President Bush will welcome President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia to the White House on September 20, 2008. Colombia is a strategic ally of the United States, and this visit underscores the deep friendship and extensive cooperation between the United States and Colombia. The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including their shared commitment to the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, continuing to reduce violence and increase peace and security in Colombia, and strengthening democracy throughout the region.
Hurricane Preparedness
President Bush traveled to Houston and Galveston, Texas Tuesday, September 16, 2008 to see the damage caused by Hurricane Ike first hand and meet with federal, state and local officials to discuss the relief and recovery efforts.
To empower Americans to help others, President Bush launched the USA Freedom Corps. The goal of the USA Freedom Corps was to connect Americans with opportunities to serve our country, to foster a culture of citizenship, responsibility and service. Over the last six years, USA Freedom Corps has met these goals.
President Bush's top priority is the safety and security of the American people. Though America and its allies are safer since 9/11, we are not yet safe. We have important challenges ahead as we wage a long-term battle not just against terrorists, but against the ideology that supports their agenda.
President George W. Bush meets with members of the 2008 NBA Championship Boston Celtics Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at the White House. The Celtics set a record for the biggest margin of victory in a championship game when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 129-96 in the series-clinching sixth game. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President Bush on Friday said, "In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. America has the most talented, productive, and entrepreneurial workers in the world. This country is the best place in the world to invest and do business. Consumers around the world continue to seek out American products, as evidenced by record-high exports. We have a flexible and resilient system that absorbs challenges and makes corrections and bounces back." En Español Fact Sheet: Confronting Economic Challenges Head On In Focus: Economy
President Bush on Friday said, "I'm proud of your character. I want to thank the Celtic organization for what you do off the court as well. I believe there is a huge responsibility not only to try to win on the court but to be responsible citizens in the community in which you live. The Shamrock Foundation, for example, helps disadvantaged children during the season and after the season. I appreciate the fact that during the second quarter of every home game, the Celtics honor some caring citizen; someone who I said is a soldier in the army of compassion. With the "Hero Among Us" program, that's a really good idea, and I thank you for doing that. I want to congratulate you for worrying about children and literacy and using your special status in society to set a good example."
President Bush on Friday said, "Kuwait is a strategic partner of the United States. And our discussion today was befitting of our strategic partnership." In Focus: Global Diplomacy
President Bush on Thursday said, "Our financial markets continue to deal with serious challenges. As our recent actions demonstrate, my administration is focused on meeting these challenges. The American people can be sure we will continue to act to strengthen and stabilize our financial markets and improve investor confidence." En Español In Focus: Economy