Bush's final State of Union: 'A period of uncertainty'

by Mark Silva

President Bush, who will deliver his final State of the Union address tonight, will call on Congress to act swiftly in the face of an economic slowdown at home, hold to the military mission in Iraq and reauthorize domestic surveillance of suspected terrorists.

““As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty,’’ the president plans to say. “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.

:“To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy,’’ Bush plans to say in an appearance before a joint session of Congress.

Bush also will address the war in Iraq and the prevention of terrorism at home, calling on Congress for reauthorization of legislation permitting surveillance of suspected terrorists.

“The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended,’’ the president plans to say in his address to Congress at 9 pm EST – a speech expected to run about 40 minutes, and Bush’s last.

“In this election year,’’ Bush plans to say, “let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. And let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.’’

The White House, with a preview of the president’s remarks tonight, is highlighting the positive: “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.

“In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great,’’ Bush plans to say. “As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history…So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures.

“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,’’ he will say. “Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil.”

And Bush, who has failed to win either immigration reform or an overhaul of the Social Security system which he attempted during his second term, plans to say: “There are two other pressing challenges that I have raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration.

“Every Member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford…Now I ask Members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and grandchildren.”

“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.”

On the “surge’’ in Iraq: “Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty…And these images of liberty have inspired us. In the past 7 years, we have also seen images that have sobered us…[and] serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

“The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw…our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return…While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago.

“Some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt,’’ Bush will say. “Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.”

Bush will address the war in Iraq and the prevention of terrorism at home, calling on Congress for reauthorization of legislation permitting surveillance of suspected terrorists.

“The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended,’’ the president plans to say in his address to Congress at 9 pm EST – a speech expected to run about 40 minutes, and Bush’s last.
“In this election year,’’ Bush plans to say, “let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. And let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.’’
The White House, with a preview of the president’s remarks tonight, is highlighting the positive: “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.
“In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great,’’ Bush plans to say. “As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history…So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures.
“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,’’ he will say. “Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil.”
And Bush, who has failed to win either immigration reform or an overhaul of the Social Security system which he attempted during his second term, plans to say: “There are two other pressing challenges that I have raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration.
“Every Member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford…Now I ask Members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and grandchildren.”

“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.”

On the “surge’’ in Iraq: “Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty…And these images of liberty have inspired us. In the past 7 years, we have also seen images that have sobered us…[and] serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.”

“The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw…our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return…While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago.

“Some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt,’’ Bush will say. “Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.”