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INAUGURAL ADDRESS - January 20, 2001
REMARKS AT REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL RETREAT
- February 2, 2001
RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION
-- February 3, 2001
Remarks by the President at Meeting with
Republican Members of the House and Senate Budget Committees
-- February 15, 2001
Remarks by the President at Tax Family
Event -- February 20, 2001
Remarks by the President to Teachers
and Students -- February 21, 2001
Remarks by the President in Photo Opportunity
at Cabinet Meeting -- February 26, 2001
ADDRESS TO JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
-- February 27, 2001
PRESIDENT'S BUDGET BLUEPRINT -- February
28, 2001
Remarks by the President in Small Business
Roundtable -- February 28, 2001
Remarks by the President at Nebraska
Welcome -- February 28, 2001
Remarks by the President at Leadership
Forum -- March 1, 2001
Remarks by the President at Welcome Event
-- March 1, 2001
Remarks by the President to National
Conference of State Legislatures -- March 2, 2001
RADIO ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT TO
THE NATION-- March 3, 2001
Remarks by the President at Chicago Mercantile
Exchange -- March 6, 2001
Remarks by the President at North Dakota
Welcome Event North Dakota State University Bison Arena
-- March 8, 2001
Remarks by the President in Sioux Falls,
South Dakota Send Off -- March 9, 2001
Remarks by the President in Lafayette,
Louisiana Send Off -- March 9, 2001
Remarks by the President to the Panama
City Area Joint Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce Meeting
-- March 12, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN JOINT MEETING
OF THE NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-- March 14, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE HISPANIC
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-- March 19, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AND THE FIRST
LADY TO WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS--March 20, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE AMERICAN
COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY ANNUAL CONVENTION--March 21, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATIONAL
NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION 40TH ANNUAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONFERENCE--March 22, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE GREATER
PORTLAND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MEETING--March 23, 2001
RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE
NATION--March 24, 2001
Remarks by the President to the Employees
of Bajan Industries-- March 26, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN BILLINGS,
MONTANA WELCOME EVENT--March 26, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO SOUTHWEST
MICHIGAN FIRST COALITION/KALAMAZOO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINT
EVENT ON THE ECONOMY--March 27, 2001
Remarks by the President to African American
Leaders -- March 29, 2001
Remarks by the President to the National
Restaurant Association -- April 2, 2001
Remarks by the President at American
Society of Newspaper Editors Annual Convention -- April
5, 2001
Remarks by the President in New Orleans,
Louisiana Welcome-- April 25, 2001
Remarks by the President at Tim Hutchinson
for Senate Reception -- April 25, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN SOCIAL SECURITY
ANNOUNCEMENT-- May 2, 2001
Remarks by the President at RNC Gala
-- May 22, 2001
Remarks by the President at Summit on
the 21st Century Work Force -- June 20, 2001
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON MEDICARE--
July 12, 2001
Remarks by the President to Families
Gathered at the Target Retail Store, Kansas City, Missouri--
August 21, 2001
President and Minority Leader Discuss
Fall Priorities-- September 4, 2001
President Voices Concern Over Economy--
September 7, 2001 |
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PRESIDENT'S 2002 STATEMENTS
PRESIDENT'S 2003 STATEMENTS
PRESIDENT'S 2004 STATEMENTS
PRESIDENT'S 2005 STATEMENTS
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
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INAUGURAL ADDRESS-- January
20, 2001
This peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common
in our country. With a simple oath, we affirm old traditions, and
make new beginnings. As I begin, I thank President Clinton for his
service to our nation. And I thank Vice President Gore for a contest
conducted with spirit, and ended with grace.
I am honored and humbled to stand here, where so many of America's
leaders have come before me, and so many will follow.
We have a place, all of us, in a long story; a story we continue,
but whose end we will not see. It is the story of a new world that
became a friend and liberator of the old. The story of a slave-holding
society that became a servant of freedom. The story of a power that
went into the world to protect but not possess, to defend but not
to conquer. It is the American story; a story of flawed and fallible
people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals.
The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise: that
everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant
person was ever born. Americans are called to enact this promise in
our lives and in our laws. And though our nation has sometimes halted,
and sometimes delayed, we must follow no other course.
Through much of the last century, America's faith in freedom and democracy
was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking
root in many nations. Our democratic faith is more than the creed
of our country, it is the inborn hope of our humanity; an ideal we
carry but do not own, a trust we bear and pass along. And even after
nearly 225 years, we have a long way yet to travel.
While many of our citizens prosper, others doubt the promise — even
the justice — of our own country. The ambitions of some Americans
are limited by failing schools, and hidden prejudice, and the circumstances
of their birth. And sometimes our differences run so deep, it seems
we share a continent, but not a country.
We do not accept this, and will not allow it. Our unity, our union,
is the serious work of leaders and citizens in every generation. And
this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of
justice and opportunity.
I know this is within our reach, because we are guided by a power
larger than ourselves, Who creates us equal in His image.
And we are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward.
America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound
by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests,
and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught
these principles. Every citizen must uphold them. And every immigrant,
by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.
Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise
through civility, courage, compassion and character.
America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern
for civility. A civil society demands from each of us good will and
respect, fair dealing and forgiveness.
Some seem to believe that our politics can afford to be petty because,
in a time of peace, the stakes of our debates appear small. But the
stakes, for America, are never small. If our country does not lead
the cause of freedom, it will not be led. If we do not turn the hearts
of children toward knowledge and character, we will lose their gifts
and undermine their idealism. If we permit our economy to drift and
decline, the vulnerable will suffer most.
We must live up to the calling we share. Civility is not a tactic
or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism,
of community over chaos. And this commitment, if keep it, is a way
to shared accomplishment.
America, at its best, is also courageous.
Our national courage has been clear in times of depression and war,
when defending common dangers defined our common good. Now we must
chose if the example of our fathers and mothers will inspire us or
condemn us. We must show courage in a time of blessing, by confronting
problems instead of passing them on to future generations.
Together, we will reclaim America's schools, before ignorance and
apathy claim more young lives. We will reform Social Security and
Medicare, sparing our children from struggles we have the power to
prevent. We will reduce taxes, to recover the momentum of our economy
and reward the effort and enterprise of working Americans. We will
build our defenses beyond challenge, lest weakness invite challenge.
We will confront weapons of mass destruction, so that a new century
is spared new horrors.
The enemies of liberty and our country should make no mistake, American
remains engaged in the world, by history and by choice, shaping a
balance of power that favors freedom. We will defend our allies and
our interests. We will show purpose without arrogance. We will meet
aggression and bad faith with resolve and strength. And to all nations,
we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth.
America, at its best, is compassionate.
In the quiet of American conscience, we know that deep, persistent
poverty is unworthy of our nation's promise. And whatever our views
of its cause, we can agree that children at risk are not at fault.
Abandonment and abuse are not acts of God, the are failures of love.
And the proliferation of prisons, however necessary, is no substitute
for hope and order in our souls.
Where there is suffering, there is duty. Americans in need are not
strangers, they are citizens; not problems, but priorities; and all
of us are diminished when any are hopeless.
Government has great responsibilities, for public safety and public
health, for civil rights and common schools. Yet compassion is the
work of a nation, not just a government. And some needs and hurts
are so deep they will only respond to a mentor's touch or a pastor's
prayer. Church and charity, synagogue and mosque, lend our communities
their humanity, and they will have an honored place in our plans and
in our laws.
Many in our country do not know the pain of poverty. But we can listen
to those who do. And I can pledge our nation to a goal: When we see
that wounded traveler on the road to Jericho, we will not pass to
the other side.
America, at its best, is a place where personal responsibility is
valued and expected.
Encouraging responsibility is not a search for scapegoats, it is a
call to conscience. And though it requires sacrifice, it brings a
deeper fulfillment. We find the fullness of life, not only in options,
but in commitments. And we find that children and community are the
commitments that set us free.
Our public interest depends on private character; on civic duty and
family bonds and basic fairness; on uncounted, unhonored acts of decency
which give direction to our freedom.
Sometimes in life we are called to do great things. But as a saint
of our times has said, every day we are called to do small things
with great love. The most important tasks of a democracy are done
by everyone.
I will live and lead by these principles: to advance my convictions
with civility; to pursue the public interest with courage; to speak
for greater justice and compassion; to call for responsibility, and
try to live it as well. In all these ways, I will bring the values
of our history to the care of our times.
What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you
to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms
against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor.
I ask you to be citizens. Citizens, not spectators. Citizens, not
subjects. Responsible citizens, building communities of service and
a nation of character.
Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe
in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this
spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace
it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.
