Could George W Bush Be Elected President Again in 2012? Where Is This Addressed?

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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 28, 2008

President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address
Chamber of the United states House of Representatives
United states Capitol

State of the Union 2008

9:09 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous fence, and I recollect it'southward off-white to say we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the ability and resilience of American self-government.

All of united states were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business organisation. That is the purpose of this torso. It is the pregnant of our adjuration. It remains our charge to keep.

The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended. In this ballot year, let us evidence our young man Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are adamant to meet them. Let usa show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time. (Applause.)

From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made skillful progress. Yet we have unfinished business earlier us, and the American people expect us to go it done.

In the work ahead, we must exist guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the grade of history. We believe that the nearly reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. And and then in all we practice, we must trust in the ability of gratuitous peoples to brand wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.

To build a prosperous future, nosotros must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we run into this night, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are at present growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for nutrient and gas. Exports are rising, merely the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our land, in that location is a business organisation about our economic future.

In the long run, Americans tin be confident virtually our economic growth. Merely in the curt run, nosotros can all see that that growth is slowing. So concluding week, my assistants reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth bundle that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for concern investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay information technology or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. (Applause.) This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible. (Applause.)

We have other piece of work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the by seven years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I'one thousand pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders. (Laughter and applause.)

Almost Americans call up their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not take to worry nearly their federal authorities taking a bigger seize with teeth out of their paychecks. There's only one style to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the revenue enhancement relief permanent. (Applause.) And members of Congress should know: If any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it. (Applause.)

But as we trust Americans with their ain money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I'll transport you a budget that terminates or essentially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than than $18 billion. The upkeep that I volition submit will keep America on rails for a surplus in 2012. American families accept to balance their budgets; so should their authorities. (Adulation.)

The people's trust in their regime is undermined by congressional earmarks -- special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Terminal year, I asked yous to voluntarily cut the number and toll of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come up to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if yous send me an appropriations neb that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send information technology back to you with my veto. (Applause.)

And tomorrow, I volition issue an executive gild that directs federal agencies to ignore any hereafter earmark that is non voted on by Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should argue them in the open and hold a public vote. (Adulation.)

Our shared responsibilities extend across matters of taxes and spending. On housing, nosotros must trust Americans with the responsibleness of homeownership and empower them to atmospheric condition turbulent times in the housing market place. My administration brought together the HOPE NOW alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. And Congress tin help even more than. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-complimentary bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. (Applause.) These are hard times for many American families, and by taking these steps, nosotros can assistance more of them keep their homes.

To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more than affordable and accessible for all Americans. (Applause.) The best way to accomplish that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control. (Applause.) Then I accept proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do non get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within accomplish for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this yr. (Applause.)

The Congress must as well aggrandize health savings accounts, create Association Wellness Plans for small businesses, promote wellness information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. (Applause.) With all these steps, nosotros volition aid ensure that decisions virtually your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor'south office -- not in the halls of Congress. (Applause.)

On pedagogy, we must trust students to acquire if given the gamble, and empower parents to need results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, in that location are boys and girls with dreams -- and a decent educational activity is their simply promise of achieving them.

Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no 1 tin can deny its results. Final year, fourth and eighth graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. African American and Hispanic students posted best highs. (Adulation.) Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling schools.

Members of Congress: The No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America'south children, their parents, and their teachers to strengthen this good law. (Applause.)

We must also do more to help children when their schools practice not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships yous canonical, more than than 2,600 of the poorest children in our Nation's Capital have plant new hope at a faith-based or other not-public school. Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America's inner cities. So I will convene a White House elevation aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more than children, I inquire you to support a new $300 million programme called Pell Grants for Kids. We take seen how Pell Grants aid depression-income college students realize their full potential. Together, we've expanded the size and attain of these grants. Now allow the states utilise that aforementioned spirit to assist liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools. (Applause.)

On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the globe and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American appurtenances and crops and services all over the world. So we're working to pause downwards barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We're working for a successful Doha Circular of trade talks, and we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we're pursuing opportunities to open up up new markets past passing free trade agreements.

