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Archives
***************************************************
January 10, 2003
In this Issue
Economic Growth
Education
1 Economic Package: Small Business
2 Economic Package: Who Benefits
3 Economic Package: Unemployment
4 Unemployment Benefits Extension
5 Economic Package: Help for Families
________________________________________________________________
Economic Growth
PRESIDENT TAKES ACTION TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMY
President Bush announced a growth and jobs plan to
strengthen the American economy on Tuesday, urging Congress
to act swiftly to pass it. The President's economic agenda
has three major objectives: encourage consumer spending,
promote business and personal investment, and deliver
critical help to the unemployed. The plan President Bush
outlined would meet these three goals. First, the proposal
would speed up tax cuts passed in 2001 to boost the pace of
the recovery and create jobs. Second, his plan would
promote job-creating investments in American businesses by
ending the double taxation of dividends and providing small
businesses with incentives to grow. Finally, President
Bush's new proposal provides help for unemployed Americans
by extending benefits and creating new re-employment
accounts to get them back on the job.
Education
PRESIDENT CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
On Wednesday President Bush joined school principals and
superintendents, education leaders, and Members of Congress
in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the signing of
the No Child Left Behind Act. The act enables America's
public schools to receive record levels of funding from the
federal government, and creates unprecedented levels of
accountability to ensure that those funds are producing real
results to help every child in America receive a quality
education. To ensure that the reforms and resources of the
No Child Left Behind Act are reaching the classroom, the
President announced that five states (Colorado, Indiana,
Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio) have taken the lead in
having their school accountability plans approved by the
Department of Education. These five states have now
outlined specific steps for ensuring yearly progress in
reading and math achievement.
1 Economic Package: Small Business
ECONOMIC PACKAGE WILL HELP EMPLOYEES & SMALL BUSINESSES
Speaking at the National Capital Flag Company Thursday,
President Bush discussed how his growth and jobs package
will help employees as well as small businesses.
2 Economic Package: Who Benefits
WHO BENEFITS UNDER THE PRESIDENT'S GROWTH AND JOBS PLAN?
Everyone who pays taxes, especially middle-income Americans,
as tax rate reductions passed by Congress in 2001 are made
effective immediately. Middle-income families will receive
additional relief from accelerated reduction of the marriage
penalty, a faster increase in the child tax credit, and
immediate implementation of the new, lower 10 percent tax
bracket.
3 Economic Package: Unemployment
HELPING UNEMPLOYED AMERICANS GET BACK TO WORK QUICKLY
As we work to encourage long-term growth in the economy, we
must not forget men and women struggling today. The
President's plan would help the unemployed on two fronts,
providing both short-term benefits and long-term
opportunity. Part of President Bush's plan gives states
$3.6 billion to promote Personal Reemployment Accounts to
Americans who need the most help getting back to work.
4 Unemployment Benefits Extension
PRESIDENT SIGNS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION
During a meeting with House and Senate Leaders on Wednesday,
President Bush said, "I have the extension of unemployment
benefits in front of me. I want to congratulate Senators
Frist and Daschle and Speaker Hastert and Leader Pelosi for
the good work on behalf of the American workers. And right
now it is my honor to sign this piece of legislation, which
should bring some comfort to those of our fellow citizens
who need extra help during the time in which they try to
find a job."
5 Economic Package: Help for Families
VICE PRESIDENT DISCUSSES GROWTH AND JOBS PACKAGE
Vice President Cheney Friday discussed the President's plan
where a typical family of four, with two earners making a
total of $39,000 in income will receive more than $1,100 in
tax relief -- money to help pay their bills and keep
America's economy growing.
******************************************************************
December 20, 2002
In this Issue
Iraq
Missile Defense
Next Two Weeks
PRESIDENTIAL & ADMINISTRATION NEWS
1 Mid East Peace
2 Season of Service
3 Telephone Solicitations
4 Spanish President Visits
5 E-Government
6 Children's Story
7 Christmas
^8 Kwanzaa
Iraq
IRAQI DECLARATION CONSTITUTES MATERIAL BREACH
In November, the U.N. Security Council unanimously passed
Resolution 1441 requiring Iraq to disarm itself of its
weapons of mass destruction and disclose all of its nuclear,
chemical, biological, and missile programs. Iraq's recently
released declaration fails to meet these requirements and
experts have found it to be anything but currently accurate,
full, or complete. The pattern of systematic holes and gaps
in Iraq's declaration is not the result of accidents or
editing oversights or technical mistakes. They are material
omissions that constitute another material breach. At a
Thursday press conference, Secretary of State Colin Powell
noted, "We are disappointed, but we are not deceived. We
have seen this game again and again; an attempt to sow
confusion to buy time, hoping the world will lose interest."
