of exploration. I wish each of them the very best. I am confident in their ability to carry out what we've started," Administrator O'Keefe concluded.

Administrator O'Keefe first joined the Bush Administration as the Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing the preparation, management and administration of the Federal budget and government wide-management initiatives.

"The extraordinary opportunities you have permitted me to assume these last four years have been experiences of a lifetime," the Administrator wrote in his resignation letter. "In the most challenging moments during my service I have drawn considerable strength, resolve and determination to do what's right by the standards you set every day."

From 1989 to 1992, Administrator O'Keefe served as Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Defense. President George H. Bush appointed him as the Secretary of the Navy in July 1992.

Before joining then Defense Secretary Dick Cheney's Pentagon management team, he served on the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations staff for eight years, and was Staff Director of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

His public service began in 1978 when he was selected as a Presidential Management Intern.

Administrator O'Keefe is a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration; a member of the Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology; and a Fellow of the International Academy of Astronautics.

During his academic postings, he was a Visiting Scholar at the Wolfson College of the University of Cambridge, England; a member of the Naval Postgraduate School's civil-military relations seminar team; and conducted seminars for the Strategic Studies Group at Oxford University.

Administrator O'Keefe served on the national security panel to devise the 1988 Republican platform and was a member of the 1985 Kennedy School of Government program for national security executives at Harvard University.

In 1993, President Bush and Secretary Cheney presented him the Distinguished Public Service Award. He was the 1999 faculty recipient of the Syracuse University Chancellor's Award for Public Service; recipient of the Department of the Navy's Public Service Award in December 2000; and has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from several prestigious educational institutions. In March 2003 and 2004, he was recognized and honored by the Irish American Magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans.

He is the author of several journal articles and contributing author of "Keeping the Edge: Managing Defense for the Future," released in October 2000. In 1998 he co-authored "The Defense Industry in the Post-Cold War Era: Corporate Strategies and Public Policy Perspectives."

Administrator O'Keefe earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1977 from Loyola University in New Orleans and his Master of Public Administration degree in 1978 from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, N.Y.

For more additional information about Administrator O'Keefe and NASA, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
- end -

Mike Leavitt Secretary of HHS

Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth. Will Rogers, 'Politics Getting Ready to Jell,' The Illiterate Digest, 1924 US humorist & showman (1879 - 1935)

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 13, 2004

President Bush Nominates Mike Leavitt as Secretary of HHS FULL STREAMING VIDEO

The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 10:38 A.M. EST

HHS Michael Leavitt

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Good morning. I am pleased to announce the nomination of Michael O. Leavitt as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Last year I welcomed Mike to my Cabinet as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

In that office, he has enforced high standards and a spirit of cooperation and with good common sense. He has upheld this administration's commitment to sustain improvements in the quality of the natural environment. He has managed the EPA with skill and with a focus on results. I've come to know Mike as a fine executive, and as a man of great compassion.

He is an ideal choice to lead one of the largest departments of the United States government. The Department of Health and Human Services touches the life of every person in this country. From the safety of our food and medicine, to the Medicare program, to preparing for any kind of health emergency, HHS has comprehensive responsibilities for the health of Americans. To meet those responsibilities, the Department needs many thousands of skilled professionals and a leader who is able to act on many fronts all at once.

For the last four years, HHS has served the American people extremely well under the energetic leadership of Tommy Thompson. Early in his tenure, our nation went on a wartime footing and had to prepare for emergencies of a kind never seen before. Secretary Thompson led the effort to prepare the medical infrastructure for any terrorist challenge.

At the same time, he has presided over dramatic increases in medical research, adding to the promise of hopeful new cures. He's helped set in motion major improvements in Medicare, which will benefit seniors all across America. He has worked closely with state and local officials to ensure that public health programs function as effectively as possible. And throughout his career as governor and as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson has led efforts to reform welfare laws and to help more people transition from welfare to work. Tommy Thompson is a good friend, who has given every day of the last 38 years to public service. As he and Sue Ann move on to new challenges, Tommy has my deep gratitude for a job well done.

My new nominee for HHS Secretary, like Tommy Thompson, served many years as a governor. The people of Utah elected Mike Leavitt to three terms, and during his administration, Utah was named one of the best managed state governments in the country. Governor Leavitt was a leader in welfare reform, resource management and environmental stewardship. He improved child welfare services in the state, and made strides toward expanding access to health care for children. He made government services more accessible through the Internet, and he always insisted that the government remain accountable to the people it serves.

When confirmed by the Senate, Mike Leavitt will be charged with a broad agenda for the health and safety of the American people. In this new term, we will implement the first-ever prescription drug benefit for seniors under Medicare. We will expand federal cooperation with faith-based groups that provide essential services, such as counseling and treatment for addictions. We will continue pursuing the great promise of medical research, always ensuring that the work is carried out with vigor and moral integrity. We will not relent in our efforts to protect the American people from disease, and the use of disease as a weapon against us.

Mike Leavitt is the right leader to lead HHS in meeting all these vital commitments. I thank him for accepting this new responsibility. I also thank his wife, Jackie, and their son, Westin, for being with us today. I urge the Senate to confirm Governor Leavitt's nomination as soon as possible.

Congratulations.

GOVERNOR LEAVITT: Mr. President, thank you very much. I want to express my appreciation for the confidence that you've shown me. I had a chance a couple of days ago to begin sorting through some of the papers that I have accumulated over 11 years as governor and some time as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

I found one letter that expresses what I'm feeling. It actually was a letter from a young father, a man I had met several years before. The letter was actually a report on his son. He had recently passed the five-year -- the critical five-year point on a lifesaving procedure that he had that was made possible by Medicaid. It was a letter of gratitude. As I read it, I felt a sense of gratitude. I felt a sense of gratitude for living in a country where the cares and the values of people matter, and where we care for their help.

And it's gratitude, Mr. President, that I'm feeling today, for the privilege to be able to serve in your Cabinet, and, should I be confirmed in the Senate, to have this new opportunity to contribute. I feel a real sense of understandable regret after having to leave the Environmental Protection Agency. It's an agency that's filled with dedicated people whom I have come to have great affection for and have a sense of shared importance and mission in protecting public health. The quality of health and the health condition of people in this nation is a commitment that is shared among both agencies, as is the connection between science and health. As the President suggested, the Department of Health and Human Services plays a vital part of the lives of every American.

I also want to express my admiration for Tommy Thompson. His mark will be indelibly impressed on the history of Human Services programs in this nation. As governors, we worked together in helping Congress rewrite welfare reform some years ago, and Medicaid improvements, and child health insurance programs. I'm delighted -- I was delighted when he was appointed as Secretary, and in fact, Tommy Thompson's work has benefited my own state. Thousands of people in my home state have been the beneficiary of his willingness to innovate. Working families, thousands of them, now have health insurance today because of a first of its kind waiver that he provided. I admire Tommy Thompson greatly, and the prospect of following in his service is an enormous challenge.

