FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
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The White House - USA Freedom Corps
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President Delivers State of the Union Address |
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Multimedia |
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The President's State of the Union Address
The United States Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:15 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney,
members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens: As we gather
tonight, our nation is at war, our economy is in recession, and the civilized
world faces unprecedented dangers. Yet the state of our Union has never been
stronger. (Applause.)
We last met in an hour of shock and suffering. In four short months, our
nation has comforted the victims, begun to rebuild New York and the Pentagon,
rallied a great coalition, captured, arrested, and rid the world of thousands of
terrorists, destroyed Afghanistan's terrorist training camps, saved a people
from starvation, and freed a country from brutal oppression. (Applause.)
The American flag flies again over our embassy in Kabul. Terrorists who once
occupied Afghanistan now occupy cells at Guantanamo Bay. (Applause.) And
terrorist leaders who urged followers to sacrifice their lives are running for
their own. (Applause.)
America and Afghanistan are now allies against terror. We'll be partners in
rebuilding that country. And this evening we welcome the distinguished interim
leader of a liberated Afghanistan: Chairman Hamid Karzai. (Applause.)
The last time we met in this chamber, the mothers and daughters of
Afghanistan were captives in their own homes, forbidden from working or going to
school. Today women are free, and are part of Afghanistan's new government. And
we welcome the new Minister of Women's Affairs, Doctor Sima Samar. (Applause.)
Our progress is a tribute to the spirit of the Afghan people, to the resolve
of our coalition, and to the might of the United States military. (Applause.)
When I called our troops into action, I did so with complete confidence in their
courage and skill. And tonight, thanks to them, we are winning the war on
terror. (Applause.) The man and women of our Armed Forces have delivered a
message now clear to every enemy of the United States: Even 7,000 miles away,
across oceans and continents, on mountaintops and in caves—you will not escape
the justice of this nation. (Applause.)
For many Americans, these four months have brought sorrow, and pain that will
never completely go away. Every day a retired firefighter returns to Ground
Zero, to feel closer to his two sons who died there. At a memorial in New York,
a little boy left his football with a note for his lost father: Dear Daddy,
please take this to heaven. I don't want to play football until I can play with
you again some day.
Last month, at the grave of her husband, Michael, a CIA officer and Marine
who died in Mazur-e-Sharif, Shannon Spann said these words of farewell: "Semper
Fi, my love." Shannon is with us tonight. (Applause.)
Shannon, I assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our cause is
just, and our country will never forget the debt we owe Michael and all who gave
their lives for freedom.
Our cause is just, and it continues. Our discoveries in Afghanistan confirmed
our worst fears, and showed us the true scope of the task ahead. We have seen
the depth of our enemies' hatred in videos, where they laugh about the loss of
innocent life. And the depth of their hatred is equaled by the madness of the
destruction they design. We have found diagrams of American nuclear power plants
and public water facilities, detailed instructions for making chemical weapons,
surveillance maps of American cities, and thorough descriptions of landmarks in
America and throughout the world.
What we have found in Afghanistan confirms that, far from ending there, our
war against terror is only beginning. Most of the 19 men who hijacked planes on
September the 11th were trained in Afghanistan's camps, and so were tens of
thousands of others. Thousands of dangerous killers, schooled in the methods of
murder, often supported by outlaw regimes, are now spread throughout the world
like ticking time bombs, set to go off without warning.
Thanks to the work of our law enforcement officials and coalition partners,
hundreds of terrorists have been arrested. Yet, tens of thousands of trained
terrorists are still at large. These enemies view the entire world as a
battlefield, and we must pursue them wherever they are. (Applause.) So long as
training camps operate, so long as nations harbor terrorists, freedom is at
risk. And America and our allies must not, and will not, allow it. (Applause.)
Our nation will continue to be steadfast and patient and persistent in the
pursuit of two great objectives. First, we will shut down terrorist camps,
disrupt terrorist plans, and bring terrorists to justice. And, second, we must
prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical, biological or nuclear
weapons from threatening the United States and the world. (Applause.)
Our military has put the terror training camps of Afghanistan out of
business, yet camps still exist in at least a dozen countries. A terrorist
underworld—including groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad,
Jaish-i-Mohammed—operates in remote jungles and deserts, and hides in the
centers of large cities.