Missile Defense
PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES PROGRESS IN MISSILE DEFENSE CAPABILITIES
The strategic challenges of the 21st century require the
American military to think and act differently. When he
took office, President Bush made a commitment to transform
our national security strategy and defense capabilities to
meet the new threats of the new century. On Tuesday he
directed Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to proceed with
fielding a missile defense capability and to begin operating
these initial capabilities in 2004 and 2005. These will
include ground-based interceptors, sea-based interceptors,
additional Patriot (PAC-3) units, and sensors based on land,
at sea, and in space. Because the threats of the 21st
century also endanger our friends and allies around the
world, it is essential that we work together to defend
against them. The Defense Department will develop and
deploy missile defenses capable of protecting not only the
United States and our deployed forces, but also our friends
and allies.
Next Two Weeks
A WEEKLY REVIEW E-MAIL UPDATE BREAK
White House E-mail Updates will not be sent for the next two
weeks. The Weekly Review e-mail will resume Friday, January
10, 2002. Happy holidays.
1 Mid East Peace
PRESIDENT WELCOMES QUARTET PRINCIPALS TO WHITE HOUSE
President Bush thanked the Quartet Principals Friday for
their work. Composed of the United States, Russia, European
Union, and United Nations, the Quartet is working to move
the Israeli-Palestinian issue forward to a peaceful
resolution. During group remarks to reporters, President
Bush said Friday, "There are some keys to moving forward.
All of us must work hard to fight against terror so that a
few cannot deny the dreams of the many; that we must
encourage the development of Palestinian institutions which
are transparent, which promote freedom and democracy; that
we must work together to ease the humanitarian situation."
2 Season of Service
PRESIDENT VISITS D.C. FOOD BANK
President Bush Thursday visited the Capital Area Food Bank
in Washington, D.C. where he called for people to serve our
nation by helping people in need and becoming a soldier in
the army of compassion.
3 Telephone Solicitations
PRESIDENT COMMENDS VOTE ON "DO NOT CALL" REGISTRY
President Bush Wednesday commended the Federal Trade
Commission for voting to create a national "Do Not Call"
registry to allow consumers the option to stop unwanted
telephone solicitations.
4 Spanish President Visits
PRESIDENT BUSH MEETS WITH PRESIDENT AZNAR OF SPAIN
President Bush met with Spanish President Aznar in the Oval
Office on Wednesday. President Aznar said during their
meeting, "Spain and the United States are working together
within a framework of very solid and close cooperation and
confidence. And I am determined that this will continue to
be the case in the future in the fight against terrorism, in
the fight against weapons of mass destruction, and in this
overriding objective of defending a world of freedom,
justice and stability."
^5 E-Government
PRESIDENT SIGNS E-GOVERNMENT ACT
President Bush Tuesday signed the "E-Government Act of
2002"
which builds upon the President's expanding E-Government
initiative. It ensures strong leadership of the information
technology activities of Federal agencies, a comprehensive
framework for information security standards and programs,
and uniform safeguards to protect the confidentiality of
information provided by the public for statistical purposes.
6 Children's Story
WHITE HOUSE CHILDREN'S STORY HOUR
President Bush and Mrs. Bush read "'Twas the Night Before
Christmas," to a class of third-graders during the White
House Story Hour in the Roosevelt Room Tuesday.
7 Christmas
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE: CHRISTMAS
In his Presidential Message for Christmas, President Bush
said, "This Christmas, may we give thanks for the blessings
God has granted to our Nation and in each of our lives. May
the joy of the holidays renew our commitment to working
together for a future of peace, opportunity, and hope."