But I look forward, as the President said, to the implementation of the Medicare prescription drug program in 2006, medical liability reform and finding ways to reduce the cost of health care. I'm persuaded that we can use technology and innovation to meet our most noble aspirations, and not compromise our other values that we hold so dear.

So, Mr. President, I'm looking forward to implementing your vision and I want to again thank you and the American people, and to give you my commitment that I will serve and give this assignment all I have. Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Good job.

END 10:46 A.M. EST

House and Senate Resolutions

Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched.
Thomas Jefferson, Resolutions, 1803 3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 10, 2004

Statement on House and Senate Resolutions

On Friday, December 10, 2004, the President signed into law:

H.R. 2655, Amendment and Extension of the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program, which provides non-immigrant visas to young people from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to receive employment experience and training in the United States.

H.R. 4302, "District of Columbia Mental Health Civil Commitment Modernization Act of 2004," which makes various changes to civil commitment procedures for patients in the District of Columbia. S. 437, "Arizona Water Settlement Act," which addresses various Arizona and New Mexico water matters.

S. 1466, "Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act," which amends several statutes relating to Alaska to facilitate the timely conveyance of land in Alaska to the State, Alaska native corporations, and individual Alaska natives.

S. 2192, "Cooperative Research and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) Act of 2004," which amends patent law to extend the patentability of inventions resulting from cooperative research. S. 2486, "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004," which modifies certain education, employment, housing, and other miscellaneous benefits for veterans.

S. 2873, United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa authority extension, which authorizes additional locations for holding Federal court proceedings in six States.

S. 3014, "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004," which authorizes and amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998.
###

president bush health physical

It's no longer a question of staying healthy. It's a question of finding a sickness you like. - Jackie Mason US comedian (1934 - )

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 11, 2004 President's Remarks to Press Pool 1:42 P.M. EST

Q How are you feeling Mr. President?

George W. Bush

THE PRESIDENT: I'm -- first of all, incredibly impressed by the health care that our military receives. I have just come from visiting with some of the wounded and their families, and the service that the doctors and nurses provide here for our troops is superb.

It is such an honor to see those who have been put themselves -- who have been injured, and are now fighting back and recovering, and seeing their spirit and their strength. And it's an uplifting experience to come here.

I can say to the loved ones in the military that their sons and daughters and husbands and wives get the very best medical care there is. And I am grateful for that.

As far as my own physical goes, I'm still standing. I, obviously, have just gone through a campaign, because -- let me say, I've obviously gone through a campaign where I probably ate too many doughnuts, if you get my drift. My New Year's resolution has become apparent after getting on the scales. And although I think the doc will put out a report that shows you that I'm physically fit, and still able to get on the stress tests, I'm a little overweight. And therefore, I fully intend to lose some inches off my waistline and some pounds off my frame. But other than that, I'm feeling great.
Thank you all. END 1:44 P.M. EST

Kerik Quits

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by the White House Press Secretary.

Commissioner Kerik informed the White House this evening that he is withdrawing his name for personal reasons from consideration for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The President respects his decision, and wishes Commissioner Kerik and his wife, Hala, well.

SOURCE White House Press Office
Web Site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

bush radio address 12/04/11 full audio, text transcript

For Immediate Release December 11, 2004

President's Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.

Social Security is one of the great moral achievements of American government. For almost 70 years, it has kept millions of elderly citizens out of poverty and assured young Americans of a more secure future. The Social Security system is essential, yet it faces a deepening long-term problem.

While benefits for today's seniors are secure, the system is headed towards bankruptcy down the road. If we do not act soon, Social Security will not be there for our children and grandchildren.

So this week I met with the bipartisan leadership of Congress and asked them to join me in a great cause: preserving the essential promise of Social Security for future generations. We must begin by recognizing an essential fact: The current Social Security system was created for the needs of a different era. Back in 1935, most women did not work outside the home, and the average life expectancy for American workers was less than 60 years. Today, more moms are working, and most Americans are blessed with longer lives and longer retirements. The world has changed, and our Social Security system must change with it.

Today, Social Security is not a personal savings plan. There is no account where your money goes to earn interest. Benefits paid to today's retirees come directly from the taxes paid by today's workers. And each year there are more retirees taking money out of the system, and not enough additional workers to support them.

In the 1950s, there were about 16 workers paying for every Social Security beneficiary. Today, there are about three. And eventually, there will only be two workers per beneficiary. These changes single a looming danger. In the year 2018, for the first time ever, Social Security will pay out more in benefits than the government collects in payroll taxes. And once that line into the red has been crossed, the shortfalls will grow larger with each passing year. By the time today's workers in their mid 20s begin to retire, the system will be bankrupt, unless we act to save it.

A crisis in Social Security can be averted, if we in government take our responsibilities seriously, and work together today. I came to Washington to solve problems, not to pass them on to future Presidents and future generations. I campaigned on a promise to reform and preserve Social Security, and I intend to keep that promise.

I have set forth several broad principles to guide our reforms. First, nothing will change for those who are receiving Social Security and for those who are near retirement. Secondly, we must not increase payroll taxes, because higher taxes would slow economic growth. And we must tap into the power of compound interest, by giving younger workers the option to save some of their payroll taxes in a personal account, a nest egg they can call their own, which government cannot take away.

Saving Social Security for future generations will not be easy. If it were easy, it would have already been done. There will be costs, yet the costs of continued inaction are unacceptable. And the longer we wait, the more difficult it will be to fix the system. Saving Social Security will require bipartisan cooperation and the courage of leaders in both parties. The American people voted for reform in 2004, and now they expect us to work together and deliver on our promises. I look forward to working with members of Congress on this important issue. Together we will make certain that America meets its duty to our seniors and to our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for listening. END

Sam Bodman Secretary of Energy

President Nominates Sam Bodman as Secretary of Energy FULL STREAMING VIDEO

The Roosevelt Room President's Remarks 9:44 A.M. EST

Samuel W. Bodman	THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Good morning. Today I am announcing my nomination of Sam Bodman as Secretary of Energy. I am pleased to welcome Sam's wife, Diane, and all his family members -- I emphasize "all" -- who have come today. Welcome to the White House.

Sam Bodman is an experienced executive who has served in my administration as Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During his varied and distinguished career in the private sector, Sam has been a professor at MIT, president of an investment firm, the chairman and CEO of an industrial company with operations worldwide. In academics, in business, and in government, Sam Bodman has shown himself to be a problem solver who knows how to set goals and he knows how to reach them. He will bring to the Department of Energy a great talent for management and the precise thinking of an engineer. I thank him for agreeing to serve once again.