I thank the Congress for blessing a adept agreement with Peru. And at present I ask you to corroborate agreements with Republic of colombia and Panama and Due south Korea. (Applause.) Many products from these nations at present enter America duty-costless, yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They volition give u.s.a. amend admission to nigh 100 million customers. They will support proficient jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say "Made in the Usa." (Applause.)

These agreements likewise promote America's strategic interests. The first agreement that volition come earlier you is with Republic of colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror, and fighting drug traffickers. If nosotros fail to pass this agreement, nosotros volition embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, laissez passer this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life. (Applause.)

Trade brings amend jobs and better choices and better prices. Even so for some Americans, merchandise can mean losing a job, and the federal government has a responsibleness to assist. (Applause.) I ask Congress to reauthorize and reform trade adjustment assist, so we tin help these displaced workers learn new skills and discover new jobs. (Applause.)

To build a time to come of free energy security, nosotros must trust in the artistic genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of make clean free energy technology. (Applause.) Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Final year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the side by side decade, and you responded. Together we should accept the side by side steps: Allow u.s.a. fund new technologies that can generate coal ability while capturing carbon emissions. (Applause.) Let us increase the utilise of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in avant-garde bombardment technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the futurity. (Applause.) Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations similar Republic of india and Prc make greater utilise of make clean energy sources. And allow us complete an international agreement that has the potential to ho-hum, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. (Adulation.)

This understanding will be effective merely if information technology includes commitments by every major economic system and gives none a gratuitous ride. (Applause.) The Usa is committed to strengthening our energy security and against global climate change. And the best mode to meet these goals is for America to keep leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more free energy-efficient technology. (Applause.)

To keep America competitive into the time to come, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Terminal year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, only never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double federal support for disquisitional basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the virtually dynamic nation on Earth. (Applause.)

On matters of life and science, nosotros must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, nosotros witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a style to reprogram adult skin cells to deed like embryonic stem cells. This quantum has the potential to motility united states across the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. (Applause.)

And then we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must as well ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. And and so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life. (Applause.)

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who sympathise that the Constitution means what it says. (Applause.) I've submitted judicial nominees who will dominion by the letter of the police force, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt upwardly-or-downward vote. (Applause.)

In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the by vii years, more of our beau citizens accept discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in tape numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the federal government. And to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for federal funds, I inquire you to permanently extend Charitable Pick. (Applause.)

This night the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Declension. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. Nosotros reaffirm our pledge to aid them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I'm pleased to denote that in April nosotros will host this year's North American Top of Canada, United mexican states, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans. (Applause.)

There are two other pressing challenges that I've raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration. Every member in this bedroom knows that spending on entitlement programs similar Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford. We all know the painful choices ahead if America stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, or crippling deficits. I've laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and our grandchildren. (Adulation.)

The other pressing claiming is immigration. America needs to secure our borders -- and with your help, my assistants is taking steps to do so. We're increasing worksite enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to end illegal crossings. Nosotros've finer concluded the policy of "catch and release" at the border, and by the end of this twelvemonth, nosotros will accept doubled the number of border patrol agents. Withal we also need to admit that we will never fully secure our edge until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. (Applause.) This will take pressure off the border and let law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us damage. We must also detect a sensible and humane way to deal with people hither illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals. (Adulation.)

This is the business of our nation here at home. Nevertheless building a prosperous future for our citizens as well depends on confronting enemies away and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the globe.

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the run a risk, volition choose a future of freedom and peace. In the concluding seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of freedom. We've seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand upwards for their right to costless and fair elections. We've seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We've seen Afghans sally from the tyranny of the Taliban and choose a new president and a new parliament. Nosotros've seen jubilant Iraqis belongings up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. These images of liberty have inspired us. (Applause.)

In the past vii years, we've besides seen images that have sobered u.s.a.. We've watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Islamic republic of pakistan conveying the caskets of love leaders taken by the assassin'south mitt. We've seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Hashemite kingdom of jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. On a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from united states of america in an instant. These horrific images serve equally a grim reminder: The advance of freedom is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

Since 9/xi, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will continue up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies. (Applause.)