8 Kwanzaa
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE: KWANZAA
In his Presidential Message for Kwanzaa, President Bush said,
"As individuals and families join together during Kwanzaa,
their joy enriches communities in the United States and
across the globe. By uniting people of diverse backgrounds
and beliefs, this holiday promotes mutual understanding and
respect. These universal principles inspire us as we work
together for a future of freedom, hope, and opportunity for
all."
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****************************************************
November 22, 2002
Homeland Security & Terrorism Insurance
EVEN MORE PROGRESS CAPS TWO YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT
On Tuesday Congress took an historic step forward to protect
the American people by passing legislation creating the
Department of Homeland Security. The landmark bill is the
most extensive reorganization of the Federal Government
since the reorganization of the armed forces in the late
1940s. It will help America meet the emerging threats of
terrorism in the 21st Century. Congress also passed
terrorism insurance legislation to help get America's hard
hats back on the job by spurring billions in new
construction project investments all across the country.
These bills passed by Republicans and Democrats cap two
years of impressive legislative achievements by the
President and Congress that began with much needed tax
relief and historic education reform.
NATO Summit
PRESIDENT BUSH & NATO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS, DISCUSS IRAQ
President Bush traveled to Europe and Russia this week to
consult with our friends and NATO allies about the new
threats to freedom we face. Our NATO allies are making
important contributions in the war against terrorism.
Military forces from sixteen NATO countries have been sent
to Afghanistan in the fight against terror. And by the end
of this week's summit, NATO committed to build a new rapid
reaction force prepared to deploy on short notice wherever
needed. NATO members also invited Europe's newest
democracies to join - nations that will bring greater
clarity to NATO's purposes because they know from experience
that threats to freedom must be opposed, not ignored or
appeased.
Use the "President's Trip to NATO Summit" link below for
complete coverage, including the latest fact sheets, press
briefings from senior administration officials, speeches by
the President, relevant White House press releases, and
interviews with the President by foreign news media.
1 Meeting Russian President
PRESIDENT BUSH, PRESIDENT PUTIN DISCUSS NATO, IRAQ
President Bush Friday said, "I have just come from NATO.
My
visit with Vladimir was my first stop after Prague. The
mood of the NATO countries is this: Russia is our friend;
we've got a lot of interests together; we must continue our
cooperation in the war on terror."
2 Meeting British P.M.
PRESIDENT BUSH, PRIME MINISTER BLAIR MEET IN PRAGUE
President Bush said of Prime Minister Tony Blair Thursday,
"He and I are bound by the strong conviction that freedom
belongs to everybody, and we're going to work together to
make the world a more peaceful place."
3 Meeting Czech President
PRESIDENT BUSH, PRESIDENT HAVEL DISCUSS IRAQ, NATO
At Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, President Bush and
President Havel discussed the upcoming vote on NATO
expansion and the universal recognition that Saddam Hussein
is a threat to world peace.
4 NATO Preview
PRESIDENT BUSH PREVIEWS HISTORIC NATO SUMMIT IN PRAGUE SPEECH
On Wednesday President Bush said, "This NATO summit that
convenes tomorrow will be the first ever held at the capital
of a Warsaw Pact. The days of the Warsaw Pact seem
distant... It was a dark and distant era. The years
since
have brought great challenge and great hope to all of the
countries on this continent. And tomorrow in Prague we will
have reached a decisive moment, and historic moment. For,
tomorrow, we will invite new members into our alliance.
It's a bold decision -- to guarantee the freedom of millions
of people."
5 Thanksgiving
A PROCLAMATION FOR THANKSGIVING DAY, 2002
In this year's proclamation, the President said, "This
Thanksgiving, we recognize the ties of friendship and
respect that bind us together. And we renew our pledge to
uphold the timeless principles of freedom, equality, and
opportunity that have made our country into a great Nation.
By working together, we will continue to build mutual trust,
peace, and hope for all across this land and around the
world."
6 Nobel Laureates
PRESIDENT BUSH MEETS WITH NOBEL LAUREATES
President Bush said on Monday, "These Americans are a great
honor to their fields and a great honor to our country. And
we're proud to have you here. We're proud for what you've
done, for not only America but the world. And we're proud
for your contributions."