The Department of Energy has responsibilities that directly affect all Americans, from the security of nuclear facilities to reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation around the world to environmental clean up to enhancing conservation and developing new sources of energy for the future. Every day, employees at the Department of Energy are working to protect the American people and to ensure that our country's homes and businesses have reliable, safe and affordable supplies of energy.

During the last four years, the Department of Energy has been active and effective and has delivered important results for the American people. We've taken vital steps to upgrade the nation's energy infrastructure. We have begun an ambitious research program to develop a viable hydrogen powered automobile. We have strengthened cooperation between the United States and foreign governments, to safeguard nuclear materials and to fight proliferation.

For these achievements, and more, the nation is grateful to Secretary Spencer Abraham. As a United States Senator, and a Cabinet Secretary, Spence has shown himself to be a man of integrity and wisdom. He's a good man, a superior public servant and a friend, and I thank Spence for leading his department so ably. And I wish him and Jane all the best.

During the next four years, we will continue to enhance our economic security and our national security through sound energy policy. We will pursue more energy close to home, in our own country and in our own hemisphere, so that we're less dependent on energy from unstable parts of the world. We will continue improving pipelines and gas terminals and power lines, so that energy flow is reliable. We will develop and deploy the latest technology to provide a new generation of cleaner and more efficient energy sources. We will promote strong conservation measures.

In all these steps, we will bring greater certainty of costs and supply, and that certainty is essential to economic growth and job creation. And we will continue to work closely with Congress to produce comprehensive legislation that moves America toward greater energy independence. I'm optimistic about the task ahead, and I know Sam Bodman is the right man to lead this important and vital agency. So I urge the Senate to confirm his nomination without delay.

Congratulations, Sam.

MR. BODMAN: Thank you, Mr. President. President, with me today is my wife Diane, my daughters, Beth and Sarah, their husbands, Charles Mott and Bob Greenhill, my stepson, Perry Barber, and five of our eight grandchildren, Sam, Colin, Eliza, Liza, and Lindsey. On behalf of my entire family, Mr. President, I thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you as a member of your administration.

I also want to thank the extraordinary employees of the Department of Treasury and the Department of Commerce, with whom I have served these past four years. Their dedication and efforts on behalf of your administration, sir, have allowed Secretary Snow and Secretary Evans and me to do our jobs that much better.

Mr. President, the job as Energy Secretary, in many ways, combines all aspects of my life's professional work. I started as a teacher in chemical engineering at MIT, spent 17 years helping create and manage Fidelity Investments, and then spent 14 years managing Cabot Corporation, a globally-deployed chemical company. Each of these activities dealt with the financial markets and the impact of energy and technology on those markets.

Mr. President, in May of 2001, you presented to our country the first comprehensive national energy plan in a decade, that promoted affordable, reliable, and secure energy supplies through conservation, investment in new technology, and finding and producing new domestic sources of energy. Thanks to your leadership, sir, and the work of so many, particularly Secretary Abraham, nearly 75 percent of the recommendations put forward in your energy plan have been implemented, and our nation is the better for it.

I have tremendous respect for Secretary Abraham, and I look forward to building upon his outstanding record at the Department of Energy. If confirmed by the Senate, my colleagues and I at the Department of Energy stand ready to carry forward your vision of sound energy policy to ensure a steady supply of affordable energy for America's homes and businesses, and to work toward the day when America achieves energy independence.

Mr. President, thank you for this great honor and opportunity and for your continued confidence and trust in me. I appreciate it, very much.

END 9:50 A.M. EST

President Bush Menorah Lighting

President Bush Participates in Menorah Lighting Ceremony FULL STREAMING VTDEO

Booksellers' Area President's Remarks 4:30 P.M. EST

Menorah at the White House

THE PRESIDENT: Welcome, everybody, to the White House. Hanukkah is a festive holiday that celebrates a great victory for freedom. We remember the liberation of Jerusalem and a miracle witnessed in the holy temple 2,000 years ago.

For eight days the oil burned, and the light of freedom still burns in Jewish homes and synagogues everywhere.

We are honored to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah in the White House this evening. We have a beautiful Menorah from the Boca Raton Synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida. Laura and I are grateful to have it here, and we thank Rabbi Kenneth Brander for making that possible.

I also thank the gentlemen from Kol Zimra, who will help us say the blessings over the candles and bless all of us with their music. Welcome.

The Talmud teaches that the Menorah lights should perform no function other than to proclaim the miracle of a just and loving God. Every generation since Judah Maccabee has looked on these candles and recalled the sacrifices that are made for freedom. And in every generation, these lights have warmed the hearts of those not yet free.

Today, many Americans are sacrificing to bring freedom and hope to the oppressed. In this holiday season, we pray for the safety of our troops, for the success of the mission, and for their speedy return home. And tonight we have asked the three eldest children of one of our Jewish chaplains, Army Chaplain Shmuel Felzenberg, now on duty in Iraq, to do the honors of lighting the Menorah. Will Menachem, Chaim and Miriam Felzenberg are here to light the candles.

Thank you. END 4:31 P.M. EST

President Holds Press Conference

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 20, 2004

President Holds Press Conference FULL STREAMING VIDEO

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Dwight DC Eisenhower Executive Office Building Room 450 President's Remarks 10:32 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, and happy holidays to you all. I thought I'd come and answer some of your questions.

Before I do so, I've got a statement I'd like to make.

We're nearing the end of a year where -- of substantial progress at home and here -- and abroad. In 2004, the United States grew in prosperity, enhanced our security and served the cause of freedom and peace. Our duties continue in the new year; I'm optimistic about achieving results. America's economy is on solid footing, growth is strong and the nation's entrepreneurs have generated more than 2 million jobs in this year alone.

There's more we must do to keep this economy flexible, innovative and competitive in the world. In a time of change we must reform systems that were created to meet the needs of another era. Soon I will appoint a citizens panel to recommend ways we can transform the outdated tax code. I'll work with the new Congress to make health care more accessible and affordable, to reform the legal system, to raise standards of achievement in public schools -- especially our high schools -- and to fix the Social Security system for our children and our grandchildren.

Early in the year, I will also submit a budget that fits the times. We will provide every tool and resource for our military, we'll protect the homeland and we'll meet other priorities of the government. My budget will maintain strict discipline and the spending of tax dollars, and keep our commitment to cutting the deficit in half over five years.

All of these goals require the energy and dedication of members of both political parties. Working in a spirit of bipartisanship, we will build the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous country. We'll meet our obligations to future generations as we do so.

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Our duties to future generations include a sustained effort to protect our country against new dangers. Last week, I signed legislation that continues the essential reorganization of our government by improving the nation's intelligence operations. Because we acted, our vast intelligence enterprise will be more unified, coordinated and effective than ever before. And the American people will be more secure as a result.

Our country is also safer because of the historic changes that have come around the world in places like Afghanistan. This year brought the first presidential election in the 5,000 year history of that country. And the government of President Hamid Karzai is a steadfast ally in the war on terror. President Karzai and the Afghan people can be certain of America's continued friendship and America's support as they build a secure and hopeful democracy.

