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President Bush delivered his third State of the Union address and his last of his first term as President of the United States on January 20. Over the past three years our country has undergone many challenges and suffered extraordinary loss, but as always America has shown strength and perseverance. The President's address to the union was about perseverance, he urged the nation and Congress to continue the work it has already begun. He clearly defined the challenges we face at home and abroad and offered the type of bold leadership we have come to expect of him as our nation's commander in chief. President Bush laid out ambitious goals for the future and new initiatives that will ensure a more secure, more prosperous and more hopeful country.
As the President noted, America is once again advancing the cause of freedom around the world while making our country and those of our allies more secure in a time of danger. President Bush understands that our nation cannot stand by passively in the face of terrorism and he warned us against a false sense of security and complacency. This year we must continue to wage a campaign against terrorists who threaten our country and pursue a forward strategy of freedom. President Bush's willingness to take the fight to the terrorists has provided a new measure of security to America while bringing the hope of democracy to millions abroad. During the speech, President Bush reminded us of the good work the troops are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Iraq is now free from the rule of Saddam and beginning to assume the responsibilities of a free society. The United States must continue the work begun in these countries in order to help create a more peaceful Middle East.
Here at home the tax cuts the President pushed through Congress have begun to turn our country around. He has led us through the recession he inherited and the shock of 9/11 toward a new era of rapid and sustained economic growth. At the same time the President has pushed through legislation that will improve our schools, give our seniors access to prescription drugs and provide security and opportunity to Americans from all walks of life.
Now that we are on the right track it is important to keep pushing forward. President Bush announced Jobs for the 21st Century, which would provide more than $500 million for an initiative to better prepare current and future workers for jobs in the new millennium. A better economy will provide a job for every American who wants one.
Although Congress just last year made tremendous progress on healthcare and Medicare, we still have a long way to go to ensure quality care for every American. President Bush urged Congress to extend the benefits of modern medicine throughout our country, take action to help the rising costs of medical care and give more Americans access to health insurance.
President Bush also outlined initiatives to help young Americans make healthy decisions, expand support for teen abstinence and develop early intervention programs for those with addiction. These types of programs will help improve our communities by setting a standard of success beginning with our youth.
The President, once again, used the State of the Union message to inform, inspire and rally the American people. His speech laid the foundation for debate this year in Congress. I believe the themes he outlined in his speech, such as healthcare, civil justice reform, job training and deficit reduction are key priorities and should be addressed this year. The challenge now rests with the Congress to put aside partisan divisions and work with the President to address the problems we are facing. As President Bush said during the first minute of his speech, "America this evening is a Nation called to great responsibilities. And we are rising to meet them." |