*********************************************************
November 15, 2002
AT THE TOP
Homeland Security
PRESIDENTIAL & ADMINISTRATION NEWS
1 West Wing Tour Online
2 Cabinet Meeting
3 Veteran's Day
4 U.N. Sec. General Visit
5 NATO Summit
Homeland Security
PRESIDENT CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS HOMELAND SECURITY ACT
Calling it the single most important objective for Congress'
lame duck session, the President reiterated his call for the
creation of a department of homeland security. The
President was encouraged by ongoing discussions and said he
believed the current session of Congress would end on a high
note of achievement. "Establishing the new department
will
require...the largest reorganization of the federal
government since 1940," said the President. "In
other
words, it's not going to be easy. But I think Congress
understands the need to do that." On Wednesday, the
House
passed the Homeland Security Act by a vote of 299 to 121.
1 West Wing Tour Online
PRESIDENT GIVES "WEB-EXCLUSIVE" VIDEO TOUR OF THE OVAL
OFFICE
To celebrate the West Wing's 100th anniversary the White
House unveiled "Life in the White House" on Wednesday.
This
new feature showcases photo essays and Web-exclusive video
tours of the rich history of the White House and West Wing.
The tours are led by President Bush, Vice President Cheney,
Laura Bush, Lynne Cheney and other White House Officials.
"Life in the White House" can only be found on the White
House Web site.
2 Cabinet Meeting
PRESIDENT DISCUSSES RESPONSIBLE BUDGET WITH HIS CABINET
After meeting with his Cabinet Wednesday, President Bush
said, "We have a responsibility to spend people's money
wisely. And so we had a little budget session here, to make
sure that as we come back to deal with the '03 budget, as
well as the '04 budget, that we do so in a way that resists
the temptation in Washington to overspend. We feel strongly
that we can meet our nation's priorities and be wise with
the people's money at the same time."
President Bush also held a brief Q&A session with reporters
after the Cabinet meeting. Topics included the war on
terror, Iraq, the economy, and the deficit.
3 Veteran's Day
President Commemorates Veteran's Day
In remarks commemorating Veteran's Day at Arlington National
Cemetery on Monday, the President said, "By standing for
freedom today our military follows in a great tradition of
courage and faithful service. Free nations are in debt to
the long, distinguished line of American veterans, and all
Americans owe our veterans our liberty. On this Veterans
Day, we honor veterans and we honor their families, and we
offer the thanks of a grateful nation."
Earlier Monday, President Bush also made remarks at a White
House reception for Veterans in the East Room.
4 U.N. Sec. General Visit
PRESIDENT BUSH MEETS WITH U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN
In remarks before his meeting with U.N. Secretary General
Kofi Annan in the Oval Office, President Bush said, "A while
ago the United Nations Security Council made a very strong
statement that we, the world, expects Saddam Hussein to
disarm for the sake of peace. And the U.N. stepped up to
its responsibilities, and I want to thank you for that, Mr.
Secretary General. I appreciate your leadership."
5 NATO Summit
DR. RICE BRIEFS PRESS ON PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO NATO SUMMIT
National Security Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice briefed the
press Friday on the President's upcoming trip to Europe for
the NATO summit.
******************************************************
10.28.01
Rx Drug Savings
401 (k) Protection
1 Senator Wellstone
2 Jiang Zemin Visit
3 Sniper Case
4 National Defense
5 Child Safety Online
6 NATO
Rx Drug Savings
PRESIDENT TAKES ACTION TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES
President Bush Monday announced a new initiative to lower
prescription drug costs for millions of Americans by
improving access to generic drugs, which are safe and
effective and can be much less costly alternatives to brand-
name prescription drugs. This initiative will remove
loopholes in the Hatch-Waxman law that allows drug
manufacturers, through extended patents, to make millions of
Americans pay unreasonably high prices for brand-name drugs
that should be available under a generic label. In his
remarks, the President said, "This is another important
advance in the cause of bringing affordable prescription
drugs to our seniors. Already, we have cleared the way for
states to provide prescription drug coverage to more seniors
with modest means through our Medicaid Pharmacy Plus
Program. And we will not rest until we've reformed and
strengthened the Medicare program itself so that a
prescription drug benefit is available to every senior in
America."