After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman
John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: ``We know the race is not to
the swift nor the Battle to the Strong. Do you not think an Angel
rides in the Whirlwind and directs this Storm?''
Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration.
The years and changes accumulate. But the themes of this day he would
know: our nation's grand story of courage, and its simple dream of
dignity.
We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with His
purpose. Yet His purpose is achieved in our duty; and our duty is
fulfilled in service to one another.
Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose
today: to make our country more just and generous; to affirm the dignity
of our lives and every life.
This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides
in the whirlwind and directs this storm.
God bless you all, and God bless America.
|
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL RETREAT--February 2, 2001
Kingsmill Resort Landing
Williamsburg, Virginia
12:55 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. I like
to give short speeches and I'm always on time. (Laughter
and applause.) But, evidently, I didn't get the dress code. (Laughter.)
I really appreciate you, Speaker, thanks for your friendship, thanks
for your leadership. These are two really good men. (Applause.) And
I want to thank you, J.C. and Rick, as well, for your -- pretty darn
eloquent guy for being from Oklahoma. (Laughter.) He
can tell it. I appreciate you, thank you very much. I'm
looking forward to welcoming the University of Oklahoma football team
to the White House. (Applause.)
I appreciate the Chairman of the Republican Party being here. I
chose a fellow governor -- or I asked a fellow governor to serve,
and he's a good one. He's a strong leader. He's
done a fabulous job for the Commonwealth of Virginia and I appreciate
you being here, Jim, thank you very much. (Applause.)
I'm glad you get to see the Secretary of the Treasury, who's smart
and capable. He's surrounded by Senator Grassley and Congressman
Thomas, good work. (Laughter.) It didn't take
you long to transition from the private sector. And Condi
is here, Condi Rice; a capable Chief of Staff, Andy Card; Nick Calio,
who's going to really head up our congressional affairs.
The reason I bring these people up is that they're here to serve America,
they're here to work with you to make our jobs easier. And
I've assembled one of the finest staffs any President has ever done
in the White House. (Applause.)
I'm making my rounds to the various caucuses. Senator Daschle
invited me over this morning to the Library of Congress, and I was
so honored he would, and it gave me a chance to come. Many
members of the Senate there had never seen me in person and had never
had a chance to visit. And we had a very good discussion,
and I was grateful for his introduction. I'm going on to Pennsylvania
Sunday afternoon, as well, thanks to the kind invitation of Congressman
Gephardt.
And I want to go around and say a couple of things as clearly as I
can. First, here, I want to thank all the members who are
here who I got to campaign with. We had a lot of fun. It
was tiring at times, but I really, really appreciated the senators
and House members for joining me and Laura on the campaign trail. It
really made it a lot easier to understand your districts, as well
as to put up with all the long hours on the campaign trail. So
thanks from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices.
It also gives me a chance to say how deadly earnest I am about using
my position as your President to change the tone in the nation's capital.
(Applause.) To say to America that we'll have our disagreements,
we'll fight over principle and we'll argue over detail -- but we'll
do so in a way that respects one another. I think it's
so important for us as leaders, as people who have been given positions
of responsibility, to understand that the way the process is conducted
can set a good or bad tone for America. I'm committed to
setting a positive tone for the country, and I know you'll join me.
You're not going to agree with everything I say. I probably
won't agree with everything you say. But I'll listen. And
I'll respect your opinion. I'll try to understand why the
position you've taken, I'll try and understand why you don't do everything
I tell you to do. (Laughter.)
But I'll do so in a way that tries to figure out where the other person
comes from. I think that's an important part of the Washington
experience. I'm absolutely convinced that we can change
Washington for the better. I believe we can have the dialogue
so necessary that will inspire some youngster who's looking at Washington
to say, I think I want to serve my country; I think I want to maybe
go to the United States Senate or the United States House.
We have that responsibility to our citizens. And I pledge
to you that these first 14 days in office, or near 14 days in office
-- the tone set in the first 14 days will be a consistent tone for
however long I happen to be fortunate enough to be your President. This
is a message I want to say to all elected officials. I
love meeting with the members. For those of you who have
been to our office, thanks for coming. For those of you
that have not been to our office yet, you're coming. Just
don't take any silverware. (Laughter and applause.)
When you come, I look forward to hearing from you. I look
forward to having a frank discussion. I look forward to
hearing what's on your mind. I don't want you to -- I'm sure you won't
be, but don't be looking around at the furnishings and say, gosh,
oh, the meeting ended and I didn't say anything. We expect
to hear from you, and that's the best way to get things done, is to
have a good, honest discussion.
I also want to remind members of both parties that I am able to stand
before you as the President because of an agenda that I ran on. I
believe the fact that I took specific stands on important issues is
the reason I was able to win. The fact that I took on the
Social Security issue in as clear language as I could be, with innovative
thinking, I believe -- was part of the reasons why people came our
way.
I'm going to take that same positions I took on Social Security and
other issues, and try to get them on the floor of the House and the
Senate and get something done. (Applause.) It's
a positive agenda. It's one that I believe, when we apply
our principles to it, will make a huge difference for America. The
agenda is going to require a lot of patience and a lot of time and
a lot of work. But I want you to know, this is not a lot
of items. I believe I've got a limited amount of capital,
and I'm going to spend it wisely and spend it in a focused way.
One item is Social Security, another is Medicare reform. We
have a fantastic opportunity to seize the initiatives to make sure
that working with people like Chairman Thomas, to make sure that the
Medicare system works. Prescription drugs need to be an
integral part of Medicare delivery system. It will be a
proud moment for all of us, Republicans and Democrats, to say we came
together to modernize Medicare so that the seniors can retire in dignity. (Applause.)
I see the respective chairmen of the committees dealing with our military. I
commit to you that our mission is going to be to make sure our military
is strong and capable. But it first requires the administration
to act. One, is to clarify the mission, to make it clear
to those who wear our uniform that the mission is to be prepared and
ready to fight and win war, and therefore prevent war from happening
in the first place. (Applause.)
But we have an obligation to the members of Congress to present a
strategic vision about what the military ought to look like. We've
got an unbelievable opportunity as we go into the 21st century to
refashion how war is fought and won and, therefore, how the peace
is kept. It's a remarkable moment. But it's
incumbent upon those of us in the executive branch -- Secretary Rumsfeld
and our policy team -- to present to you a blueprint about what the
military ought to look like and where the priorities ought to be.
You may like it, you may not like it. But before we --
good appropriations will really only occur if there is a strategic
vision. And we're the appropriate people to present the
strategic vision. So Secretary Rumsfeld is working on that.
We've had a lot of talk -- early talk about education. I
want to thank you all for your respective chairmen coming over and
talking about education. This is not a Republican issue
or a Democrat issue; this is of national concern, to make sure our
public schools function. And we can apply some principles
that I think we all agree with, which is high standards, expecting
the best for every child, local control of schools, trusting local
people to run the schools, and strong accountability systems. (Applause.)
But as well, insist that there be results. Guess what happens
in systems when you don't measure? Inner-city schools just
get shuffled through the school systems. Or in my case,
in my state, sometimes children whose parents didn't speak English
as a first language just got moved through. Because you
know why? We didn't know. And they come out
at the end, and somebody says, oh, you can't read like you're supposed
to. That's because we didn't have the courage to insist
upon measurement. We didn't have the courage to insist
upon results. In order to make sure every child is educated,
I mean every child, and no child is left behind, we've got to adopt
a system that has high standards, local control of schools and the
willingness to hold people accountable for results. And
an accountability system for which there is a consequence if there
is success, and there is a consequence if there is failure. (Applause.)
Many members, Republican and Democrat alike, have said, are you going
to give us a budget? I said, of course -- just hope you
don't kill it the minute it arrives. It is our responsibility
to do so, and working with the Speaker and the Leader to make sure
it's there on a timely basis. But we'll have a budget. It's
a budget that will set aside Social Security for one thing -- payroll
taxes for Social Security and only Social Security. It's a budget
that pays down national debt. It's a budget that sets spending
priorities.
But it's also a budget that recognizes we must provide tax relief
to the people who pay the bills. (Applause.) I
feel strongly about this issue. And of course I hope you
join me. It is so important for us to understand some facts. One,
the economy is slowing down. And it's important for us
to combine good monetary policy with good fiscal policy. And good
fiscal policy is a sound budget, coupled with giving people some of
their own money back, to serve as a second wind to an economy. I
come from the school of thought that by cutting marginal rates for
everybody who pays taxes is a good way to help ease the pain of what
may be an economic slowdown. I'm going to make that case
over and over and over again until we get a bill through. (Applause.)
