President urges bipartisanship; touts economy, Iraq surge
Here are excerpts from President Bush's State of the Union address last night.
Bipartisanship
In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. . . . Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.
Unfinished work
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we have made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.
Economy
As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. . . . And at kitchen tables across our country, there is concern about our economic future. In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth.
Taxes
Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about the federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent.
Earmarks
The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks. . . . If you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto.
Housing
We must trust Americans with the responsibility of homeownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market.
Health
I propose ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. . . . . Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create association health plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits.
Education
Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act. . . . Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, and provide extra help for struggling schools.
Immigration
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.
Energy
To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology.
Climate
Let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.
Trade
If we fail to pass this [Colombia free trade] agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life.
Iraq war
Some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq. . . . American troops are shifting from leading operations to partnering with Iraqi forces and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission.
Iran
America will confront those who threaten our troops; we will stand by our allies and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf. 