401 (k) Protection
PRESIDENT ACTS TO PROTECT PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT SECURITY
In last Saturday's Presidential Radio Address, President
Bush announced the implementation of rules that require
workers to receive a 30-day notification before any
"blackout" restrictions are placed on their 401(k) plans.
The first rule, to be implemented by the Department of
Labor, will require that workers be given a 30-day
notification before any restrictions can be placed on their
retirement accounts. The second, a new SEC rule, will bar
corporate executives from trading their stock when rank-and-
file workers are prevented from selling theirs. The
President has also proposed workers be allowed to diversify
investments after three years, be given quarterly benefit
statements explaining investment diversification, and be
given access to professional investment advice. The
President concluded his address by saying, "Corporate
executives will no longer be able to sell off their
company's declining stock while employees are left holding
the bag. Both of these rules will take effect early next
year and give workers greater protections against corporate
fraud or abuse."
1 Senator Wellstone
PRESIDENT SADDENED BY DEATH OF SENATOR WELLSTONE
President Bush Friday said, "I want to start off by saying
how sad Laura and I are about the sudden and tragic death of
United States Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, and one of
his children, as well as the death of others on that private
airplane."
2 Jiang Zemin Visit
PRESIDENT BUSH, CHINESE PRESIDENT JIANG ZEMIN DISCUSS IRAQ,
N. KOREA
In Crawford Friday, President Bush and President Jiang Zemin
discussed the threat posed by the Iraqi regime and discussed
and expressed concern about the acknowledgment of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea of a program to enrich
uranium.
^3 Sniper Case
PRESIDENT THANKS LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR SNIPER CASE WORK
President Bush Thursday said, "The hunt for a merciless
killer has been difficult -- and America greatly appreciates
all the good men and women who fight crime and uphold
justice across this great country."
4 National Defense
PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS
President Bush Wednesday said, "These bills, passed with
bipartisan support, send a message: America is united;
America is strong; and America will remain strong."
5 Child Safety Online
President Increases Federal Efforts to Promote Online Safety
The President Wednesday discussed his Administration's
commitment to expanding the investigation and vigorous
prosecution of child exploitation on the Internet. He also
urged the parents of America to take time to teach their
children about staying safe online. During his remarks the
President said, "We're taking aggressive steps to protect
children from exploitation and victimization. And the
United States Congress can help by passing the Child
Obscenity and Pornography Prevention Act. The House has
passed this important bill, and I want to thank them for
their good work. The Senate needs to get moving and join
the House in providing our prosecutors with the tools
necessary to help shut down this obscenity, this crime --
these crimes against children."
6 NATO
PRESIDENT DISCUSSES FOREIGN POLICY WITH NATO SECRETARY
On Monday, President Bush and met with NATO Secretary
General Lord Robertson. After the meeting, the President
said, "We are mainly discussing issues that we will confront
and/or deal with in Prague, including NATO expansion. He's
soliciting the views of the administration. I told him that
we would give him a definite answer about our views on
expansion in a couple of weeks, and that timetable seemed
satisfactory with him." The President also discussed
North
Korea and Iraq after talking about NATO expansion with Lord
Robertson and members of the press.
*******************************************
Week of 10.21.02
Iraq
Homeownership
1 Homeland Security
2 Tax Relief
3 Education Reform
4 Small Business & Hispanic Entrepreneurs
5 Bali Attack
6 Israeli Prime Minister Visits President Bush
7 Northern Ireland
8 National Book Festival
Iraq
PRESIDENT SIGNS IRAQ RESOLUTION
In the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, flanked by
Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld and joined by 100 members of Congress,
President Bush signed a bipartisan-approved resolution
authorizing the use of force, if necessary, to disarm Saddam
Hussein's Iraqi regime. The regime's threat is a serious
and growing threat to peace. On the commands of its
dictator, Iraq is armed with biological and chemical
weapons, possesses ballistic missiles, promotes
international terror, and seeks nuclear weapons.