It's important for us not to let the tax relief debate fall into a
class warfare debate. It seems like to me the fair way
to do things is if people pay taxes, they ought to get tax relief. (Applause.)
But I want to assure you that inherent in our plan is an understanding
of how unfair the tax system is. It's unfair to people
at the bottom end of the economic ladder. If you're a single
-- one of these radio addresses for tomorrow -- and I talked about
the single mom who is working hard to get ahead. She's
making $22,000 a year. Many of you heard -- usually heard
me use this example in the campaign. I want to share it
with you again, because it's an inherent part of our plan.
For every dollar she earns, because of the earned income tax phase-out
and because she gets into the 15 percent bracket and because she pays
payroll taxes, she pays a higher rate on the extra dollar earned than
someone who is making $200,000 a year. That's today's tax
code. And so part of our plan is not only to serve as an
insurance policy against a severe economic downturn or a second wind
for economic recovery, however you want to put it; but part of our
vision addresses unfairness in the code by recognizing there are people
struggling to get in the middle class.
This country must understand that by making the code more simple,
by dropping the bottom rate from 15 to 10 percent, increasing the
child credit we make that middle class, that dream of ownership so
much more accessible, and that's what we ought to be representing
in the great land called America. (Applause.)
There is a lot of talk about debt, and we need to retire debt at the
federal level. Just remember -- lockboxing Social Security,
a payroll tax is a pretty darn good step to relieving debt. But
there will be a glide path for debt repayment in our budget. But
during this debate, I want you all to remember that there is a huge
consumer debt burdening many people working for a living in America,
that there are 61 million Americans, I've been told, that have $10,000
or more of consumer debt.
Now think about that. These are people working hard to
get ahead. They've got a pretty high debt load. And all
of a sudden, energy prices start moving up on them. And
the combination of the two worries me, and I hope it worries members
of Congress, regardless of their party.
So tax relief is important to help working people manage their own
accounts, manage their own personal business. And they
say, well, that's not much money. Well, if you're a family
of four making $50,000 a year, under my plan, your taxes go from $4,000
to $2,000. That's $2,000 extra dollars. That's
a lot for somebody struggling. That's a lot for somebody
who is on the margin. And we must hear those voices on
the margin. So tax relief is not only good economic policy,
it's good people policy. (Applause.)
We can talk about marginal rates. We also need to talk
about the death tax and the marriage penalty -- two important ingredients
about making sure the code is more fair and more responsive to the
needs of working Americans. And that's my agenda.
I'm going to be asked to comment on a lot of issues; I'm confident
about that. And I'm sure I'll have an opinion. (Laughter.) But
when it comes to spending capital, and staying focused, that's where
this administration is going to be. And I look forward
to working with you. I look forward to working with you
to get things done for the people. I can't think of a better
cause then the people of America. J.C. hit it right, this
is a fabulous land, because the people are so great.
I think one of the most important initiatives that thus far we've
discussed in the short time I've been here is the faith-based initiative.
I want to make it clear to you, we understand the Constitution. But
I also want to make it clear that faith-based programs in many neighborhoods
are really the solution to making sure we have a welcoming society.
(Applause.)
My hope of hopes is that when it's all done, somebody will say, well,
you know, President George W. Bush came -- number 43, by the way,
as opposed to number 41 -- (laughter) -- but he came, along with his
dad, and understood the office, helped change the tone, helped affect
a cultural change that was a welcoming change and welcomed people
into America; that didn't pit one group of people against another,
but that helped people understand the greatness of America should
apply to everybody; that the public policies that we passed together
enforced that dream and vision; that this is the greatest country
on the face of the Earth because of its people, because of our great
people.
We have an obligation to the people of America to set a good tone,
a good example, an example of the spirit of what's possible. I'm
confident it can happen. And it's such a huge honor, huge
honor, to play an important part.
God bless. (Applause.)
END
1:15 P.M. EST |
RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION
-- February 3, 2001
Oval Office
(Listen to the radio address in Windows
Media Player format)
(Listen to the radio address in RealAudio
format)
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This coming week I will send to Congress
my tax relief plan. It is broad and responsible. It will help our
economy, and it is the right thing to do.
Today many Americans are feeling squeezed. They work 40, 50, 60
hours a week, and still have trouble paying the electric bill and
the grocery bill at the same time. At the end of a long week, they
collect their paycheck, and what the federal government takes is
often unfair.
Picture a diner in one of our cities. At the table is a lawyer with
two children. She earns $250,000 a year. Carrying her coffee and
toast is a waitress who has two children of her own. She earns $25,000
a year. If both the lawyer and the waitress get a raise, it is the
waitress who winds up paying a higher marginal tax rate. She will
give back almost half of every extra dollar she earns to the government.
Both of these women, the lawyer and the waitress, deserve a tax
cut. Under my plan, both of these women, and all Americans who pay
taxes will get one. For the waitress, our plan will wipe out her
income tax bill entirely.
My plan does some important things for America. It reduces taxes
for everyone who pays taxes. It lowers the lowest income tax rate
from 15 percent to 10 percent. It cuts the highest rate to 33 percent,
because I believe no one should pay more than a third of their income
to the federal government. The average family of four will get about
$1,600 of their own money returned back to them.
There's a lot of talk in Washington about paying down the national
debt, and that's good, and that's important. And my budget will
do that. But American families have debts to pay, as well. A tax
cut now will stimulate our economy and create jobs.
The economic news these days is troubling -- rising energy prices,
layoffs, falling consumer confidence. This is not a time for government
to be taking more money than it needs away from the people who buy
goods and create jobs.
My plan will keep all Social Security money in the Social Security
system, where it belongs. We will eliminate the death tax, saving
family farms and family-owned businesses. We'll reduce the maximum
rate on small business income to 33 percent, so they can help create
the jobs we need. Above all, my plan unlocks the door to the middle
class for millions of hardworking Americans.
The country has prospered mightily over the past 20 years. But a
lot of people feel as if they have been looking through the window
at somebody else's party. It is time to fling those doors and windows
open and invite everybody in. It is time to reward the work of people
trying to enter the middle class and put some more money in their
pockets at a time when they need it.
My tax reduction plan does all these things, and I hope you'll support
it. Thank you for listening.
Remarks by the President at Meeting
with Republican Members of the House and Senate Budget Committees
-- February 15, 2001
The Cabinet Room
4:50 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: It's my honor to welcome members of the United States
Senate and members of the United States House up here in the Cabinet
Room to discuss the budget.
I'll be submitting a budget to the Congress in short order, and
I wanted to brief the members of the budget writing committees about
our priorities, our intentions and, of course, get the feedback.
I get to propose a budget and these folks get to write the budget.
And we look forward to having a good discussion on it.
Inherent in the budget, of course, is our desire to make sure
we protect Social Security, I think there is unanimity around the
table for that; that we set clear priorities; that we fund the priorities.
In our budget, we're going to prove to the American people that
we can pay down debt, fund priorities, protect Social Security and
there will be money left over -- which we strongly believe ought
to be passed back to the taxpayers.
I look forward to the discussion with the Chairman, near-Chairman,
and thank you all for coming.
I'll be glad to answer a few questions. Yes, Jim.
Q Mr. President, will you be telling the members of Congress that
you hope to hold spending to below 4 percent, the increase in spending?
THE PRESIDENT: We're not going to give a specific number today,
but we are going to argue, make the case that we can slow the rate
of spending down; that our spending will be based upon priorities,
the priorities I campaigned on; that we will meet the objectives
that I talked about in the campaign, which is protecting Social
Security, funding public education, strengthening the military,
paying down debt -- and we'll be paying down debt; but that we believe
the right number for the tax relief package is $1.6 trillion.
Q Mr. President, if the Senate were to vote today on your tax
package, the vote would probably be 51-49 against you, given that
there are two Republicans who have said they're not in favor of
it as is.
What can you say to Democrats to try to bring more of them on
board in the Senate?
THE PRESIDENT: I can say, wait until you see our budget. You'll
see that it's well thought out, that we meet important priorities
and I -- we've got a lot of work to do, I understand that. But this
is a democracy, people have different opinions about the subjects.
The people I want to talk to, though -- first, before there is
any vote -- is the American people. And I will, I'll take my case
to the American people about why I think tax relief makes sense.
I'll remind members of both the Senate and the House that there
is a lot of debt at the federal level; but there is a lot of debt
at the private level. We've got a lot of people struggling to pay
off credit card consumer debt.
I'll tell people that if you're a family of four making $50,000,
you get an additional $2,000 so you can decide what to do with your
money. So I've got a lot of work to do, but I'm convinced that when
the American people hear our plan they will support it. I think
we've got a very good chance of getting the tax package through.