While the most visible military action is in Afghanistan, America is acting
elsewhere. We now have troops in the Philippines, helping to train that
country's armed forces to go after terrorist cells that have executed an
American, and still hold hostages. Our soldiers, working with the Bosnian
government, seized terrorists who were plotting to bomb our embassy. Our Navy is
patrolling the coast of Africa to block the shipment of weapons and the
establishment of terrorist camps in Somalia.
My hope is that all nations will heed our call, and eliminate the terrorist
parasites who threaten their countries and our own. Many nations are acting
forcefully. Pakistan is now cracking down on terror, and I admire the strong
leadership of President Musharraf. (Applause.)
But some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake
about it: If they do not act, America will. (Applause.)
Our second goal is to prevent regimes that sponsor terror from threatening
America or our friends and allies with weapons of mass destruction. Some of
these regimes have been pretty quiet since September the 11th. But we know their
true nature. North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass
destruction, while starving its citizens.
Iran aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an
unelected few repress the Iranian people's hope for freedom.
Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror.
The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax, and nerve gas, and nuclear
weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to
murder thousands of its own citizens—leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over
their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international
inspections—then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something
to hide from the civilized world.
States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil,
arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass
destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide
these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They
could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of
these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic.
We will work closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state
sponsors the materials, technology, and expertise to make and deliver weapons of
mass destruction. We will develop and deploy effective missile defenses to
protect America and our allies from sudden attack. (Applause.) And all nations
should know: America will do what is necessary to ensure our nation's security.
We'll be deliberate, yet time is not on our side. I will not wait on events,
while dangers gather. I will not stand by, as peril draws closer and closer. The
United States of America will not permit the world's most dangerous regimes to
threaten us with the world's most destructive weapons. (Applause.)
Our war on terror is well begun, but it is only begun. This campaign may not
be finished on our watch—yet it must be and it will be waged on our watch.
We can't stop short. If we stop now—leaving terror camps intact and terror
states unchecked—our sense of security would be false and temporary. History has
called America and our allies to action, and it is both our responsibility and
our privilege to fight freedom's fight. (Applause.)
Our first priority must always be the security of our nation, and that will
be reflected in the budget I send to Congress. My budget supports three great
goals for America: We will win this war; we'll protect our homeland; and we will
revive our economy.
September the 11th brought out the best in America, and the best in this
Congress. And I join the American people in applauding your unity and resolve.
(Applause.) Now Americans deserve to have this same spirit directed toward
addressing problems here at home. I'm a proud member of my party—yet as we act
to win the war, protect our people, and create jobs in America, we must act,
first and foremost, not as Republicans, not as Democrats, but as Americans.
(Applause.)
It costs a lot to fight this war. We have spent more than a billion dollars a
month—over $30 million a day—and we must be prepared for future operations.
Afghanistan proved that expensive precision weapons defeat the enemy and spare
innocent lives, and we need more of them. We need to replace aging aircraft and
make our military more agile, to put our troops anywhere in the world quickly
and safely. Our men and women in uniform deserve the best weapons, the best
equipment, the best training—and they also deserve another pay raise.
(Applause.)
My budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two
decades—because while the price of freedom and security is high, it is never too
high. Whatever it costs to defend our country, we will pay. (Applause.)
The next priority of my budget is to do everything possible to protect our
citizens and strengthen our nation against the ongoing threat of another attack.
Time and distance from the events of September the 11th will not make us safer
unless we act on its lessons. America is no longer protected by vast oceans. We
are protected from attack only by vigorous action abroad, and increased
vigilance at home.
My budget nearly doubles funding for a sustained strategy of homeland
security, focused on four key areas: bioterrorism, emergency response, airport
and border security, and improved intelligence. We will develop vaccines to
fight anthrax and other deadly diseases. We'll increase funding to help states
and communities train and equip our heroic police and firefighters. (Applause.)
We will improve intelligence collection and sharing, expand patrols at our
borders, strengthen the security of air travel, and use technology to track the
arrivals and departures of visitors to the United States. (Applause.)
Homeland security will make America not only stronger, but, in many ways,
better. Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health.
Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods. Stricter
border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. (Applause.) And as government
works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes
and ears of alert citizens.
A few days before Christmas, an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger
lighting a match. The crew and passengers quickly subdued the man, who had been
trained by al Qaeda and was armed with explosives. The people on that plane were
alert and, as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives. And tonight we welcome
and thank flight attendants Hermis Moutardier and Christina Jones. (Applause.)
Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the
final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people.
(Applause.) To achieve these great national objectives—to win the war, protect
the homeland, and revitalize our economy—our budget will run a deficit that will
be small and short-term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a
fiscally responsible manner. (Applause.) We have clear priorities and we must
act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas: We'll
prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession. (Applause.)
Americans who have lost their jobs need our help and I support extending
unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage.
(Applause.) Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks—they want a
steady paycheck. (Applause.) When America works, America prospers, so my
economic security plan can be summed up in one word: jobs. (Applause.)
Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we've made a fine start.
(Applause.) Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve historic
education reform so that no child is left behind. I was proud to work with
members of both parties: Chairman John Boehner and Congressman George Miller.
(Applause.) Senator Judd Gregg. (Applause.) And I was so proud of our work, I
even had nice things to say about my friend, Ted Kennedy. (Laughter and
applause.) I know the folks at the Crawford coffee shop couldn't believe I'd say
such a thing—(laughter)—but our work on this bill shows what is possible if we
set aside posturing and focus on results. (Applause.)
There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in
school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs.
(Applause.) We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch
a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America: a quality teacher in
every classroom. (Applause.)
Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This Congress must
act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it
must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on
foreign oil. (Applause.)
Good jobs depend on expanded trade. Selling into new markets creates new
jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion authority.
(Applause.) On these two key issues, trade and energy, the House of
Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate to pass this
legislation. (Applause.)
Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. (Applause.) Last year, some in this
hall thought my tax relief plan was too small; some thought it was too big.
(Applause.) But when the checks arrived in the mail, most Americans thought tax
relief was just about right. (Applause.) Congress listened to the people and
responded by reducing tax rates, doubling the child credit, and ending the death
tax. For the sake of long-term growth and to help Americans plan for the future,
let's make these tax cuts permanent. (Applause.)
The way out of this recession, the way to create jobs, is to grow the economy
by encouraging investment in factories and equipment, and by speeding up tax
relief so people have more money to spend. For the sake of American workers,
let's pass a stimulus package. (Applause.)
Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform. As we reauthorize these
important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on
government and offer every American the dignity of a job. (Applause.)
Americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without health
security. I ask Congress to join me this year to enact a patients' bill of
rights—(applause)—to give uninsured workers credits to help buy health
coverage—(applause)—to approve an historic increase in the spending for
veterans' health—(applause)—and to give seniors a sound and modern Medicare
system that includes coverage for prescription drugs. (Applause.)
A good job should lead to security in retirement. I ask Congress to enact new
safeguards for 401K and pension plans. (Applause.) Employees who have worked
hard and saved all their lives should not have to risk losing everything if
their company fails. (Applause.) Through stricter accounting standards and
tougher disclosure requirements, corporate America must be made more accountable
to employees and shareholders and held to the highest standards of conduct.
(Applause.)
Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of Social
Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially stable and allow
personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them. (Applause.)
Members, you and I will work together in the months ahead on other issues:
productive farm policy—(applause)—a cleaner environment—(applause)—broader home
ownership, especially among minorities—(applause)—and ways to encourage the good
work of charities and faith-based groups. (Applause.) I ask you to join me on
these important domestic issues in the same spirit of cooperation we've applied
to our war against terrorism. (Applause.)
During these last few months, I've been humbled and privileged to see the
true character of this country in a time of testing. Our enemies believed
America was weak and materialistic, that we would splinter in fear and
selfishness. They were as wrong as they are evil. (Applause.)
The American people have responded magnificently, with courage and
compassion, strength and resolve. As I have met the heroes, hugged the families,
and looked into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood in awe of the American
people.
And I hope you will join me—I hope you will join me in expressing thanks to
one American for the strength and calm and comfort she brings to our nation in
crisis, our First Lady, Laura Bush. (Applause.)
