Text 1945, 101 rader
Skriven 2005-12-31 23:33:08 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (051231) for Sat, 2005 Dec 31
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 31, 2005

President's Radio Address


ÿÿÿÿÿAudio
ÿÿÿÿÿ

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. 2005 has been a year of strong progress toward
a freer, more peaceful world and a more prosperous America. This year we
watched the Iraqi people defy the terrorists and suicide bombers and hold
three successful elections, voting to choose the only constitutional,
democratic government in the Arab world. We also saw the people of
Afghanistan elect a democratic parliament in a nation that only a few years
ago was ruled by the Taliban.

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These are amazing achievements in the history of liberty. As freedom and
democracy take hold in a troubled region, we are making the American people
safer here at home, and laying the foundation of peace for future
generations.

The United States has a vital interest in the success of a free Iraq, so in
the year ahead, we will continue to pursue the comprehensive strategy for
victory that I have discussed with you in recent weeks. This strategy has
security, political, and economic elements. First, our coalition is staying
on the offense, finding and clearing the enemy out of Iraqi cities, towns,
and villages, transferring more control to Iraqi units, and building up the
Iraqi security forces so they can increasingly lead the fight to secure
their country. Second, we are helping Iraqis build the political
institutions of an inclusive, unified, and lasting democracy. And third,
our coalition is overcoming earlier setbacks and moving forward with a
reconstruction plan to rebuild Iraq's economy and infrastructure. As we
help Iraq build a peaceful and stable democracy, the United States will
gain an ally in the war on terror, inspire reformers across the Middle
East, and make the American people more secure.

During 2005, thanks to our tax relief, spending restraint, and the hard
work of the American people, our economy remained the envy of the world.
Our economy has been growing strongly for more than two years, and has
added nearly 4.5 million jobs since May of 2003. More Americans own their
homes than at any time in our nation's history. Inflation is low,
productivity is high, and small businesses are flourishing. Real disposable
income is up, consumers are confident, and early reports suggest good
retail sales this holiday season.

To keep our economy moving forward, we must continue to pursue sound
policies in Washington and be wise with taxpayers' money. We made real
progress this year in restraining government spending. Last February, I
submitted to Congress the most disciplined budget proposal since Ronald
Reagan was President. Working with the Congress, we ended or reduced about
90 lower-priority or poorly performing government programs, cut
non-security discretionary spending, and kept overall discretionary
spending growth below the rate of inflation. We have now cut the rate of
growth in non-security discretionary spending each year I have been in
office.

Before their holiday recess, both the House and the Senate also voted to
cut mandatory spending by nearly $40 billion. This will be the first
reduction of entitlement spending in nearly a decade. By being responsible
with the taxpayers' money, we are funding our nation's priorities, while
staying on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.

In the new year, we must also make permanent the tax relief that has kept
our economy growing. We will work to expand free and fair trade, so
America's farmers, workers, and businesses can enjoy the opportunities the
global economy offers. We'll build on the progress we've made with this
year's energy bill, so our nation will be less dependent on foreign sources
of energy. We will continue to promote an ownership society in which people
have more control over their retirement and health care. We'll continue to
improve education and job training programs, so our citizens have the
skills necessary to compete and succeed in the 21st century. And we will
show the compassionate heart of our nation and provide the people of the
Gulf Coast the help they need to rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In 2005, America grew in prosperity, advanced the cause of freedom and
peace, and enhanced our security. Our duties continue in the new year, and
I'm confident that our nation will meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you for listening, and happy New Year.

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