The President said the resolution "symbolizes the united
purpose of our nation, expresses the considered judgment of
the Congress, and marks an important event in the life of
America. The 107th Congress is one of the few called by
history to authorize military action to defend our country
and the cause of peace. With this resolution, Congress has
now authorized the use of force. I have not ordered the use
of force. I hope the use of force will not become
necessary. Yet, confronting the threat posed by Iraq is
necessary, by whatever means that requires. Either the
Iraqi regime will give up its weapons of mass destruction,
or, for the sake of peace, the United States will lead a
global coalition to disarm that regime. If any doubt our
nation's resolve, our determination, they would be unwise to
test it."
Homeownership
PRESIDENT HOSTS CONFERENCE ON MINORITY HOMEOWNERSHIP
On Tuesday the President hosted the White House Conference
on Minority Homeownership to discuss public and private
sector efforts to address the homeownership gap and increase
the number of minority homeowners in America. Earlier this
year, the President announced the national goal of
increasing the number of minority homeowners by at least 5.5
million by the end of this decade. While the overall
homeownership rate has reached an all-time high of nearly 68
percent, recent statistics point to a homeownership gap.
Census data show that non-Hispanic whites have a 74%
homeownership rate, while African-Americans have a 48% rate,
and Hispanics a 47.6% rate. In June, President Bush
announced an aggressive homeownership agenda to dismantle
barriers to homeownership by providing down payment
assistance, increasing the supply of affordable homes,
increasing support for self-help homeownership programs, and
simplifying the homebuying process and increasing education.
1 Homeland Security
PRESIDENT'S CABINET SENDS HOMELAND SECURITY LETTER TO SENATE
The President's Cabinet sent a letter to Senate Leadership
Tuesday emphasizing the importance of legislation that would
establish a Department of Homeland Security and maintain for
that new department the President's existing authority to
act in the interests of national security.
On Wednesday, Homeland Security Advisor Tom Ridge called on
the Senate to do two things: One, make sure the President
retains existing authority to exercise executive discretion
over the new Department of Homeland Security. And two, pass
legislation for the President to sign that protects this
country as we deal with the enduring vulnerability to the
threat of international terrorism.
2 Tax Relief
PRESIDENT DISCUSSES TAX RELIEF IN SPRINGFIELD, MO
While speaking at Southwest Missouri State University,
President Bush said, "The tax relief plan over the next
decade for the people of Missouri, if permanent, would mean
there is $27 billion in income tax relief and death tax
relief in your pockets."
3 Education Reform
PRESIDENT PROMOTES READING FIRST PROGRAM IN FLORIDA
President Bush Thursday visited the Read-Patillo Elementary
School in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The Reading First
Program is one of the key components of the President's No
Child Left Behind Act, which received $900 million in funding
in 2002.
In his speech at the school, the President said, "If you
want every child to realize the American Dream, and
experience the greatness of this country, then we've got to
teach every child to read..."
4 Small Business & Hispanic Entrepreneurs
PRESIDENT DELIVERS U.S. HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE KEYNOTE
President Bush Thursday said, "I believe in small business
because I know that two-thirds of all new jobs created in
America every year come from small businesses. More than 1
million small businesses are owned by Hispanic Americans."
5 Bali Attack
PRESIDENT CONDEMNS ATTACK IN BALI
President Bush Monday said, "Last night I called Prime
Minister Howard of Australia to express our country's
deepest sympathies to the citizens of that good country who
lost their lives, to the families who mourn and cry. I send
the same sympathies and prayers to the family of the U.S.
citizens -- or citizens -- as well as citizens from around
the world."
After making his remarks, the President had an extended Q&A
session with White House reporters. Topics covered include:
terrorism, a new U.N. resolution on Iraq, job creation, and
the end of the Congressional session.
6 Israeli Prime Minister Visits President Bush
PRESIDENT BUSH WELCOMES PRIME MINISTER SHARON TO WHITE HOUSE
In discussing the meeting he had with Prime Minister Sharon
Wednesday, President Bush announced he would be sending an
Ambassador back to the Middle East to continue work on the
peace process.
President Bush said the following about the meeting: "We
talked about the framework for peace, the idea of working
toward peace, the idea of two states living side-by-side in
peace as a part of our vision. And to this end, Bill Burns,
Ambassador from the State Department, is going back to the
Middle East to continue to work on the process...so that
there's a peaceful future for the region."
7 Northern Ireland
PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT ON NORTHERN IRELAND
President Bush Monday said, "I support the difficult but
necessary decision today by British Prime Minister Tony
Blair to suspend the Northern Ireland Executive and
Assembly."