None of us would ever wish the evil that was done on September the 11th. Yet
after America was attacked, it was as if our entire country looked into a mirror
and saw our better selves. We were reminded that we are citizens, with
obligations to each other, to our country, and to history. We began to think
less of the goods we can accumulate, and more about the good we can do.
For too long our culture has said, "If it feels good, do it." Now America is
embracing a new ethic and a new creed: "Let's roll." (Applause.) In the
sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery
and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of
responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger
than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this
moment pass. (Applause.)
My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years—4,000
hours over the rest of your lifetime—to the service of your neighbors and your
nation. (Applause.) Many are already serving, and I thank you. If you aren't
sure how to help, I've got a good place to start. To sustain and extend the best
that has emerged in America, I invite you to join the new USA Freedom Corps. The
Freedom Corps will focus on three areas of need: responding in case of crisis at
home; rebuilding our communities; and extending American compassion throughout
the world.
One purpose of the USA Freedom Corps will be homeland security. America needs
retired doctors and nurses who can be mobilized in major emergencies; volunteers
to help police and fire departments; transportation and utility workers
well-trained in spotting danger.
Our country also needs citizens working to rebuild our communities. We need
mentors to love children, especially children whose parents are in prison. And
we need more talented teachers in troubled schools. USA Freedom Corps will
expand and improve the good efforts of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps to recruit
more than 200,000 new volunteers.
And America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every
part of the world. So we will renew the promise of the Peace Corps, double its
volunteers over the next five years—(applause)—and ask it to join a new effort
to encourage development and education and opportunity in the Islamic world.
(Applause.)
This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity—a moment we must
seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts
of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater
good. (Applause.) And we have a great opportunity during this time of war to
lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace.
All fathers and mothers, in all societies, want their children to be
educated, and live free from poverty and violence. No people on Earth yearn to
be oppressed, or aspire to servitude, or eagerly await the midnight knock of the
secret police.
If anyone doubts this, let them look to Afghanistan, where the Islamic
"street" greeted the fall of tyranny with song and celebration. Let the skeptics
look to Islam's own rich history, with its centuries of learning, and tolerance
and progress. America will lead by defending liberty and justice because they
are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere. (Applause.)
No nation owns these aspirations, and no nation is exempt from them. We have
no intention of imposing our culture. But America will always stand firm for the
non-negotiable demands of human dignity: the rule of law; limits on the power of
the state; respect for women; private property; free speech; equal justice; and
religious tolerance. (Applause.)
America will take the side of brave men and women who advocate these values
around the world, including the Islamic world, because we have a greater
objective than eliminating threats and containing resentment. We seek a just and
peaceful world beyond the war on terror.
In this moment of opportunity, a common danger is erasing old rivalries.
America is working with Russia and China and India, in ways we have never
before, to achieve peace and prosperity. In every region, free markets and free
trade and free societies are proving their power to lift lives. Together with
friends and allies from Europe to Asia, and Africa to Latin America, we will
demonstrate that the forces of terror cannot stop the momentum of freedom.
(Applause.)
The last time I spoke here, I expressed the hope that life would return to
normal. In some ways, it has. In others, it never will. Those of us who have
lived through these challenging times have been changed by them. We've come to
know truths that we will never question: evil is real, and it must be opposed.
(Applause.) Beyond all differences of race or creed, we are one country,
mourning together and facing danger together. Deep in the American character,
there is honor, and it is stronger than cynicism. And many have discovered again
that even in tragedy—especially in tragedy—God is near. (Applause.)
In a single instant, we realized that this will be a decisive decade in the
history of liberty, that we've been called to a unique role in human events.
Rarely has the world faced a choice more clear or consequential.
Our enemies send other people's children on missions of suicide and murder.
They embrace tyranny and death as a cause and a creed. We stand for a different
choice, made long ago, on the day of our founding. We affirm it again today. We
choose freedom and the dignity of every life. (Applause.)
Steadfast in our purpose, we now press on. We have known freedom's price. We
have shown freedom's power. And in this great conflict, my fellow Americans, we
will see freedom's victory.
Thank you all. May God bless. (Applause.)
END 10:03 P.M. EST
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