Q Mr. President, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who serves on
the Armed Services Committee in the House, feels that she was snubbed
because she didn't go with you during your defense tour this week.
What do you say to her, and some of the other members of the Congressional
Black Caucus, especially after you met with them saying that you're
into an inclusive era?
THE PRESIDENT: We had a very good meeting here, and discussed
a wide range of issues. I'm glad their members came up, sat right
here at this table and expressed their opinion. My administration
certainly never attempts to leave anybody out. And to the extent
that members -- any member -- feels left out, I'm sorry that that's
the case. But we took the members on that trip and there will be
other trips.
Q Mr. President, were you surprised to learn that there were civilians
at the helm of the submarine that sank the Japanese fishing boat?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think what is going to be necessary is
for Secretary Rumsfeld and the Defense Department to review all
policy regarding civilian activity during military exercises. I
look forward to the Defense Department review of the policies, their
current policies, particularly in light of the recent tragedy that
took place in Hawaii.
I want to reiterate what I said to the Prime Minister of Japan:
I'm deeply sorry about the accident that took place; our nation
is sorry that the accident happened and we will do everything we
can to help recover the bodies.
END 4:55 P.M. EST
Remarks by the President at Tax
Family Event -- February 20, 2001
Kirkwood Community Center
St. Louis, Missouri
Listen to the President's Remarks
5:50 P.M. CST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Before I have a chance to say
hello to you all and watch the Mighty Mights skate, I want to talk
a little bit -- some public policy. Today I was in St. Louis talking
about education. There is no more important subject as far as I'm
concerned, to make sure every child is educated. I know the Yahngs
feel the same way.
But I also want to talk about the budget, the budget of the United
States government, and the budget of the people of the United States.
I'm going to submit a budget next week to the United States Congress.
It is a budget that will set priorities, just like each family does
in America -- set priorities. My priorities will make sure that
we preserve and protect and strengthen Social Security, so that
there's a Social Security system available for the Yahngs and their
children, and for you, as well.
A priority in my budget will be to make sure that health care
system in America is strong, for the elderly, for the uninsured,
and for all of us concerned about health. A priority will be public
education. Today I talked about a reading initiative which goal
is to make sure the children can read by the 3rd grade. I can't
think of a better priority. By the way, I also understand that local
control of schools is the best way to achieve that priority.
Last week I spent time touring military bases. The defense of
our nation is a priority, and in my budget I will submit, amongst
other things, a pay raise for the men and women who wear the uniform.
Restoring morale in the military not only means better pay, better
housing, better health care, it also means having a commander in
chief who will clarify the mission. The mission of the United States
military to have a fighting forces trained and prepared to fight
war, and therefore, prevent war from happening in the first place.
A priority of mine in my budget will be paying down national debt.
And yet, after setting priorities, there's still money left over.
And so while we're concerned about the federal budget, I'm also
concerned about the budget of people such as the Yahngs, who are
here standing next to me.
I think it makes sense to understand who pays the bills. I think
it makes sense to understand who fills the coffers of the United
States, and it's the working people. (Applause.) And so I'm going
to ask Congress to pass a tax relief package, recognizing that we
can meet priorities, but also help families meet their own priorities.
I'm deeply concerned about the high cost of energy. American families
are paying more and more for energy these days. I'm concerned about
consumer debt. There's a lot of discussion about national debt,
and that's a concern. But I'm also concerned that a lot of working
folks have got their own debt, and it seems wise to set priorities
at the national level, and get people their own money so they can
meet their own obligations, to meet their own debts.
I'm asking Congress to pass $1.6 trillion in tax relief, after
we've met priorities. That's over a 10-year period of time. It's
a fair plan. It's a plan that says, as opposed to pick and choose
who the winners are, that everybody who pays taxes ought to get
tax relief. It is a plan that significantly reduces taxes for people
at the bottom end of the economic ladder. If you're a family of
four making $35,000, you'll receive 100 percent tax cut. It's an
average tax relief for families of $1,600. The Yahng family under
the plan I submit will receive actually more than that. They now
pay $2,000 in taxes to the federal government. If this plan is enacted
by the United States Congress, they'll end up paying $150 of taxes.
(Applause.) That's $1,850 more that they can decide what to do with.
It's your money. It will give you a chance to set your priorities
for your family. It says that we in the federal government have
a fundamental trust in the people of America, and that's where our
faith should be -- in the people. The best government is that which
trusts America, and there's no better way to make that trust explicit
than to share your money with you.
I want to drop all rates and simplify the code. The reason this
family will receive the tax relief they're going to get is because
we've dropped the bottom rate from 15 percent to 10 percent, and
doubled the child credit from $500 to $1,000 per child. (Applause.)
As well, I'm going to ask Congress to provide relief from the
marriage tax. Our tax code ought to encourage family, ought to recognize
marriage as a sacred institution. (Applause.) And I think we ought
to listen to the voices of the farmers and small business people
and eliminate the death tax, so that those who struggle -- (applause.)
This is a plan that's going to require the people to speak up.
It's the beginning of trips around our great nation where I'm going
to make my case, not to the folks in Congress or in Washington,
D.C., but to the American people. I have an awesome responsibility
to be the President of everyone. I assume that responsibility, and
I'm going to be the President of everyone. And I believe this tax
relief plan is fair for everyone who pays taxes in America. It is
the right thing to do at this point in our history.
It also makes economic sense. I am concerned about our economy.
I'm concerned about its -- that we've lost some wind in our sails.
I believe good monetary policy, combined with good fiscal policy,
will provide a needed second wind to economic growth. We must keep
the pie growing, so that people who want to work can find a job,
people who want to dream are able to realize their dreams in the
entrepreneurial -- as a small business person or as an entrepreneur.
One of the great strengths of America is the entrepreneurial spirit
of our country. Any President and the Congress must do everything
in our power to create an environment where the entrepreneur can
flourish, where people can realize their dreams. America is a land
based upon dreams. It's a land where people should aim high, and
the tax code ought to encourage capital formation and economic growth.
But most of all, America is made up of fine, decent, honorable
citizens, citizens who work hard every day to provide for their
families -- just like my friends here -- citizens who, once the
nation meets our priorities, ought to keep their own money, so you
can spend, and you can save, and you can dream. (Applause.)
I'm so thankful that you all came. I really appreciate you all
standing up here today with me. I'm pinching myself every day. (Laughter.)
It is an unimaginable honor to represent the great people of this
country. It's the greatest country on the face of the Earth, and
all my public policy will be designed to keep it great and to invigorate
our people.
Thank you for coming and God bless.
END 6:00 P.M. CST
Remarks by the President to Teachers
and Students -- February 21, 2001
Townsend Elementary School
Townsend, Tennessee
12:03 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Fred, thank you very much.
I appreciate your invitation.
MR. GOINS: We appreciate your coming.
THE PRESIDENT: And I'm glad I accepted. It's a beautiful part of
the world. I was touched by the number of your citizenry who came
and lined the roads as we came in, to wave and say hello. And I
thank them for that, as well. I wish I could thank them in person.
I hope they realize my wave was a sincere wave of gratitude.
I want to thank Gary Pack, the Superintendent of Schools. Let
me say a couple things about what I've learned -- I've learned this
as a parent, I've learned it as a governor, I know it as the President,
that a school is really only as good as its principal, and when
you have a fine principal, you've got a fine school. And I appreciate
your service. And the same with the superintendents.
But with -- the heart and soul of any education system, of course,
are the teachers. And I want to thank those who are teaching. I'm
sorry that my wife is not here with us today. If she were giving
the speech -- and most of you, if you had heard both of us, would
rather hear her -- (laughter) -- she would say that one of her missions
will be to convince Americans who are coming up to be a teacher.
There's nothing more noble than to teach. And so the teachers of
this school and the teachers throughout all of Tennessee, we thank
you from the bottom of our hearts.
I also want to thank my friend, the Governor of your state, Don
Sundquist. He is a good man, and he married -- like me -- he married
above himself. (Laughter.) But Laura and I love Don and Martha.
They have been our friends for a long time, and I appreciate your
hospitality.
I want to thank your Senator, Bill Frist. I'm particularly nice
to Senator Frist these days, since much of what I'm proposing is
going to need to be passed out of the United States Senate. But
I've got a strong ally in Senator Frist, and a good friend.
I want to thank members of the Tennessee congressional delegation,
Congressmen Duncan and Jenkins and Van Hilleary for being here,
as well. I got to know these folks during the course of the campaign,
and they were stalwarts.