In Iraq, a people that endured decades of oppression are also preparing to choose their own leaders. Next month, Iraqis will go to the polls and express their will in free elections. Preparations are underway for an energetic campaign, and the participation is wide and varied. More than 80 parties and coalitions have been formed, and more than 7,000 candidates have registered for the elections. When Iraqis vote on January the 30th, they will elect 275 members to a transitional national assembly, as well as local legislatures throughout the country.

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The new national assembly will be responsible for drafting a constitution for a free Iraq. By next October, the constitution will be submitted to the people for ratification. If it is approved, then, by December, the voters of Iraq will elect a fully democratic constitutional government.

My point is, the elections in January are just the beginning of a process, and it's important for the American people to understand that. As the Iraqi people take these important steps on the path to democracy, the enemies of freedom know exactly what is at stake. They know that a democratic Iraq will be a decisive blow to their ambitions, because free people will never choose to live in tyranny.

And so the terrorists will attempt to delay the elections, to intimidate people in their country, to disrupt the democratic process in any way they can. No one can predict every turn in the months ahead, and I certainly don't expect the process to be trouble-free. Yet, I am confident of the result, I'm confident the terrorists will fail, the elections will go forward, and Iraq will be a democracy that reflects the values and traditions of its people.

America and our coalition have a strategy in place to aid the rise of a stable democracy in Iraq. To help the Iraqi government provide security during the election period, we will increase U.S. troop strength. Coalition forces will continue hunting the terrorists and the insurgents. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so the Iraqi people can eventually take responsibility for their own security.

We have a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq. You see, free societies do not export terror. Free governments respect the aspirations of their citizens and serve their hopes for a better life. Free nations are peaceful nations. And free nations in the heart of the Middle East will show what is possible to others who want to live in a free society.

In Iraq and elsewhere we've asked a great deal of the men and women of our Armed Forces. Especially during this holiday season, those on duty far from home will be in our thoughts and our prayers. Our people in uniform and our military families are making many sacrifices for our country. They have the gratitude of our whole country.

Now, I will be glad to answer some questions. Hunt.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. A month ago in Chile, you asked Vladimir Putin to explain why he has taken actions widely seen as a move away from democracy. What do you think Mr. Putin's intentions are, and do you think that Russia's behavior has chilled relations with the United States?

THE PRESIDENT: As you know, Vladimir Putin and I have got a good personal relationship, starting with our meeting in Slovenia. I intend to keep it that way. It's important for Russia and the United States to have the kind of relationship where if we disagree with decisions, we can do so in a friendly and positive way.

When Vladimir made the decision, for example, on the -- whether to elect governors or appoint governors, I issued a statement that said in a free society, in a society based upon Western values, we believe in the proper balance of power. I think he took that on and absorbed in the spirit in which it was offered, the spirit of two people who've grown to appreciate each other and respect each other. I'll continue to work with him in a new term. Obviously, we have some disagreements. He probably has disagreements over some of the decisions I've made. Clearly, one such decision was in Iraq. But this is a vital and important relationship.

And it's a relationship where it's complicated -- it's complex, rather than complicated. It's complex because we have joint efforts when it comes to sharing intelligence to fight terrorism. We've got work to do to secure nuclear materials. I look forward to working with the Russians to continue to expand cooperation. I think one of the things we need to do is to give the Russians equal access to our sites, our nuclear storage sites to see what works and what doesn't work, to build confidence between our two governments.

Obviously, there's a lot of trade that's taking place between Russia and the West, and the United States. And that trade relationship is an important relationship. I told Vladimir that we would work in a new term for -- to see if Russia could then be admitted to the WTO. I think that would be a positive step for relations between our two countries. And I'll continue to express my belief that balanced government, the sharing of power amongst government will lead to a -- will lead to stability in Russia. And the relationship is an important relationship. And I would call the relationship a good relationship.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. Several Republican lawmakers recently have criticized Secretary Rumsfeld. What does he need to do to rebuild their trust?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, when I asked the Secretary to stay on as Secretary of Defense, I was very pleased when he said "yes." And I asked him to stay on because I understand the nature of the job of the Secretary of Defense, and I believe he's doing a really fine job.

The Secretary of Defense is a complex job. It's complex in times of peace, and it's complex even more so in times of war. And the Secretary has managed this Department during two major battles in the war on terror -- Afghanistan and Iraq. And at the same time, he's working to transform our military so it functions better, it's lighter, it's ready to strike on a moment's notice. In other words, that the force structure meets the demands we face in the 21st century.

Not only is he working to transform the nature of the forces, we're working to transform where our forces are based. As you know, we have recently worked with the South Korean government, for example, to replace manpower with equipment, to keep the Peninsula secure and the Far East secure, but at the same time, recognizing we have a different series of threats. And he's done a fine job, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.

And I know the Secretary understands the Hill. He's been around in Washington a long period of time and he will continue to reach out to members of the Hill, explaining the decisions he's made. And I believe that in a new term, members of the Senate and the House will recognize what a good job he's doing.

Let's see here. Let's go to the TV personalities. (Laughter.) Let's start with you, Cochran. David, prepare yourself.

Q Any lessons you have learned, sir, from the failed nomination of Bernard Kerik? As you look forward now to pick a new Director of the Homeland Security Department, and also as you pick a Director of National Intelligence, any lessons learned in terms of vetting, and particularly with the DNI? What sort of qualities are you going to be looking for in that man or that woman that you choose?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, let me say that I was disappointed that the nomination of Bernard Kerik didn't go forward. In retrospect, he made the right decision to pull his name down. He made the decision. There was a -- when the process gets going, our counsel asks a lot of questions and a prospective nominee listens to the questions and answers them and takes a look at what we feel is necessary to be cleared before the FBI check and before the hearings take place on the Hill.

And Bernard Kerik, after answering questions and thinking about the questions, decided to pull his name down. I think he would have done a fine job as the Secretary of Homeland Security, and I appreciate his service to our country.

We've vetted a lot of people in this administration. We vetted people in the first, we're vetting people in the second term, and I've got great confidence in our vetting process. And so the lessons learned is, continue to vet and ask good questions and get these candidates, the prospective nominees, to understand what we expect a candidate will face during a background check -- FBI background check, as well as congressional hearings.

Now, in terms of the NDI -- DNI, I'm going to find someone that knows something about intelligence, and capable and honest and ready to do the job. And I will let you know at the appropriate time when I find such a person.

Gregory.