Nosotros are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we agree dear. Withal in this war on terror, in that location is ane affair nosotros and our enemies concur on: In the long run, men and women who are gratuitous to make up one's mind their own destinies volition decline terror and pass up to alive in tyranny. And that is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to the people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Islamic republic of pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom. (Applause.)

In Transitional islamic state of afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies, and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these armed services and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al Qaeda is at present a immature commonwealth where boys and girls are going to school, new roads and hospitals are beingness built, and people are looking to the futurity with new hope. These successes must continue, so we're calculation three,200 Marines to our forces in Transitional islamic state of afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and railroad train the Afghan Army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda is disquisitional to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America's vital mission in Afghanistan. (Applause.)

In Republic of iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty, and fighting to institute prophylactic havens for attacks across the world. I twelvemonth ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Republic of iraq into chaos. So we reviewed our strategy and inverse course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. We gave our troops a new mission: Work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in its strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the state.

The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not render. And they saw our troops, along with Provincial Reconstruction Teams that include Strange Service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life. Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with backbone and stardom, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation. (Applause.)

The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda'due south brutality and started a popular uprising called "The Anbar Awakening." Over the past twelvemonth, similar movements have spread across the land. And today, the grassroots surge includes more than than lxxx,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The regime in Baghdad has stepped frontward, as well -- calculation more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the by year.

While the enemy is however dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have accomplished results few of us could have imagined just one year ago. (Applause.) When we met terminal yr, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, loftier profile terrorist attacks are downward, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down.

When we met terminal year, militia extremists -- some armed and trained by Islamic republic of iran -- were wreaking havoc in big areas of Iraq. A year later on, coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of militia fighters. And Iraqis of all backgrounds increasingly realize that defeating these militia fighters is critical to the future of their country.

When nosotros met last year, al Qaeda had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al Qaeda that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past twelvemonth, we've captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of central al Qaeda leaders and operatives.

Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who take turned on al Qaeda and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but amongst the terrorists there is no incertitude. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy volition be defeated. (Applause.)

When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress only described, we are implementing a policy of "render on success," and the surge forces we sent to Republic of iraq are beginning to come habitation.

This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the forepart lines. Soldiers and sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the by yr, you have washed everything we've asked of y'all, and more than. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And this evening in this hallowed chamber, with the American people equally our witness, nosotros make you a solemn pledge: In the fight alee, you will accept all yous need to protect our nation. (Applause.) And I ask Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops. (Applause.)

Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and nosotros can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming twelvemonth is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the adjacent phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. As function of this transition, one Army brigade combat team and ane Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four boosted brigades and 2 Marine battalions will follow adjust. Taken together, this means more than xx,000 of our troops are coming dwelling. (Applause.)

Any further drawdown of U.South. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the "disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al Qaeda-Iraq regaining lost ground, [and] a marked increase in violence." Members of Congress: Having come and so far and achieved and then much, we must not allow this to happen. (Applause.)

In the coming year, nosotros volition work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they're making toward political reconciliation. At the local level, Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad. (Applause.) Nosotros're seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Baathification reform. They're now debating a provincial powers law. The Iraqis still have a altitude to travel. Simply after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking identify -- and the Iraqi people are taking command of their future. (Adulation.)

The mission in Republic of iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation. Just information technology is in the vital involvement of the Usa that we succeed. A free Republic of iraq will deny al Qaeda a condom oasis. A free Iraq will show millions beyond the Middle East that a hereafter of freedom is possible. A free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror, and a source of stability in a unsafe part of the world.

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base of operations from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al Qaida's superlative commander in Iraq declared that they volition not remainder until they have attacked us here in Washington. My boyfriend Americans: Nosotros will not balance either. We will not residuum until this enemy has been defeated. (Applause.) We must do the difficult work today, so that years from now people will look dorsum and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight, and left behind a more than hopeful region and a safer America. (Applause.)