8 National Book Festival
FIRST LADY HOSTS SECOND NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
For the second year Laura Bush, with the Library of
Congress, hosted the National Book Festival, October 12,
2002, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and the National
Mall. Although America was changed forever after the first
National Book Festival September 8, 2001, Americans' desire
to read and encourage their children to read remains strong.
This year's festival was an opportunity to reaffirm
America's love of reading and to share that enthusiasm with
the next generation.
**********************************************************************
Week of 10.11.02
Afghanistan Today
Iraq - A Unique & Urgent Threat
1 Iraq Resolution - House Passes
2 Iraq Resolution - Senate Passes
3 Protecting America's Economy
4 Hispanic Heritage & Judicial Nominations
5 Terrorism Insurance & Homeland Security
Afghanistan Today
PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS ASSISTANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF AFGHANISTAN
On Friday the President talked about the humanitarian relief
efforts in Afghanistan underway since the start of combat
operations one year ago this week. The President noted the
many efforts to help the Afghan people recover from years of
tyranny and oppression. Working together, America's private
and public sectors have staved off starvation, immunized
children, built schools, restarted agriculture, and improved
health care in Afghanistan over the past year. The United
States Government has provided $588 million to humanitarian
assistance and reconstruction there since October 2001. And
since President Bush announced America's Fund for Afghan
Children one year ago, the fund has raised $10 million.
America is helping Afghanistan claim its democratic future
-- even while the struggle against terror continues in some
corners of that country.
Iraq - A Unique & Urgent Threat
PRESIDENT OUTLINES IRAQI THREAT; CONGRESS SENDS CLEAR MESSAGE
In Cincinnati on Monday the President addressed the Nation
about the threat to peace posed by the Iraqi regime headed
by Saddam Hussein. Later in the week both houses of
Congress joined the President in sending a clear a message
to the international community and the United Nations
Security Council that the American people were speaking with
one voice. The threat arises directly from the regime's own
actions -- its history of aggression, and its drive toward
an arsenal of terror. The Iraqi regime is a unique and
urgent threat and the time for denying, deceiving, and
delaying has come to an end. Saddam Hussein must disarm
himself -- or, for the sake of peace, the U.S. will lead a
coalition to disarm him.
1 Iraq Resolution - House Vote
PRESIDENT BUSH PLEASED WITH HOUSE VOTE ON IRAQ RESOLUTION
President Bush Thursday said, "The House of Representatives
has spoken clearly to the world and to the United Nations
Security Council: the gathering threat of Iraq must be
confronted fully and finally."
2 Iraq Resolution - Senate Vote
PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT ON SENATE VOTE
President Bush late Thursday night said, "With tonight's
vote in the United States Senate, America speaks with one
voice. The Congress has spoken clearly to the international
community and the United Nations Security Council. Saddam
Hussein and his outlaw regime pose a grave threat to the
region, the world, and the United States. Inaction is not
an option, disarmament is a must."
3 Protecting America's Economy
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS ON WEST COAST PORTS
President Bush Tuesday said, "For over a week our ports
along the Pacific Coast have been shut down. These ports
handle more then $300 billion a year in trade. The work
stoppage is hurting our entire economy. Americans are
working hard every day to bring our economy back from
recession. This nation simply cannot afford to have
hundreds of billions of dollars a year in potential
manufacturing and agricultural trade sitting idle. I am now
directing Attorney General Ashcroft to seek an injunction
under the Taft-Hartley Act, ending the lockout and requiring
work at the ports to resume at a normal pace. This
injunction will allow the parties more time to resolve their
differences. The ultimate responsibility for an agreement
lies with the worker representatives and the port operators."
4 Hispanic Heritage & Judicial Nominations
PRESIDENT HOSTS RECEPTION FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
President Bush Wednesday hosted a reception which celebrated
the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.
During the reception, the President spoke about his judicial
nominees held up in the Senate, saying, "I've named a
fantastic Hispanic American to the bench, a young guy named
Miguel Estrada. I named him to one of the highest courts
possible, to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. It's an
incredibly important appointment. He's well qualified.