Q Mr. President, thank you. A year ago we were in this room -- almost to the day -- and you were heralding the capture of Saddam Hussein and announcing the end of Baathists tyranny in Iraq. A year later, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee in the Senate said, after returning from Iraq, that -- talking about Iraqi troops -- the raw material is lacking in the willpower and commitment after they receive military training. At the same time here at home a higher percentage of Americans is less confident of a successful conclusion in Iraq -- 48 percent less confident to 41 percent. What's going wrong?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first let me talk about the Iraqi troops. The ultimate success in Iraq is for the Iraqis to secure their country. I recognize that, the American people recognize that. That's the strategy. The strategy is to work to provide security for a political process to go forward. The strategy is to help rebuild Iraq. And the strategy is to train Iraqis so they can fight off the thugs and the killers and the terrorists who want to destroy the progress of a free society.

Now, I would call the results mixed, in terms of standing up Iraqi units who are willing to fight. There have been some cases where when the heat got on, they left the battlefield. That's unacceptable. Iraq will never secure itself if they have troops that when the heat gets on, they leave the battlefield. I fully understand that. On the other hand, there were some really fine units in Fallujah, for example, in Najaf, that did their duty. And so the -- our military trainers, our military leaders have analyzed what worked and what didn't work. And I met with General Abizaid and General Casey in the White House last week. And I think it was before the -- yes, I think it was Thursday morning, if I'm not mistaken -- I was going to say before the interminable press conference -- I mean press party. Anyway. (Laughter.)

Here's what -- first of all, recruiting is strong. The place where the generals told me that we need to do better is to make sure that there is a command structure that connects the soldier to the strategy in a better way, I guess is the best way to describe it. In other words, they've got some generals in place and they've got foot soldiers in place, but the whole command structure necessary to have a viable military is not in place. And so they're going to spend a lot of time and effort on achieving that objective. And so the American people are taking a look at Iraq and wondering whether the Iraqis are eventually able -- going to be able to fight off these bombers and killers. And our objective is to give them the tools and the training necessary to do so.

Q What about that percentage, though, 48 percent to 41 percent? More Americans losing confidence --

THE PRESIDENT: You know, polls change, Dave. Polls go up. Polls go down. I can understand why people -- they're looking on your TV screen and seeing indiscriminate bombing where thousands of innocent, or hundreds of innocent Iraqis are getting killed, and they're saying whether or not we're able to achieve the objective. What they don't see are the small businesses starting; 15 of the 18 provinces are relatively stable, where progress is being made; life is better now than it was under Saddam Hussein. And so there is -- there are very hopeful signs.

But no question about it, the bombers are having an effect. You know, these people are targeting innocent Iraqis. They're trying to shake the will of the Iraqi people, and frankly, trying to shake the will of the American people. And car bombs that destroy young children or car bombs that indiscriminately bomb in religious sites are effective propaganda tools. But we must meet the objective, which is to help the Iraqis defend themselves, and at the same time, have a political process to go forward. It's in our long-term interests that we succeed, and I'm confident we will.

I saw an interesting comment today by somebody I think in the Karbala area or Najaf area who said, look, what they're trying to do -- "they" being the terrorists -- are trying to create sectarian violence. He said, they're not going to intimidate us from voting; people want to vote; people want to live in a free society. And our job in these tough times is to work and complete our strategy.

Yes, John. And then John.

Q Mr. President, thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: I had to work my way through all the mass medias.

Q You mentioned that meeting with General Abizaid and General Casey. One of their complaints now, and a complaint we have heard dating back more than a year ago, even to when combat was underway in Iraq, is what some called meddling, interference from Syria and Iran, people coming across the border, people going back across the border, sometimes money. Now, they say meddling in the political process. What specifically is the problem now, in your view? And there are some who watch this and see a series of complaints from the administration, but they say, will there ever be consequences?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, the -- yes, I spent some time talking to our generals about whether or not there are former Saddam loyalists in Syria, for example, funneling money to the insurgents. And my attitude is, if there's any question that they're there, we ought to be working with the Syrian government to prevent them from either sending money and/or support of any kind. We have sent messages to the Syrians in the past, and we will continue to do so. We have tools at our disposal, a variety of tools, ranging from diplomatic tools to economic pressure. Nothing is taken off the table. And when I said the other day that I expect these countries to honor the political process in Iraq without meddling, I meant it. And, hopefully, those governments heard what I said.

John.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. You've made Social Security reform the top of your domestic agenda for a second term. You've been talking extensively about the benefits of private accounts. But by most estimations, private accounts may leave something for young workers at the end, but wouldn't do much to solve the overall financial problem with Social Security.

And I'm just wondering, as you're promoting these private accounts, why aren't you talking about some of the tough measures that may have to be taken to preserve the solvency of Social Security, such as increasing the retirement age, cutting benefits, or means testing for Social Security?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I appreciate that question. First of all, let me put the Social Security issue in proper perspective. It is a very important issue -- but it's not the only issue, very important issue we'll be dealing with. I expect the Congress to bring forth meaningful tort reform. I want the legal system reformed in such a way that we are competitive in the world. I'll be talking about the budget, of course; there is a lot of concern in the financial markets about our deficits, short-term and long-term deficits. The long-term deficit, of course, is caused by some of the entitlement programs, the unfunded liabilities inherent in our entitlement programs. I will continue to push on an education agenda. There's no doubt in my mind that the No Child Left Behind Act is meaningful, real, reform that is having real results. And I look forward to strengthening No Child Left Behind. Immigration reform is a very important agenda item, as we move forward.

But Social Security, as well, is a big item. And I campaigned on it, as you're painfully aware, since you had to suffer through many of my speeches. I didn't duck the issue like others have done have in the past. I said this is a vital issue and we need to work together to solve it. Now, the temptation is going to be, by well-meaning people such as yourself, John, and others here, as we run up to the issue to get me to negotiate with myself in public; to say, you know, what's this mean, Mr. President, what's that mean. I'm not going to do that. I don't get to write the law. I will propose a solution at the appropriate time, but the law will be written in the halls of Congress. And I will negotiate with them, with the members of Congress, and they will want me to start playing my hand: Will you accept this? Will you not accept that? Why don't you do this hard thing? Why don't you do that? I fully recognize this is going to be a decision that requires difficult choices, John. Inherent in your question is, do I recognize that? You bet I do. Otherwise, it would have been.

And so I am -- I just want to try to condition you. I'm not doing a very good job, because the other day in the Oval when the press pool came in I was asked about this -- a series of question on -- a question on Social Security with these different aspects to it. And I said, I'm not going to negotiate with myself. And I will negotiate at the appropriate time with the law writers. And so thank you for trying. The principles I laid out in the course of the campaign, and the principles we laid out at the recent economic summit are still the principles I believe in. And that is nothing will change for those near our Social Security; payroll -- I believe you were the one who asked me about the payroll tax, if I'm not mistaken -- will not go up.

And I know there's a big definition about what that means. Well, again, I will repeat. Don't bother to ask me. Or you can ask me. I shouldn't -- I can't tell you what to ask. It's not the holiday spirit. (Laughter.) It is all part of trying to get me to set the parameters apart from the Congress, which is not a good way to get substantive reform done.