I also want to thank my friend, the chairman of the Education
Committee, from the state of Ohio, Congressman John Boehner. I am
so thankful the chairman is here. I'm going to be discussing education
policy today, the framework for good policy, and it's going to require
the leadership of John and -- on the House side, and Frist and others
on the Senate side to get this bill through.
So, Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for not only being here
-- I'm surprised they didn't check you at the border coming in.
(Laughter.) But I'll let you on the plane so we can fly back together
and talk policy.
I'm also most appreciative of the Mayor of Knoxville, Tennessee
for being here. I've know Mayor Ashe for years and years and years.
And he has done a fabulous job of being a fine public servant in
Knoxville. So, Victor, thank you for coming.
And finally, a former public servant, a distinguished Tennessee
citizen, a man whose son is -- sees my daughter at the University
of Texas, hopefully in the library -- (laughter) -- and that's Lamar
Alexander.
I want to thank these distinguished officials. I want to thank
the local officials. Senator, thank you, as well. Thank you for
coming.
There's no more important subject than public education. We must
get it right to make sure no child is left behind. My philosophy
is this. First, all of us in positions of responsibility must set
the highest of high standards for every child. I believe every child
can learn. And that ought to be indelibly etched into our national
conscience, that every single child in America has got the capacity
to learn and we should accept nothing less. And we must set high
expectations for every child. We must raise the bar.
I also strongly believe in local control of schools. I believe
the best way to chart the path to excellence for every child in
America is to insist that authority and responsibility be aligned
at the local level. (Applause.)
So I look forward to working with the members of the House and
the Senate to pass power out of Washington, to provide flexibility
for the federal funds so that the governors, superintendents, principals
can design programs that meet your specific needs. As the old adage,
one size does not fit all in public education -- it is very true.
It is very true. We had the same goal in Tennessee and Texas, and
that is every child learn. But we've got different issues in Texas
than you have in Tennessee, and that's why we need to have flexibility.
The cornerstone of reform, as far as I'm concerned, is not only
high standards and maximum flexibility, but strong accountability
systems. I think it's so important to measure. I think it's a legitimate
thing -- I know it's a legitimate request from those of us in public
life to say if you receive taxpayers' money, you measure, and you
show us whether or not the children are learning.
And when I ask Congress to pass legislation that says, in return
for federal help the state of Tennessee, local jurisdictions must
develop accountability measures on an annual basis, 3 through 8,
to determine whether or not our children are learning. It is essential
we do so.
Now, I know there's some around who will say we can't measure,
it's not the proper role of the government. Well, I believe the
proper role of any government at any level is to insist upon results.
There are some who will say, well, we can't have the test because
all they'll do is teach the test. Well, I went to a writing class
here in this school, and they were teaching the children to write,
and therefore, they were able to pass the test.
You don't teach the test when it comes to literacy. We went to
a Title 1 classroom -- or a classroom with Title 1 students in it,
where the teacher was using some of the most advanced thought about
teaching reading, a balanced approach including phonics. You teach
a child to read and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.
I don't buy teaching the test as an excuse to have a system that
doesn't hold people accountable for results.
Finally, there are some who will say you can't test because it
is a matter of race to test. I think it is a matter of race not
to test. I think it's racist not to test, because oftentimes in
our school districts, those who are most easy to shuffle through
are those who live in the inner cities or whose parents may not
speak English as a first language. No, we must measure because we
want to know. We want to know when there's success.
When a teacher told me in that classroom, she said, we're making
great progress in our new reading program here; it's been in place
for three years, we're making fine progress, we know because there's
accountability. People should welcome accountability. It's a way
to diagnose and to solve problems. It's a way to say that every
single child matters in America, and not one child ought to be left
behind. (Applause.)
I don't support, my friends in Congress don't support the design
of a national test. All a national test will do is undermine local
control of schools. But we look forward to working with states and
local jurisdictions to develop accountability systems that meet
your needs, so we achieve what we want. And that is an education
system focused on each individual; an education system that diagnoses
early and solves problems early.
Yesterday I also outlined some funding priorities of mine. I'm
going to submit a budget next week to the United States Congress
-- it's a budget that sets clear priorities. A priority is going
to be to make sure that our Social Security system and the payroll
taxes are saved for Social Security and the Social Security system
is strong. A priority would be Medicare. A priority is going to
be to make sure our troops are well-paid and well-housed and well-trained,
so that we can keep the peace. A priority is going to be pay down
debt. A priority is going to be tax relief, so hardworking Americans
have got more money in their pocket to pay down their own debt and
to cover the cost of high energy costs.
A priority is going to be public education, as well. As a matter
of fact, in the budget I submit, the largest increase of any department
will be for the Department of Education. (Applause.) Federal funding
for the Elementary and Secondary School Act will go up by $1.6 billion,
an 8 percent increase in funding.
I think it's so important for us to prioritize public education,
at the same time, we prioritize -- make it a priority of making
sure our money is spent well. A priority has got to be diligence
when it comes to taxpayers' money. And that's why I'm confident
the combination of an increase in spending coupled with education
reform that holds people accountable is the right path for America
to take.
And finally, yesterday I proposed additional spending for a national
reading initiative that will set this goal: every child will be
reading at the appropriate level by the 3rd grade. It's going to
require schools, districts willing to challenge the status quo,
if children are failing. It's going to mean we're going to have
to think differently about Head Start. Head Start should remain,
and will remain, a place where children are treated for disease
and the Health and Human Service component to it. But I think Head
Start ought to be moved to the Department of Education, to highlight
the need to make sure that our youngsters get a head start on reading
and math. (Applause.)
The billion-dollar a year additional money for the reading initiative
will allow districts to access money for K through 2 diagnostic
testing; for curriculum development; for teacher training, to make
sure that the teacher I saw today, the skills that she has are given
to all the teachers who are charged with teaching reading.
We've got an aggressive program for public ed. It's a program,
though, that has deep faith in the ability of local folks to make
sure the children are educated. It's a program, the philosophy of
which says that the people that care most about the children in
towns in Tennessee are the citizens of towns in Tennessee, are the
parents in towns in Tennessee, are those concerned folks who every
day try to figure out how to make your community a better place
to live.
The great strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of
our citizens. It lies in the classrooms. It lies in the after-school
activities of Scout troops, run by local citizens. And our philosophy,
the philosophy of the bill that I'm going to submit to the Congress
incorporates that greatness of America in its core.
It's a thrill to be here in Townsend. It is a -- you're the heartbeat
of America. And you're the future of America, by making sure every
single child gets educated. God bless. (Applause.)
END 12:15 P.M. EST
Remarks by the President in Photo
Opportunity at Cabinet Meeting -- February 26, 2001
The Cabinet Room
1:07 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank our Cabinet for coming in today.
Amongst a variety of topics, one of which is going to be, we're
going to talk about the budget and my speech tomorrow night to the
Congress. And I want to thank all of the Cabinet officers for their
hard work in helping us prepare a realistic budget that is going
to enable our nation to meet its priorities, and at the same time
not only set aside money for contingencies and pay down debt, but
to leave enough money left over so that people can get a real, substantial
tax relief package that they will feel.
I would be glad to answer some questions.
Q Mr. President, in your speech tomorrow night, what will be your
message to the American people, and will you begin addressing reforms
in the Social Security system?
THE PRESIDENT: Of course we'll be talking about Social Security.
Secondly, I will be making the case as to why our budget makes sense
for the country and for the people who pay the bills of our country.
It is a common-sense approach to what our nation ought to do with
the tax revenues that are coming into the Treasury.
Q Do you expect to propose Social Security reforms this year?
THE PRESIDENT: I will see.
Q Mr. President, what are your thoughts about the final Florida
recount that put you over from the Vice President, and what do you
say to those who now have to call you the legitimate president that
didn't call you that? (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Good. (Laughter.) Hopefully, all the focus on the
past is over with. It's time to move forward. And tomorrow night's
speech is a part of moving forward. We've worked hard here in this
administration to reach out to people that may not have supported
me. I think we're making pretty good progress to say that the discussions
that take place around this table, for example, are what's best
for America; not what's best for a political party, but what's best
for the country.
Q Sir, in your speech, will you have specific areas in the budget
where spending will slow down, and will you specify those areas
in your speech?
THE PRESIDENT: No. In my speech I will talk about the budget.
And in the budget is where people will see all the particulars.
If I tried to review every particular in the budget, I would set
the all-time record for the amount of time in front of the Congress.
And as you know, I'm the kind of person who likes to try to get
to the point. I will spend enough time speaking so that people will
understand where I'm coming from, but not too long so they go to
sleep.
Q Mr. President, you've acknowledged that you're going to have
to make cuts to the budget to some extent. What do you say to those
who are saying that you're telling the American people essentially
they can have their cake and eat it too?
