“Having just returned from Iraq and one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, I can confidently say that there have been great accomplishments in the name of freedom, and the citizens of Iraq are tasting liberty and embracing it,” Franks said.  “Freedom is contagious, and just as President Bush described so eloquently tonight, other nations in the Middle East will follow Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and, in time, I believe our efforts could turn the whole of humanity in a better direction.”

In addition to speaking on the War in Iraq, President Bush addressed the economic progress at home and called on Congress to provide training to workers to meet the demands of a changing economy.  He also addressed America’s health care needs and the importance of faith-based organizations.

“I commend the President for addressing issues like affordable health care—and specifically Medicare—that so many Arizonans struggle with,” Franks said.  “By re-stating the need for individual choice and private health care, President Bush has outlined a plan that will benefit Americans while keeping our programs solvent for our children and our children’s children.”

“And I thank the President for caring enough about the nation’s children, to not only fight the battles of health care and the economy, but to have the courage to also fight for the values that best shape our culture: courage, compassion, reverence and integrity.  I look forward to working with this Congress, and this Administration, to further empower community groups and faith-based organizations to, as the President said, ‘send the right message to our children.’”