As to personal accounts, it is, in my judgment, essential to make the system viable in the out years to allow younger workers to earn an interest rate more significant than that which is being earned with their own money now inside the Social Security trust. But the first step in this process is for members of Congress to realize we have a problem.

And so for a while, I think it's important for me to continue to work with members of both parties to explain the problem. Because if people don't think there's a problem, we can talk about this issue until we're blue in the face, and nothing will get done. And there is a problem. There's a problem because now it requires three workers per retiree to keep Social Security promises. In 2040, it will require two workers per employee to meet the promises. And when the system was set up and designed, I think it was, like, 15 or more workers per employee. That is a problem. The system goes into the red. In other words, there's more money going out than coming in, in 2018. There is an unfunded liability of $11 trillion. And I understand how this works. Many times, legislative bodies will not react unless the crisis is apparent, crisis is upon them. I believe that crisis is.

And so for a period of time, we're going to have to explain to members of Congress that crisis is here. It's a lot less painful to act now than if we wait.

Q Can I ask a follow up?

THE PRESIDENT: No. (Laughter.) Otherwise, it will make everybody else jealous, and I don't want that to happen.

Angle.

Q Thank you, sir. Mr. President, on that point, there is already a lot of opposition to the idea of personal accounts, some of it fairly entrenched among the Democrats. I wonder what your strategy is to try to convince them to your view? And, specifically, they say that personal accounts would destroy Social Security. You argue that it would help save the system. Can you explain how?

THE PRESIDENT: I will try to explain how without negotiating with myself. It's a very tricky way to get me to play my cards. I understand that. I think what you -- people ought to do is to go look at the Moynihan Commission report. The other day, in the discussions at the Economic Summit, we discussed the role of a personal account. In other words, what -- how a personal account would work. And that is, the people could set aside a negotiated amount of their own money in an account that would be managed by that person, but under serious guidelines. As I said, you can't use the money to go to the lottery, or take it to the track. There would be -- it's like the -- some of the guidelines that some of the thrift savings plans right here in the federal government.

And the younger worker would gain a rate of return, which would be more substantial than the rate of return of the money now being earned in the Social Security trust. And over time, that rate of return would enable that person to be -- have an account that would make up for the deficiencies in the current system. In other words, the current system can't sustain that which has been promised to the workers. That's what's important for people to understand. And the higher rate of return on the negotiated amount of money set aside would enable that worker to more likely get that which was promised.

Now, the benefits, as far as I'm concerned, of the personal savings account, is, one, it encourages an ownership society. One of the philosophies of this government is if you own something, it is -- it makes the country a better -- if more people own something, the country is better off; you have a stake in the future of the country if you own something. Secondly, it's capital available for -- when people save, it provides capital for entrepreneurial growth and entrepreneurial expansion, which is positive. In other words, it enhances savings. And, thirdly, it means that people can take their own assets, their own retirement assets, and pass them on, if they so choose, to their family members, for example. That's positive. That's a step.

The Social Security system was designed in a, obviously, in an era that is long gone, and it has worked in many ways. It's now in a precarious position. And the question is whether or not our society has got the will necessary to adjust from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan. And I believe the will will be there. But I'm under no illusions. It's going to take hard work. It's going to take hard work to convince a lot of people -- some of whom would rather not deal with the issue. Why deal with the issue unless there is a crisis? And some of whom have got preconceived notions about the benefits of what may be possible.

Okay, let's get away from the media. Yes, Carl, thank you. I accused Carl of trying to look like Johnny Damon. (Laughter.)

Q Mr. President, it's -- 140,000 Americans are spending this Christmas in Iraq, as you know, some of them their second Christmas there. Now, you outlined your vision for Iraq, both in your statement and in response to David Gregory. My question is, how long do you think it will take that vision to be realized and how long will those troops be there?

THE PRESIDENT: No, it's a very legitimate question, Carl, and I get asked that by family members I meet with -- and people say, how long do you think it will take. And my answer is -- you know, we would like to achieve our objective as quickly as possible. It is our commander -- again -- I can -- the best people that reflect the answer to that question are people like Abizaid and Casey, who are right there on the ground. And they are optimistic and positive about the gains we're making.

Again, I repeat, we're under no illusions that this Iraqi force is not ready to fight. They're -- in toto, there are units that are, and that they believe they'll have a command structure stood up pretty quickly; that the training is intense; that the recruitment is good; the equipping of troops is taking place. So they're optimistic that as soon as possible it can be achieved. But it's -- I'm also wise enough not to give you a specific moment in time because, sure enough, if we don't achieve it, I'll spend the next press conference I have with you answering why we didn't achieve this specific moment.

Sanger.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. You spent a good deal of time before the Iraq war, some in this room, explaining to us why the combination of Saddam Hussein as a dictator and the weapons that you thought at the time he had assembled made a case for regime change. In the case of North Korea and Iran, you have not declared yourself on the question of regime change, though North Korea -- your intelligence agencies believe -- may have added six or seven nuclear weapons in the past two years. And Iran seems to have a covert program, or at least your government believes it does. Where do you stand on regime change? And how would it be accomplished?

THE PRESIDENT: I'll tell you where I stand, David, I stand on the -- continuing the six-party talks with North Korea to convince Kim Jong-il to give up his weapons systems. As you might remember, our countries tried a strategy of bilateral relationships in hopes that we can convince Kim Jong-il. It didn't work. As a matter of fact, when we thought we had, in good faith agreed to an agreement -- I mean, agreed to a plan that would work, he, himself, was enriching uranium, or saw to it that the uranium was enriched. In other words, he broke the agreement.

I think it's an important lesson for this administration to learn, and that the best way to convince him to disarm is to get others to weigh-in, as well -- the Iranian situation, as well. We're relying upon others, because we've sanctioned ourselves out of influence with Iran, to send a message that we expect them to -- in other words, we don't have much leverage with the Iranians right now, and we expect them to listen to those voices, and we're a part of the universal acclaim.

I believe that -- and so, therefore, we're dealing -- this is how we're dealing with the issue. And it's much different between the situation in Iraq and Iran because of this. Diplomacy had failed for 13 years in Iraq. As you might remember, and I'm sure you do, all the U.N. resolutions that were passed out of the United Nations, totally ignored by Saddam Hussein.

And so diplomacy must be the first choice, and always the first choice of an administration trying to solve an issue of, in this case, nuclear armament. And we'll continue to press on diplomacy.

Now, in terms of my vision for the future of the world, I believe everybody ought to be free. I believe the world is more peaceful as liberty takes hold. Free societies don't fight each other. And so we'll work to continue to send a message to reformers around the world that America stands strong in our belief that freedom is universal, and that we hope at some point in time, everybody is free.

Yes.