THE PRESIDENT: What I'm going to say to the American people is
that, had we kept spending at the rate we were spending last year,
there would be no surplus, that the size of growth in the federal
budget that -- and the budget we inherited was way too high, that
we can meet our needs by slowing down the rate of growth in our
budget. But it requires a president to set priorities. And I'm going
to set clear priorities in the budget.
I readily concede some appropriators may not like the fact that
we're asking for there to be fiscal sanity in the federal budget,
but that's one of the reasons I became the President; because I
said, give us a chance and we will have fiscal sanity in our budget.
And I'll look forward to making the case.
The people are going to hear in plain spoken words why I believe,
strongly believe, when we meet priorities, pay down debt, protect
Social Security, and as importantly, make sure that people get some
of their own money back, so to make sure that the economy is strong,
help people pay for high energy bills, to help people manage their
own personal debt, we need to have tax relief -- tax relief that
the people can feel. And I will make the case tomorrow night that
it's within our grasp to do so. And people will hear as plainly
as I can say it what the facts are.
Q It sounds like your speech will be shorter than ones we're used
to in the last eight years. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: I don't know. (Laughter.) It depends on how loud
you clap.
END 1:12 P.M. EST
|
| ADDRESS BEFORE
A JOINT SESSION OF THE CONGRESS--February 27, 2001
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress:
It is a great privilege to be here to outline a new budget and
a new approach for governing our great country.
I thank you for your invitation to speak here tonight. I want to
thank so many of you who have accepted my invitation to come to
the White House to discuss important issues. We are off to a good
start. I will continue to meet with you and ask for your input.
You have been kind and candid, and I thank you for making a new
President feel welcome.
The last time I visited the Capitol, I came to take an oath. On
the steps of this building, I pledged to honor our Constitution
and laws, and I asked you to join me in setting a tone of civility
and respect in Washington. I hope America is noticing the difference.
We are making progress. Together, we are changing the tone of our
Nation's capital. And this spirit of respect and cooperation is
vital -- because in the end, we will be judged not only by what
we say or how we say it, but by what we are able to accomplish.
America today is a nation with great challenges -- but greater
resources. An artist using statistics as a brush could paint two
very different pictures of our country. One would have warning signs:
increasing layoffs, rising energy prices, too many failing schools,
persistent poverty, the stubborn vestiges of racism. Another picture
would be full of blessings: a balanced budget, big surpluses, a
military that is second to none, a country at peace with its neighbors,
technology that is revolutionizing the world, and our greatest strength,
concerned citizens who care for our country and for each other.
Neither picture is complete in and of itself. And tonight I challenge
and invite Congress to work with me to use the resources of one
picture to repaint the other -- to direct the advantages of our
time to solve the problems of our people.
Some of these resources will come from government -- some, but
not all. Year after year in Washington, budget debates seem to come
down to an old, tired argument: on one side, those who want more
government, regardless of the cost; on the other, those who want
less government, regardless of the need.
We should leave those arguments to the last century and chart a
different course. Government has a role, and an important one. Yet
too much government crowds out initiative and hard work, private
charity and the private economy. Our new governing vision says government
should be active, but limited, engaged, but not overbearing.
My budget is based on that philosophy. It is reasonable and it
is responsible. It meets our obligations and funds our growing needs.
We increase spending next year for Social Security and Medicare
and other entitlement programs by $81 billion. We have increased
spending for discretionary programs by a very responsible 4 percent,
above the rate of inflation. My plan pays down an unprecedented
amount of our national debt, and then when money is still left over,
my plan returns it to the people who earned it in the first place.
A budget's impact is counted in dollars, but measured in lives.
Excellent schools, quality health care, a secure retirement, a cleaner
environment, a stronger defense -- these are all important needs
and we fund them. The highest percentage increase in our budget
should go to our children's education. Education is my top priority
and by supporting this budget, you will make it yours as well. Reading
is the foundation of all learning, so during the next 5 years, we
triple spending, adding another $5 billion to help every child in
America learn to read. Values are important, so we have tripled
funding for character education to teach our children not only reading
and writing, but right from wrong.
We have increased funding to train and recruit teachers, because
we know a good education starts with a good teacher. And I have
a wonderful partner in this effort. I like teachers so much, I married
one. Please help me salute our gracious First Lady, Laura Bush.
Laura has begun a new effort to recruit Americans to the profession
that will shape our future: teaching. Laura will travel across America,
to promote sound teaching practices and early reading skills in
our schools and in programs such as Head Start.
When it comes to our schools, dollars alone do not always make
the difference. Funding is important, and so is reform. So we must
tie funding to higher standards and accountability for results.
I believe in local control of schools: we should not and we will
not run our public schools from Washington. Yet when the Federal
Government spends tax dollars, we must insist on results.
Children should be tested on basic reading and math skills every
year, between grades three and eight. Measuring is the only way
to know whether all our children are learning -- and I want to know,
because I refuse to leave any child behind.
Critics of testing contend it distracts from learning. They talk
about "teaching to the test." But let us put that logic
to the test. If you test children on basic math and reading skills,
and you are "teaching to the test," you are teaching ...
math and reading. And that is the whole idea.
As standards rise, local schools will need more flexibility to
meet them. So we must streamline the dozens of Federal education
programs into five and let States spend money in those categories
as they see fit.
Schools will be given a reasonable chance to improve, and the support
to do so. Yet if they do not, if they continue to fail, we must
give parents and students different options -- a better public school,
a private school, tutoring, or a charter school. In the end, every
child in a bad situation must be given a better choice, because
when it comes to our children, failure is not an option.
Another priority in my budget is to keep the vital promises of
Medicare and Social Security, and together we will do so. To meet
the health care needs of all America's seniors, we double the Medicare
budget over the next 10 years.
My budget dedicates $238 billion to Medicare next year alone, enough
to fund all current programs and to begin a new prescription drug
benefit for low-income seniors. No senior in America should have
to choose between buying food and buying prescriptions.
To make sure the retirement savings of America's seniors are not
diverted to any other program -- my budget protects all $2.6 trillion
of the Social Security surplus for Social Security and for Social
Security alone.
My budget puts a priority on access to health care -- without telling
Americans what doctor they have to see or what coverage they must
choose.
Many working Americans do not have health care coverage. We will
help them buy their own insurance with refundable tax credits. And
to provide quality care in low-income neighborhoods, over the next
5 years we will double the number of people served at community
health care centers.
And we will address the concerns of those who have health coverage
yet worry their insurance company does not care and will not pay.
Together, this Congress and this President will find common ground
to make sure doctors make medical decisions and patients get the
health care they deserve with a Patients' Bill of Rights.
When it comes to their health, people want to get the medical care
they need, not be forced to go to court because they did not get
it. We will ensure access to the courts for those with legitimate
claims, but first, let us put in place a strong independent review
so we promote quality health care, not frivolous lawsuits.
My budget also increases funding for medical research, which gives
hope to many who struggle with serious disease. Our prayers tonight
are with one of your own who is engaged in his own fight against
cancer, a fine representative and a good man, Congressman Joe Moakley.
God bless you, Joe. And I can think of no more appropriate tribute
to Joe than to have the Congress finish the job of doubling the
budget for the National Institutes of Health.
My New Freedom Initiative for Americans with Disabilities funds
new technologies, expands opportunities to work, and makes our society
more welcoming. For the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities,
we must continue to break down barriers to equality.
The budget I propose to you also supports the people who keep our
country strong and free, the men and women who serve in the United
States military. I am requesting $5.7 billion in increased military
pay and benefits, and health care and housing. Our men and women
in uniform give America their best and we owe them our support.
America's veterans honored their commitment to our country through
their military service. I will honor our commitment to them with
a billion dollar increase to ensure better access to quality care
and faster decisions on benefit claims.
My budget will improve our environment by accelerating the cleanup
of toxic Brownfields. And I propose we make a major investment in
conservation by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Our National Parks have a special place in our country's life.
Our parks are places of great natural beauty and history. As good
stewards, we must leave them better than we have found them, so
I propose providing $4.9 billion in resources over 5 years for the
upkeep of these national treasures.
And my budget adopts a hopeful new approach to help the poor and
disadvantaged. We must encourage and support the work of charities
and faith-based and community groups that offer help and love one
person at a time. These groups are working in every neighborhood
in America, to fight homelessness and addiction and domestic violence,
to provide a hot meal or a mentor or a safe haven for our children.
Government should welcome these groups to apply for funds, not discriminate
against them.
Government cannot be replaced by charities or volunteers. And government
should not fund religious activities. But our Nation should support
the good works of these good people who are helping neighbors in
need.
