State of the Union | Page 4

word: jobs. (Applause.)
Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we've made a fine start.
(Applause.) Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve
historic education reform so that no child is left behind. I was proud to
work with members of both parties: Chairman John Boehner and

Congressman George Miller. (Applause.) Senator Judd Gregg.
(Applause.) And I was so proud of our work, I even had nice things to
say about my friend, Ted Kennedy. (Laughter and applause.) I know
the folks at the Crawford coffee shop couldn't believe I'd say such a
thing -- (laughter) -- but our work on this bill shows what is possible if
we set aside posturing and focus on results. (Applause.)
There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and
succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood
development programs. (Applause.) We must upgrade our teacher
colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a
great goal for America: a quality teacher in every classroom.
(Applause.)
Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This
Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology,
build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at
home so America is less dependent on foreign oil. (Applause.)
Good jobs depend on expanded trade. Selling into new markets creates
new jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion
authority. (Applause.) On these two key issues, trade and energy, the
House of Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate
to pass this legislation. (Applause.)
Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. (Applause.) Last year, some in
this hall thought my tax relief plan was too small; some thought it was
too big. (Applause.) But when the checks arrived in the mail, most
Americans thought tax relief was just about right. (Applause.) Congress
listened to the people and responded by reducing tax rates, doubling the
child credit, and ending the death tax. For the sake of long-term growth
and to help Americans plan for the future, let's make these tax cuts
permanent. (Applause.)
The way out of this recession, the way to create jobs, is to grow the
economy by encouraging investment in factories and equipment, and
by speeding up tax relief so people have more money to spend. For the
sake of American workers, let's pass a stimulus package. (Applause.)
Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform. As we reauthorize these
important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce
dependency on government and offer every American the dignity of a
job. (Applause.)

Americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without
health security. I ask Congress to join me this year to enact a patients'
bill of rights -- (applause) -- to give uninsured workers credits to help
buy health coverage -- (applause) -- to approve an historic increase in
the spending for veterans' health -- (applause) -- and to give seniors a
sound and modern Medicare system that includes coverage for
prescription drugs. (Applause.)
A good job should lead to security in retirement. I ask Congress to
enact new safeguards for 401K and pension plans. (Applause.)
Employees who have worked hard and saved all their lives should not
have to risk losing everything if their company fails. (Applause.)
Through stricter accounting standards and tougher disclosure
requirements, corporate America must be made more accountable to
employees and shareholders and held to the highest standards of
conduct. (Applause.)
Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of
Social Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially
stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who
choose them. (Applause.)
Members, you and I will work together in the months ahead on other
issues: productive farm policy -- (applause) -- a cleaner environment --
(applause) -- broader home ownership, especially among minorities --
(applause) -- and ways to encourage the good work of charities and
faith-based groups. (Applause.) I ask you to join me on these important
domestic issues in the same spirit of cooperation we've applied to our
war against terrorism. (Applause.)
During these last few months, I've been humbled and privileged to see
the true character of this country in a time of testing. Our enemies
believed America was weak and materialistic, that we would splinter in
fear and selfishness. They were as wrong as they are evil. (Applause.)
The American people have responded magnificently, with courage and
compassion, strength and resolve. As I have met the heroes, hugged the
families, and looked into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood in awe
of the American people.
And I hope you will join me -- I hope you will join me in expressing
thanks to one American for the strength and calm and comfort