Q Thank you, Mr. President. You talked earlier about the importance of spending discipline in the federal budget, but you went your entire first term without vetoing a single spending bill, even though you had a lot of tough talk on that issue in your first term. And I'm wondering, this time around, what are you going to do to convince Congress you really are serious about cutting federal spending? Will you veto spending bills this time?

THE PRESIDENT: Here's -- here's what happened. I submitted a budget and Congress hit our number, which is a tribute to Senator Hastert and -- I mean, Senator Frist and Speaker Hastert's leadership. In other words, we worked together, we came up with a budget, like we're doing now, we went through the process of asking our agencies, can you live with this, and, if you don't like it, counter-propose.

And then we came up with a budget that we thought was necessary, and we took it to the leadership and they accepted the budget. And they passed

bills that met our budget targets. And so how could you veto a series of appropriations bills if the Congress has done what you've asked them to do?

Now, I think the President ought to have a line-item veto, because within the appropriations bills, there may be some differences of opinion on how the money is being spent. But overall, they have done a superb job of working with the White House to meet the budget numbers we submitted, and so the appropriations bill I just signed was one that conformed with the budget agreement we had with the United States Congress. And I really do appreciate the leadership, not only of Speaker Hastert and Senator Frist, but also the budget committee chairman. I talked to Senator Gregg this morning, as a matter of fact, who's running -- he'll be heading the budget committee in the United States Senate.

And we're working very closely with members of Congress as we develop the budget. And it's going to be a tough budget, no question about it, and it's a budget that I think will send the right signal to the financial markets and to those concerned about our short-term deficits. As well, we've got to deal with the long-term deficit issues. That's the issue that John Roberts talked about, which is the unfunded liabilities when it comes to some of the entitlement programs.

Ed.

Q Good morning, Mr. President. I'd like to ask you on Social Security, you said that you don't like to come to the table with -- having negotiated with yourself. Yet, you have ruled out tax cuts and no cuts in benefits for the retired and the near retired. I wonder how you square that statement. And also, what do you -- in your mind, what is near retired?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, well, that's going to fall in the negotiating with myself category. But, look, it was very important for me in the course of the campaign, and it's going to very important for all of us who feel like we have a problem that needs to be fixed, to assure Americans who are on Social Security that nothing will change.

Part of the problem, politically, with this issue in the past, Ed, as you know, is the minute you bring up Social Security reform, people go running around the country saying -- really, what he says is he's going to take away your check -- or that which you have become dependent upon will no longer be available for you to live on. And so, therefore, part of setting the stage, or laying the groundwork for there to be a successful reform effort is assuring our seniors that they just don't have to worry about anything. When they hear the debate that is taking place on the floor of the Congress, they just need to know that the check they're getting won't change; that promises will be met; that, you know, if there is to be an increase in their check they'll get their check. In other words, the formula that has enabled them to the -- to a certain extent -- the formula they're relying on won't change, let me put it that way. I was trying to be really brilliant.

Now, what was the other part of your question?

Q If I could just follow-up. Why --

THE PRESIDENT: Is this a follow-up or part of the question?

Q You asked, though. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Okay, yes, you're right. (Laughter.)

Q Why did you choose to take on Social Security and not Medicare, which some people believe is a worse problem?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I appreciate that, Ed, but we did take on Medicare. And it was the Medicare Reform Bill that really began to change Medicare as we knew it. In other words, it introduced market forces for the first time; it provided a prescription drug coverage for our seniors, which I believe will be cost effective. I recognize some of the actuaries haven't come to that conclusion yet. But the logic is irrefutable. It seems like to me, that if the government is willing to pay $100,000 for heart surgery, but not a dime for the prescription drug that would prevent the heart surgery from happening in the first place, aren't we saving money when we provide the money necessary to prevent the surgery from being needed in the first place. I think we are. That's one of the differences of opinion that I had with the actuaries.

I readily concede I'm out of my lane. I'm not pretending to be an actuary. But I know that we made progress in modernizing the Medicare system, and there's more work to be done. No question about it. But as you know, it's a three-year phase-in on Medicare -- or two-year phase-in from now. And in 2006, the prescription drug coverage will become available for our seniors. And I look forward to working with members of Congress to make sure the Medicare system is solvent in the long run.

Let's have somebody new. Mike, you want to -- no, you're not new. (Laughter.) That is a cheap shot. Go ahead -- that is generous.

Q Thank you. (Laughter.) Yes, Mr. President --

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Mike, welcome.

Q -- since early in your first term you've talked about immigration reform, but, yet, people in your own party on the Hill seem opposed to this idea. And you've gotten opposition even on the other side. Do you plan to expend some of your political capital this time to see this through?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, I appreciate that -- well, first of all, welcome. I'd like to welcome all the new faces -- some prettier than others, I might add. (Laughter.) Yes, I intend to work with members of Congress to get something done. I think this is a -- a issue that will make it easier for us to enforce our borders. And I believe it's an issue that is -- that will show the -- if when we get it right, the compassion, heart of American people. And no question, it's a tough issue, just like some of the other issues we're taking on. But my job is to confront tough issues and to ask Congress to work together to confront tough issues.

Now let me talk about the immigration issue. First, we want our border patrol agents chasing crooks and thieves and drug runners and terrorists, not good-hearted people who are coming here to work. And therefore, it makes sense to allow the good-hearted people who are coming here to do jobs that Americans won't do a legal way to do so. And providing that legal avenue, it takes the pressure off the border.

Now, we need to make sure the border is modern, and we need to upgrade our border patrol. But if we expect the border patrol to be able to enforce a long border, particularly in the south -- and the north, for that matter -- we ought to have a system that recognizes people are coming here to do jobs that Americans will not do. And there ought to be a legal way for them to do so. To me, that is -- and not only that, but once the person is here, if he or she feels like he or she needs to go back to see her family, to the country of origin, they should be able to do so within a prescribed -- in other words, and the card, the permit would last for a prescribed period of time. It's a compassionate way to treat people who come to our country. It recognizes the reality of the world in which we live. There are some people -- there are some jobs in America that Americans won't do and others are willing to do.

Now, one of the important aspects of my vision is that this is not automatic citizenship. The American people must understand that. That if somebody who is here working wants to be a citizen, they can get in line like those who have been here legally and have been working to become a citizen in a legal manner.

And this is a very important issue, and it's a -- and I look forward to working with members of Congress. I fully understand the politics of immigration reform. I was the governor of Texas right there on the front lines of border politics. I know what it means to have mothers and fathers come to my state and across the border of my state to work. Family values do not stop at the Rio Grande River, is what I used to tell the people of my state. People are coming to put food on the table, they're doing jobs Americans will not do.