He
is very smart. There are senators who would rather not give
him the benefit of the doubt; senators looking for a reason
to defeat him, as opposed to looking for a reason to herald
his intelligence, his capabilities, his talent. I strongly
object to the way this man is going to be treated in the
Senate. I urge the Senate to confirm the nomination of
Miguel Estrada."
5 Terrorism Insurance & Homeland Security
PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS: PASS TERRORISM INSURANCE AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BILLS
In Tennessee Tuesday, President Bush called on Congress to
pass the terrorism insurance bill and the bill creating the
Department of Homeland Security.
*************************10.4.02********************************************************
- Resolution on Iraq
- Terrorism Insurance
- Missing Children
- Homeland Security Legislation
- The Three Securities
- National Security Strategy
- Citizen Service
1. Resolution on Iraq
PRESIDENT, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS AGREE ON IRAQ RESOLUTION
At a Rose Garden press conference on Wednesday, leaders from
both parties in the House and Senate rallied with the
President around a resolution on Iraq that shows, to friend
and enemy alike, America's unity of purpose and resolve.
Congress is quickly closing ranks behind the President, and
soon the American people will speak with one voice in
confronting a gathering threat to America and the future of
peace around the world. The treacherous history of Iraq's
dictator is to wage war against neighbors, sponsor and
support terrorists, and develop and use weapons of mass
destruction. He buys time with hollow promises while moving
incriminating evidence to stay ahead of inspectors. The
United States will work with other nations to bring Saddam
to account; to help the Iraqi people form a just, unified
government; and should force be required, to assist the
rebuilding of a liberated Iraq.
2. Terrorism Insurance
FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH BY ENACTING TERROR INSURANCE
On Thursday the President reiterated the need for Congress
to pass terrorism insurance that will help companies cover
losses due to terrorist acts. After last year's attacks,
many insurance companies stopped covering builders and real
estate owners against the risk of terrorist attack. Other
insurers slowed coverage by raising rates or by placing
demanding restrictions on policies. Congress' inaction on
this legislation has led to an estimated $15 billion
slowdown in job-creating projects. The President wants
Congress to swiftly pass terrorism insurance and create jobs
for workers instead of trial lawyers.
3. Missing Children
PRESIDENT HOSTS CONFERENCE ON MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN
President Bush hosted the first-ever White House Conference
on Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children to highlight the
need to improve children's safety. The conference also
generated recommendations from leading experts in the field.
More than 600 people from across America attended the
Conference, including parents of victim children; law
enforcement officials; citizen experts; and federal, state
and local leaders. Department of Justice statistics show
that almost 800,000 children are reported missing to law
enforcement each year. That tragic figure excludes the
500,000 children that go missing without being reported to
authorities. The conference focused on a wide range of
topics related to children's safety, including child
abduction; runaway and homeless youth; international child
abduction; sex trafficking of children; child pornography;
Internet safety; as well as corporate and community
involvement.
4. Homeland Security Legislation
FEDERAL WORKFORCE & PRESIDENTIAL NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORITY
Both the original Lieberman bill and the Breaux-Nelson-
Chafee proposal significantly weaken the President's
existing national security authority as it would apply to
the proposed Department of Homeland Security -- the very
department charged with helping to ensure the security of
the American people. Simply put, the President would have
less national security authority in the Department of
Homeland Security than he has in every other department and
agency.
5. The Three Securities
PRESIDENT DISCUSSES THE THREE SECURITIES
President Bush Thursday welcomed Hispanic leaders to the
White House and discussed the importance of economic
security, national security and homeland security.
6. National Security Strategy
DR. CONDOLEEZZA RICE DISCUSSES PRESIDENT'S NATIONAL SECURITY
STRATEGY
Dr. Condoleezza Rice Tuesday discussed the President's
National Security Strategy outlining the three pillars --
defending the peace, preserving the peace and extending the
peace.
7. 4 Citizen Service
USA FREEDOM CORPS LAUNCHES VOLUNTEER SERVICE INDICATORS
The USA Freedom Corps office announced Monday that it is
working with the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census
Bureau to create a comprehensive national measure of
volunteer service. The recently completed September 2002
Current Population Survey will establish a benchmark for new
volunteer service indicators to be released this year.