So I am proposing allowing all taxpayers, whether they itemize
or not, to deduct their charitable contributions. Estimates show
this could encourage as much as $14 billion a year in new charitable
giving -- money that will save and change lives.
Our budget provides more than $700 million over the next 10 years
for a Federal Compassion Capital Fund with a focused and noble mission:
to provide a mentor to the more than 1 million children with a parent
in prison, and to support other local efforts to fight illiteracy,
teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and other difficult problems.
With us tonight is the Mayor of Philadelphia. Please help me welcome
Mayor John Street. Mayor Street has encouraged faith-based and community
organizations to make a difference in Philadelphia and he has invited
me to his city this summer, to see compassion in action.
I am personally aware of just how effective the Mayor is. Mayor
Street is a Democrat. Let the record show that I lost his city.
But some things are bigger than politics. So I look forward to coming
to your city to see your faith-based programs in action.
As government promotes compassion, it also must promote justice.
Too many of our citizens have cause to doubt our Nation's justice
when the law points a finger of suspicion at groups, instead of
individuals. All our citizens are created equal and must be treated
equally. Earlier today I asked Attorney General Ashcroft to develop
specific recommendations to end racial profiling. It is wrong and
we must end it.
In so doing, we will not hinder the work of our Nation's brave
police officers. They protect us every day, often at great risk.
But by stopping the abuses of a few, we will add to the public confidence
our police officers earn and deserve.
My budget has funded a responsible increase in our ongoing operations,
it has funded our Nation's important priorities, it has protected
Social Security and Medicare, and our surpluses are big enough that
there is still money left over.
Many of you have talked about the need to pay down our national
debt. I have listened, and I agree.
My budget proposal pays down an unprecedented amount of public
debt. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to act now, and
I hope you will join me to pay down $2 trillion in debt during the
next 10 years.
At the end of those 10 years, we will have paid down all the debt
that is available to retire. That is more debt repaid more quickly
than has ever been repaid by any nation at any time in history.
We should also prepare for the unexpected, for the uncertainties
of the future. We should approach our Nation's budget as any prudent
family would, with a contingency fund for emergencies or additional
spending needs. For example, after a strategic review, we may need
to increase defense spending, we may need additional money for our
farmers, or additional money to reform Medicare. And so my budget
sets aside almost a trillion dollars over 10 years for additional
needs ... that is one trillion additional reasons you can feel comfortable
supporting this budget.
We have increased our budget at a responsible 4 percent, we have
funded our priorities, we have paid down all the available debt,
we have prepared for contingencies -- and we still have money left
over.
Yogi Berra once said: "When you come to a fork in the road,
take it." Now we come to a fork in the road. We have two choices.
Even though we have already met our needs, we could spend the money
on more and bigger government. That is the road our Nation has traveled
in recent years. Last year, government spending shot up 8 percent.
That is far more than our economy grew, far more than personal income
grew and far more than the rate of inflation. If you continue on
that road, you will spend the surplus and have to dip into Social
Security to pay other bills.
Unrestrained government spending is a dangerous road to deficits,
so we must take a different path. The other choice is to let the
American people spend their own money to meet their own needs, to
fund their own priorities and pay down their own debts. I hope you
will join me and stand firmly on the side of the people.
The growing surplus exists because taxes are too high and government
is charging more than it needs. The people of America have been
overcharged and on their behalf, I am here to ask for a refund.
Some say my tax plan is too big, others say it is too small. I
respectfully disagree. This tax relief is just right.
I did not throw darts at a board to come up with a number for tax
relief. I did not take a poll, or develop an arbitrary formula that
might sound good. I looked at problems in the tax code and calculated
the cost to fix them.
A tax rate of 15 percent is too high for those who earn low wages,
so we lowered the rate to 10 percent. No one should pay more than
a third of the money they earn in Federal income taxes, so we lowered
the top rate to 33 percent. This reform will be welcome relief for
America's small businesses, which often pay taxes at the highest
rate, and help for small business means jobs for Americans.
We simplified the tax code by reducing the number of tax rates
from the current five rates to four lower ones: 10, 15, 25, and
33 percent. In my plan, no one is targeted in or targeted out ...
everyone who pays income taxes will get tax relief.
Our government should not tax, and thereby discourage marriage,
so we reduced the marriage penalty. I want to help families rear
and support their children, so we doubled the child credit to $1,000
per child. It is not fair to tax the same earnings twice -- once
when you earn them, and again when you die, so we must repeal the
death tax.
These changes add up to significant help. A typical family with
two children will save $1,600 a year on their Federal income taxes.
Sixteen hundred dollars may not sound like a lot to some, but it
means a lot to many families. Sixteen hundred dollars buys gas for
two cars for an entire year, it pays tuition for a year at a community
college, it pays the average family grocery bill for 3 months. That
is real money.
With us tonight, representing many American families, are Steven
and Josefina Ramos. Please help me welcome them. The Ramoses are
from Pennsylvania, but they could be from any one of your districts.
Steven is a network administrator for a school district, Josefina
is a Spanish teacher at a charter school, and they have a 2-year-old
daughter, Lianna. Steven and Josefina tell me they pay almost $8,000
a year in Federal income taxes; my plan will save them more than
$2,000. Let me tell you what Steven says: "Two thousand dollars
a year means a lot to my family. If we had this money, it would
help us reach our goal of paying off our personal debt in two years."
After that, Steven and Josefina want to start saving for Lianna's
college education. Government should never stand in the way of families
achieving their dreams. The surplus is not the government's money,
the surplus is the people's money.
For lower-income families, my tax relief plan restores basic fairness.
Right now, complicated tax rules punish hard work. A waitress supporting
two children on $25,000 a year can lose nearly half of every additional
dollar she earns. Her overtime, her hardest hours, are taxed at
nearly 50 percent. This sends a terrible message: You will never
get ahead. But America's message must be different: We must honor
hard work, never punish it.
With tax relief, overtime will no longer be overtax time for the
waitress. People with the smallest incomes will get the highest
percentage reductions. And millions of additional American families
will be removed from the income tax rolls entirely.
Tax relief is right and tax relief is urgent. The long economic
expansion that began almost 10 years ago is faltering. Lower interest
rates will eventually help, but we cannot assume they will do the
job all by themselves.
Forty years ago and then twenty years ago, two Presidents, one
Democrat and one Republican, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan,
advocated tax cuts to -- in President Kennedy's words -- "get
this country moving again."
They knew then, what we must do now: To create economic growth
and opportunity, we must put money back into the hands of the people
who buy goods and create jobs.
We must act quickly. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve has testified
before Congress that tax cuts often come too late to stimulate economic
recovery. So I want to work with you to give our economy an important
jump start by making tax relief retroactive.
We must act now because it is the right thing to do. We must also
act now because we have other things to do. We must show courage
to confront and resolve tough challenges: to restructure our Nation's
defenses, to meet our growing need for energy, and to reform Medicare
and Social Security.
America has a window of opportunity to extend and secure our present
peace by promoting a distinctly American inter-nationalism. We will
work with our allies and friends to be a force for good and a champion
of freedom. We will work for free markets and free trade and freedom
from oppression. Nations making progress toward freedom will find
America is their friend.
We will promote our values, and we will promote peace. And we need
a strong military to keep the peace. But our military was shaped
to confront the challenges of the past. So I have asked the Secretary
of Defense to review America's armed forces and prepare to transform
them to meet emerging threats. My budget makes a downpayment on
the research and development that will be required. Yet, in our
broader transformation effort, we must put strategy first, then
spending. Our defense vision will drive our defense budget, not
the other way around.
Our Nation also needs a clear strategy to confront the threats
of the 21st century, threats that are more widespread and less certain.
They range from terrorists who threaten with bombs to tyrants and
rogue nations intent on developing weapons of mass destruction.
To protect our own people, our allies and friends, we must develop
and we must deploy effective missile defenses.
And as we transform our military, we can discard Cold War relics,
and reduce our own nuclear forces to reflect today's needs.
A strong America is the world's best hope for peace and freedom.
Yet the cause of freedom rests on more than our ability to defend
ourselves and our allies. Freedom is exported every day, as we ship
goods and products that improve the lives of millions of people.
Free trade brings greater political and personal freedom.
Each of the previous five Presidents has had the ability to negotiate
far-reaching trade agreements. Tonight I ask you to give me the
strong hand of presidential trade promotion authority, and to do
so quickly.
As we meet tonight, many citizens are struggling with the high
costs of energy. We have a serious energy problem that demands a
national energy policy. The West is confronting a major energy shortage
that has resulted in high prices and uncertainty. I have asked Federal
agencies to work with California officials to help speed construction
of new energy sources. And I have directed Vice President Cheney,
Commerce Secretary Evans, Energy Secretary Abraham, and other senior
members of my Administration to recommend a national energy policy.