Nosotros're also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we take new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This calendar month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything nosotros can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the stop of this yr. The fourth dimension has come for a Holy Country where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-past-side in peace. (Applause.)

Nosotros're too standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the government in Tehran. Islamic republic of iran'due south rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever liberty advances in the Middle Eastward, it seems the Iranian authorities is at that place to oppose it. Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas' efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land. Tehran is besides developing ballistic missiles of increasing range, and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon.

Our message to the people of Iran is clear: We have no quarrel with you lot. We respect your traditions and your history. We look forward to the day when you have your liberty. Our bulletin to the leaders of Iran is too clear: Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment, so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean nearly your nuclear intentions and past actions, stop your oppression at abode, stop your support for terror abroad. But to a higher place all, know this: America volition face up those who threaten our troops. We will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf. (Applause.)

On the home front, we will keep to take every lawful and constructive measure to protect our country. This is our nearly solemn duty. We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since 9/11. This is not for the lack of desire or attempt on the function of the enemy. In the past half-dozen years, we've stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles and some other to blow upward passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic. Defended men and women in our government toil twenty-four hour period and nighttime to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These skillful citizens are saving American lives, and anybody in this chamber owes them our cheers. (Applause.)

And nosotros owe them something more than: We owe them the tools they need to keep our people prophylactic. And i of the virtually important tools we can requite them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they're planning. Concluding year, Congress passed legislation to assistance us do that. Unfortunately, Congress set the legislation to expire on February the 1st. That ways if you don't human action by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will exist in greater danger. Congress must ensure the menstruum of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to take assisted in the efforts to defend America. We've had aplenty time for argue. The time to act is now. (Adulation.)

Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the weather condition that brood resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful, and more compassionate world. This is a reflection of our national involvement; it is the calling of our conscience.

America opposes genocide in Sudan. (Adulation.) Nosotros support freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma. (Adulation.)

America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong didactics initiatives and humanitarian assistance. Nosotros've also changed the way nosotros deliver assist by launching the Millennium Claiming Account. This programme strengthens republic, transparency, and the rule of constabulary in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative. (Applause.)

America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than than half the globe'due south nutrient aid comes from the United states of america. And this night, I enquire Congress to back up an innovative proposal to provide nutrient assistance by purchasing crops straight from farmers in the developing world, and so we can build up local agriculture and help intermission the wheel of famine. (Applause.)

America is leading the fight against affliction. With your assistance, we're working to cutting past one-half the number of malaria-related deaths in xv African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating ane.four 1000000 people. We can bring healing and hope to many more than. And then I ask y'all to maintain the principles that have inverse beliefs and fabricated this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by blessing an additional $30 billion over the adjacent five years. (Applause.)

America is a force for hope in the earth because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who take stepped forward to protect us. We must keep organized religion with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace. Over the past seven years, nosotros've increased funding for veterans by more than than 95 percentage. And every bit we increase funding -- (applause.) And as increase funding nosotros must also reform our veterans organisation to meet the needs of a new state of war and a new generation. (Adulation.) I phone call on the Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala, so we can ameliorate the organization of intendance for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of promise and promise and dignity. (Applause.)

Our war machine families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home. We have a responsibility to provide for them. Then I inquire you to join me in expanding their access to child intendance, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. (Applause.) Our armed services families serve our nation, they inspire our nation, and this evening our nation honors them. (Applause.)

The forcefulness -- the hush-hush of our forcefulness, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies non in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. (Applause.) When the Federal Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was jump past the Articles of Confederation, which began with the words, "Nosotros the undersigned delegates." When Gouverneur Morris was asked to draft a preamble to our new Constitution, he offered an important revision and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the earth: "We the people."

By trusting the people, our Founders wagered that a great and noble nation could exist built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on Earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long every bit we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will exist secure, and the country of our Matrimony will remain potent. (Applause.)

Then tonight, with confidence in freedom's ability, and trust in the people, let us set along to do their business. God bless America. (Applause.)

Finish ten:02 P.One thousand. EST

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Source: https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080128-13.html

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