I've been given this info from a helpful Freeper, about President Bush's message at the press conference today:
GWB set forth his legislative priorities for the 109th Congress
- Spending / appropriations bills (about 12 are stuck in the House)
- NSA terrorist surveillance act (passed the House, not taken up by Senate)
- Bipartisan energy act
- India civilian nuclear power agreement
- International trade - VietNam as member of WTO
.
Also, made comments relating to Iraq and WOT.
- Success in installing democracy in Iraq iss a necesary part of WOT
- Rumsfeld staying on until Gates is confirmed
Thank you very much.
Thanks. Looks like the circular firing squad was to busy to post.
Speaking of which I suppose I should get back to the circle :)
Thank you, BonnieJ. Bless you for responding.
AFTER MEETING WITH HIS CABINET
Rose Garden
11:28 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Earlier this week the American people went to the polls, and they cast their ballots for a new Congress. The American people made their decision; I respect the results, and so does my Cabinet. I want to congratulate the Democrat leaders on the victory they achieved for their party.
In a few minutes, Congresswoman Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer will be here for lunch. I'm looking forward to that visit. I'm also looking forward to my visit with Senator Reid and Senator Durban tomorrow. We'll discuss the way forward for our country, and I'm going to tell him what I just told our Cabinet: It is our responsibility to put the elections behind us and work together on the great issues facing America.
Some of these issues need to be addressed before the current Congress finishes its legislative session, and that means the next few weeks are going to be busy ones. First order of business is for Congress to complete the work on the federal spending bills for this year, with strong fiscal discipline, and without diminishing our capacity to fight the war on terror.
Another important priority in the war on terror is for the Congress to pass the Terrorist Surveillance Act. We also need to pass the bipartisan energy legislation that's now before Congress. And on the foreign policy front, we need to complete the work on legislation that will allow us to cooperate with India on civilian nuclear technology and pass trade legislation that will enable us to recognize Vietnam as a member of the WTO.
As the new members of Congress and their leaders return to Washington, I've instructed my Cabinet to provide whatever briefings and information they need to be able to do their jobs. The American people expect us to rise above partisan differences, and my administration will do its part.
One of the most important challenges facing our country is the war on terror, and Iraq is the central front in this war. Our country now has more than 149,000 men and women serving bravely in that country. Whatever party we come from, we all have a responsibility to ensure that these troops have the resources and support they need to prevail. I'm open to any idea or suggestion that will help us achieve our goals of defeating the terrorists and ensuring that Iraq's democratic government succeeds.
Yesterday I accepted the resignation of one of the original members of my Cabinet, Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He could not be with us today because he's at Kansas State University to deliver the prestigious Landon Lecture, and to help dedicate the university's military science building as the General Richard B. Myers Hall.
Don has been an outstanding Secretary of Defense, a trusted advisor, and a loyal friend to me and his fellow Cabinet secretaries. I've named a good man to succeed Don Rumsfeld, former CIA Director Bob Gates. Secretary Rumsfeld has agreed to stay until Bob is confirmed, and I'm deeply grateful to Don for his service to our country.
Thank you all very much.
END 11:31 A.M. EST
Thanks for your 626, Bonnie J. Appreciate the conciseness. And primeval patriot, thanks for your 659 with the full text.