Our energy demand outstrips our supply. We can produce more energy
at home while protecting our environment, and we must. We can produce
more electricity to meet demand, and we must. We can promote alternative
energy sources and conservation, and we must. America must become
more energy independent.
Perhaps the biggest test of our foresight and courage will be reforming
Medicare and Social Security.
Medicare's finances are strained and its coverage is outdated.
Ninety-nine percent of employer-provided health plans offer some
form of prescription drug coverage ... Medicare does not. The framework
for reform has been developed by Senators Frist and Breaux and Congressman
Thomas, and now, it is time to act. Medicare must be modernized.
And we must make sure that every senior on Medicare can choose a
health plan that offers prescription drugs.
Seven years from now, the baby boom generation will begin to claim
Social Security benefits. Everyone in this chamber knows that Social
Security is not prepared to fully fund their retirement. And we
only have a couple of years to get prepared. Without reform, this
country will one day awaken to a stark choice: either a drastic
rise in payroll taxes, or a radical cut in retirement benefits.
There is a better way.
This spring I will form a presidential commission to reform Social
Security. The commission will make its recommendations by next fall.
Reform should be based on these principles: It must preserve the
benefits of all current retirees and those nearing retirement. It
must return Social Security to sound financial footing. And it must
offer personal savings accounts to younger workers who want them.
Social Security now offers workers a return of less than 2 percent
on the money they pay into the system. To save the system, we must
increase that by allowing younger workers to make safe, sound investments
at a higher rate of return.
Ownership, access to wealth, and independence should not be the
privilege of a few. They are the hope of every American ... and
we must make them the foundation of Social Security.
By confronting the tough challenge of reform, by being responsible
with our budget, we can earn the trust of the American people. And,
we can add to that trust by enacting fair and balanced election
and campaign finance reforms.
The agenda I have set before you tonight is worthy of a great country.
America is a nation at peace, but not a nation at rest. Much has
been given to us, and much is expected. Let us agree to bridge old
divides. But let us also agree that our good will must be dedicated
to great goals. Bipartisanship is more than minding our manners,
it is doing our duty.
No one can speak in this Capitol and not be awed by its history.
At so many turning points, debates in these chambers have reflected
the collected or divided conscience of our country. And when we
walk through Statuary Hall, and see those men and women of marble,
we are reminded of their courage and achievement.
Yet America's purpose is never found only in statues or history.
America's purpose always stands before us.
Our generation must show courage in a time of blessing, as our
Nation has always shown in times of crisis. And our courage, issue
by issue, can gather to greatness, and serve our country. This is
the privilege, and responsibility, we share. And if we work together,
we can prove that public service is noble.
We all came here for a reason. We all have things we want to accomplish,
and promises to keep. Juntos podemos, together we can. We can make
Americans proud of their government. Together, we can share in the
credit of making our country more prosperous and generous and just
-- and earn from our conscience and from our fellow citizens, the
highest possible praise: well done, good and faithful servants.
Thank you. Good night. And God Bless America.
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| PRESIDENT'S BUDGET PLAN:
"A BLUEPRINT FOR NEW BEGINNINGS"--February 28, 2001
I. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
To the Congress of the United States:
With a great sense of purpose, I present to the Congress
my budget. It offers more than a plan for funding the Government
for the next year; it offers a new vision for governing the
Nation for a new generation.
For too long, politics in Washington has been divided between
those who wanted big Government without regard to cost and
those who wanted small Government without regard to need.
Too often the result has been too few needs met at too high
a cost. This budget offers a new approach—a different approach
for an era that expects a Federal Government that is both
active to promote opportunity and limited to preserve freedom.
Our new approach is compassionate:
It will revitalize our public schools by testing for achievement,
rewarding schools that succeed, and giving more flexibility
to parents of children in schools that persistently fail.
It will reinvigorate our civil society by putting Government
on the side of faith-based and other local initiatives that
work—that actually help Americans escape drugs, lives of crime,
poverty, and despair.
It will meet our Nation's commitments to seniors. We will
strengthen Social Security, modernize Medicare, and provide
prescription drugs to low-income seniors.
This new approach is also responsible:
It will retire nearly $1 trillion in debt over the next four
years. This will be the largest debt reduction ever achieved
by any nation at any time. It achieves the maximum amount
of debt reduction possible without payment of wasteful premiums.
It will reduce the indebtedness of the United States, relative
to our national income, to the lowest level since early in
the 20th Century and to the lowest level of any of the largest
industrial economies.
It will provide reasonable spending increases to meet needs
while slowing the recent explosive growth that could threaten
future prosperity. It moderates the growth of discretionary
spending from the recent trend of more than six percent to
four percent, while allowing Medicare and Social Security
to grow to meet the Nation's commitments to its retirees.
It will deliver tax relief to everyone who pays income taxes,
giving the most dramatic reductions to the least affluent
taxpayers. It will also give our economy a timely second wind
and reduce the tax burden—now at the highest level as a percentage
of Gross Domestic Product since World War II.
Finally, this new approach begins to confront great challenges
from which Government has too long flinched. Social Security
as it now exists will provide future beneficiaries with the
equivalent of a dismal two percent real rate of return on
their investment, yet the system is headed for insolvency.
Our new approach honors our commitment to Social Security
by reserving every dollar of the Social Security payroll tax
for Social Security, strengthening the system by making further
necessary reform feasible.
Medicare as it exists does not adequately care for our seniors
in many ways, including the lack of prescription drug coverage.
Yet Medicare spending already exceeds Medicare taxes and premiums
by $66 billion this year, and Medicare will spend $900 billion
more than it takes in over the next 10 years. Reform is urgently
needed. Our new approach will safeguard Medicare by ensuring
that the resources for reform will be available.
New threats to our national security are proliferating. They
demand a rethinking of our defense priorities, our force structure,
and our military technology. This new approach begins the
work of restoring our military, putting investments in our
people first to recognize their importance to the military
of the future.
It is not hard to see the difficulties that may lie ahead
if we fail to act promptly. The economic outlook is uncertain.
Unemployment is rising, and consumer confidence is falling.
Excessive taxation is corroding our prosperity. Government
spending has risen too quickly, while essential reforms, especially
for our schools, have been neglected. And we have little time
before the demographic challenge of Social Security and Medicare
becomes a crisis.
We cannot afford to delay action to meet these challenges.
And we will not. It will demand political courage to face
these problems now, but I am convinced that we are prepared
to work together to begin a new era of shared purposes and
common principles. This budget begins the work of refining
those purposes and those principles into policy—a compassionate,
responsible, and courageous policy worthy of a compassionate,
responsible, and courageous Nation.
George W. Bush
February 28, 2001
(EXCERPTS FROM BUDGET)
4. MODERNIZE
AND REFORM SOCIAL SECURITY
For 65 years, Social Security has provided retirement
security for tens of millions of Americans. Four generations
of Americans have relied on the Government to keep the
promises it made to them during their working years.
As demographics change and costs increase, the challenge
we face is ensuring that the Social Security system
is strengthened for tomorrow's retirees.
The Need for Reform
Social Security's spending path is unsustainable in
the long run, driven largely by demographic trends.
First, longer life spans mean more benefit payments.
In 1940, during the early years of the program, life
expectancy at age 65 was an additional 12 years for
men and 13 years for women. By 2075, the remaining life
expectancy at age 65 is projected to be 20 years for
men and 23 years for women. As a result, people are
spending a growing proportion of their lives in retirement.
While longer life spans are clearly desirable, they
also mean additional years of benefit payments, and
a dramatic long-term increase in Government obligations.
In addition, a long-term decline in fertility rates
means there will be fewer workers available to support
each retiree once the baby boom generation starts to
retire. As a result of declining birth rates and increasing
life expectancy, the ratio of workers to Social Security
beneficiaries is expected to shrink from 5.1 in 1960
to 3.4 today to 2.1 in 2030. These demographic trends
will strain our ability to make benefit payments at
current payroll tax rates.
The Social Security system faces a long-term unfunded
liability of $8.7 trillion. In addition, the structure
of Social Security leads to substantial generational
inequities in average rate of return. (See Chart 4–1.)
Old Solutions and a New Approach
Without new thinking on Social Security reform, two
old choices will soon present themselves. We can further
reduce future retirees' returns from Social Security
through benefit cuts or through tax increases. Or we
can do nothing—inaction would simply mean leaving this
problem for our children and grandchildren instead of
addressing it for them now.
There is a better way to address both the long-term
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