And to me, it makes sense for us to recognize that reality, and to help those who are needing to enforce our borders; legalize the process of people doing jobs Americans won't do; take the pressure off of employers so they're not having to rely upon false IDs; cut out the coyotes who are the smugglers of these people, putting them in the back of tractor trailers in the middle of August in Texas, allowing people to suffocate in the back of the trucks; stop the process of people feeling like they've got to walk miles across desert in Arizona and Texas in order just to feed their family, and they find them dead out there. I mean, this is a system that can be much better.

And I'm passionate on it because the nature of this country is one that is good-hearted and compassionate. Our people are compassionate. The system we have today is not a compassionate system. It's not working. And as a result, the country is less secure than it could be with a rational system.

Yes, sir. Let us take it overseas, across the pond.

Q Thank you very much, Mr. President. I wonder whether I could ask you two central questions about the war on terrorism. The first one is, do you have a sense of where Osama bin Laden is, and why the trail on him seems to have gone cold? And, secondly, how concerned are you by the reports of torture, to use your word, the interminable delays to justice, for the detainees held in Guantanamo, and how much that damages America's reputation as a nation which stands for liberty and justice internationally?

THE PRESIDENT: Right, thank you. If I had to guess, I would guess that Osama bin Laden is in a remote region on the Afghan-Pakistan border. But I don't have to guess at the damage we have done to his organization. Many of his senior operators have been killed or detained. Pakistan government has been aggressive in pursuit of al Qaeda targets in Waziristan.

And I appreciate the work of President Musharraf. He came the other day, on a Saturday morning to the White House and it was an opportunity to thank him once again for some of the bold steps he's taken. And al Qaeda is dangerous, no question about it, but we've got a good strategy, and it's a strategy that requires cooperation with other nations, and the cooperation has been great when it comes to sharing intelligence and cutting off finances, and arresting people, or killing people. We'll stay on the hunt.

In terms of the second part of your -- oh, the damage. Look, we are a nation of laws and to the extent that people say, well, America is no longer a nation of laws -- that does hurt our reputation. But I think it's an unfair criticism. As you might remember, our courts have made a ruling, they looked at the jurisdiction, the right of people in Guantanamo to have habeas review, and so we're now complying with the court's decisions. We want to fully vet the court decision, because I believe I have the right to set up military tribunals. And so the law is working to determine what Presidential powers are available and what's not available. We're reviewing the status of the people in Guantanamo on a regular basis. I think 200 and some-odd have been released. But you've got to understand the dilemma we're in, these are people that got scooped up off a battlefield, attempting to kill U.S. troops. I want to make sure before they're released that they don't come back to kill again.

I think it's important to let the world know that we fully understand our obligations in a society that honors rule of law to do that. But I also have an obligation to protect the American people, to make sure we understand the nature of the people that we hold, whether or not there's possible intelligence we can gather from them that we could then use to protect us. So we'll continue to work the issue hard.

Let's see, here, yes, Hutch. Go head and yell it out, Hutch.

Q Going for another new face, huh?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. (Laughter.)

Q I'd like to go back to Secretary Rumsfeld --

THE PRESIDENT: It's not a pretty face. (Laughter.)

Q Thank you. (Laughter.) You talked about the big picture elements of the Secretary's job, but did you find it offensive that he didn't take the time to personally sign condolence letters to the families of troops killed in Iraq? And, if so, why is that an offense that you're willing to overlook?

THE PRESIDENT: Listen, I know how -- I know Secretary Rumsfeld's heart. I know how much he cares for the troops. He and his wife go out to Walter Reed in Bethesda all the time to provide comfort and solace. I have seen the anguish in his -- or heard the anguish in his voice and seen his eyes when we talk about the danger in Iraq, and the fact that youngsters are over there in harm's way. And he is -- he's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow. Sometimes perhaps is demeanor is rough and gruff, but beneath that rough and gruff, no-nonsense demeanor is a good human being who cares deeply about the military, and deeply about the grief that war causes.

Deans.

Q Mr. President, I want to kick forward to the elections in Gaza in a few weeks if I could, please. As you know, Presidents back to Carter have searched for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Your dad worked hard for it. Your predecessor said once it was like going to the dentist without getting your gums numbed. I'm wondering what great --

THE PRESIDENT: Guy had a way with words. (Laughter.)

Q I'm wondering, sir, what lesson you draw, though, from their efforts, how you think the war in Iraq may, at this point, have improved prospects for a Mideast peace? And whether you think you might sit in that diplomatic dental chair yourself this year?

THE PRESIDENT: I've been in the diplomatic dental chair for four years. This is an issue we talk about a lot, but it became apparent to me that peace would never happen so long as the -- the interlocutor in the peace process was not really dedicated to peace, or dedicated to state.

I was at -- look, I gave the speech June 24, 2002, in the Rose Garden that laid out the vision about how to achieve -- at least from my point of view, how to achieve a peaceful solution, and something that I hope happens. But I'm realistic about how to achieve peace. And it starts with, my understanding, that there will never be peace until a true democratic state emerges in the Palestinian territory. And I'm hopeful right now because the Palestinians will begin to have elections, have -- will have elections, which is the beginning of the process toward the development of a state. It is not the sign that democracy has arrived. It is the beginning of a process.

And we look forward to working with Israel to uphold her obligations to enable a Palestinian state to emerge. But we've got a good chance to get it done. And I just want the people -- and I know the world is wondering whether or not this is just empty rhetoric or does -- do I really believe that now is the time to move the process forward. And the answer is: Now is the time to move the process forward. But we cannot shortcut the process by saying -- you know, well, the Palestinians can't self-govern; they're not suitable for a democracy. I subscribe to this theory that the only way to achieve peace is for there to be democracies living side-by-side. Democracies don't fight each other. And the last system didn't work, which was the hope that a Palestinian authority, run by a singular head, who on some days would say we're for peace and some days would say now is the time to attack; hope that everything would be fine. It just didn't work.

So I look forward to working with the world, the new Secretary of State, to work with the Palestinians to develop the structures necessary for a democracy to emerge. And I appreciate the fact that Prime Minister Tony Blair is willing to help that process by holding a conference with Palestinians that will help develop the state. And if the free world focuses on helping the Palestinians develop a state, and there is leadership willing to accept the help, it's possible to achieve peace. And there are responsibilities for all parties; the Palestinians have responsibilities, the Israelis have responsibilities, the Americans have responsibilities, the EU has responsibilities. But we all have got to keep the big vision in mind in order to achieve the objective.

Listen, thank you all very much. I wish everybody -- truly wish everybody a happy holidays. For those of you coming to Crawford, I look forward to not seeing you down there. (Laughter.)

Thank you, all.

Q Are you going to the Rose Bowl?

THE PRESIDENT: No, I won't be going to the Rose Bowl; I'll be watching the Rose Bowl. And by the way, in case you're not following high school football in Texas -- atta boy, Jackson -- the Crawford Pirates are the state 2A, Division II champs. And we look forward, don't we, to wave the championship banner above the Crawford High School.

All right, happy holidays.

END 11:25 A.M. EST