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Skriven 2006-02-25 23:38:58 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (060225) for Sat, 2006 Feb 25
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
February 25, 2006

President's Radio Address


ÿÿÿÿÿAudio
ÿÿÿÿÿ

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Sunday and Monday, I will meet with
America's governors during their annual gathering in Washington, D.C. As a
former governor, I appreciate the work of these fine public servants. I
look forward to talking with them about the challenges and opportunities
facing their states and our nation and discussing how leaders of both
parties can work together to solve problems for our citizens.

One of the most important issues we will discuss is how to improve health
care for the American people, and we have a good example in the Medicare
system that provides health care coverage for our seniors. When I took
office, I found a Medicare system that would pay tens of thousands of
dollars for a surgery, but not the money for the prescription drugs that
could have prevented the surgery in the first place. So, working with
Congress, we passed critical legislation that modernizes Medicare, provides
seniors with more choices, and gives them better access to prescription
drugs.

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More than 25 million people with Medicare now have prescription drug
coverage, and hundreds of thousands more are enrolling each week. This new
coverage is saving seniors money on their drug premiums: the typical senior
will end up spending about half of what they used to spend on prescription
drugs each year.

Another issue I will discuss with governors is how to keep America the most
innovative and competitive nation in the world. In my State of the Union
Address, I announced the American Competitiveness Initiative. Under this
Initiative, we will double the Federal commitment to the most critical
basic research in the physical sciences over the next decade. We will also
make the research and development tax credit permanent to encourage
businesses and entrepreneurs to increase their investments in innovation.
These investments will lead to new technologies that will offer a better
life for our citizens and keep our economy strong.

My Competitiveness Initiative will also give American children a firm
grounding in math and science to prepare them for the jobs of the 21st
century. I proposed that we train 70,000 additional high school teachers
over the next five years to lead Advanced Placement courses in math and
science and bring in 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in
classrooms and give extra help to students who struggle with math. By
ensuring that our children are prepared to succeed in life, we will ensure
that America's economy succeeds in the world.

When I meet the governors, I will also talk about our energy strategy. I
proposed an Advanced Energy Initiative to take advantage of new
technologies. Under this Initiative, we will change how we power our homes
and offices by investing in clean coal technology, solar and wind power,
and clean, safe nuclear energy. And we will change how we power our cars
and trucks by investing in hybrid vehicles, pollution-free cars that run on
hydrogen, and alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. By applying the
talent and innovative spirit of our citizens, we will move beyond a
petroleum-based economy, protect our environment, and make America less
dependent on foreign sources of energy.

I'll also discuss with governors our progress in the war on terror. The
states are playing a vital role in the war effort through the contributions
of their National Guard units. During the past two years, many governors
have traveled to Iraq or Afghanistan to visit with the men and women from
their states who are serving in freedom's cause. These governors have seen
firsthand the courage of our troops and their dedication to the mission.
Last month, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee visited Iraq and Afghanistan
with three of his fellow governors. He said: "People back home need to
realize just how proud they should be of our men and women here. It is
obvious these troops remain upbeat and focused on ridding the world of
terrorists."

To improve health care, keep America competitive, achieve greater energy
independence, and protect our Nation, we must put aside politics and focus
on what is best for the future of our country. America's governors are good
allies in this effort, and I look forward to working with them in the year
ahead.

Thank you for listening.
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