George W. Bush in State of the Union address
On Budget & Economy:
Will cut the deficit in half in the next 5 years
We should limit the burden of government on this economy by acting as good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland and meets important domestic needs, while
limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending and be wise with the people’s money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Budget & Economy:
Fact Check: Deficit didn’t exist at end of Clinton term
FACTCHECK on the Federal Deficit: The President promised to curb deficit spending, but said nothing about where the deficits come from.BUSH: We can cut the deficit in half over the next five years.
FACTCHECK: Not mentioned: The projected federal surplus at the end of Bill Clinton’s term have now turned to a projected federal deficit of $1.4 trillion over the next 10 years, due to Bush’s two large tax cuts,
large increases in federal spending, and an economic downturn. Also not mentioned:
A 12.3% rise in discretionary federal spending last fiscal year followed by a 9% rise this fiscal year, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.
Source: FactCheck.org on the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Civil Rights:
Don’t let Patriot Act expire-terrorist threat won’t
We must continue to give law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us. And one of those essential tools is the Patriot Act, which allows federal law enforcement to better share information, to track terrorists, to disrupt their cells and
to seize their assets. Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year. The terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule. Our law enforcement needs this vital legislation to protect our citizens. You need to renew the Patriot Act.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Crime:
America is the land of the second chance
We know from long experience that if released inmates can’t find work or a home, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison. So I propose a four-year, $300 million Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative to expand job training and placement
services, to provide transitional housing and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Drugs:
Aggressive drug education, treatment & enforcement
We must stand with our families to help them raise healthy, responsible children. And when it comes to helping children make right choices, there is work for all of us to do. One of the worst decisions our children can make
is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs. Our government is helping parents confront this problem with aggressive education, treatment and law enforcement. Drug use in high school has declined by 11% over the past two years.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Drugs:
$23 million more for drug-testing in schools
In my budget, I have proposed new funding to continue our aggressive, community-based strategy to reduce demand for illegal drugs. Drug-testing in our schools has proven to be an effective part of this effort.
So tonight I propose an additional $23 million for schools that want to use drug-testing as a tool to save children’s lives. The aim here is not to punish children, but to send them this message: We love you, and we do not want to lose you.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Drugs:
Use of performance-enhancing steroids sends wrong message
Unfortunately, some in professional sports are not setting much of an example for our children. The use of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids in baseball, football and other sports is dangerous and it sends the wrong message: that there are
shortcuts to accomplishment and that performance is more important than character. So tonight I call on team owners, union representatives, coaches and players to take the lead, to send the right signal, to get tough and to get rid of steroids now.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Education:
Progressing towards excellence for every child
All skills begin with the basics of reading and math, which are supposed to be learned in the early grades of our schools. Yet for too long, for too many children, those skills were never mastered.
The No Child Left Behind Act has made the expectation of literacy the law of our country. But the status quo always has defenders. Some want to undermine the No Child Left Behind Act by weakening standards and accountability.
Yet the results we require are really a matter of common sense: We expect third-graders to read and do math at the third-grade level. That’s not asking too much.
Testing is the only way to identify and help students who are falling behind. This nation
will not go back to the days of simply shuffling children along from grade to grade without them learning the basics. I refuse to give up on any child. And the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity to all of America’s children.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Education:
Jobs for the 21st Century: more high school help
We must ensure that older students and adults can gain the skills they need to find work now. Many of the fastest- growing occupations require strong math and science preparation and training beyond the high-school level.
So tonight I propose a series of measures called Jobs for the 21st Century. This program will provide extra help to middle- and high-school students who fall behind in reading and math, expand Advanced Placement programs in low-income schools,
invite math and science professionals from the private sector to teach part-time in our high schools. I propose larger Pell Grants for students who prepare for college with demanding courses in high school.
I propose increasing support for America’s fine community colleges, so they can train workers for industries that are creating the most new jobs. By all these actions, we will help more and more Americans to join in the growing prosperity of our country.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Education:
Fact Check: NCLB increased school funding, but shy by $5.4B
FACTCHECK on Education: Bush spoke of a big increase in federal funding for education, but didn’t mention complaints that he’s forcing states to pay for new federal requirements to test student performance.BUSH: By passing the No Child Left Behind Act
you have made the expectation of literacy the law of our country. We are providing more funding for our schools-a 36% increase since 2001. We are requiring higher standards.
FACTCHECK: It is true that federal funding for education has increased sharply
since Bush took office, as even his critics concede. But it is also true that Bush’s new requirements for student testing impose large costs on state and local governments and that Bush hasn’t pushed the Republican Congress for the full amounts
authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act. The National Education Association estimated the shortfall at $5.4 billion last year, and even a GOP senator, Olympia Snowe of Maine, said last year, “It leaves us open to the charge of unfunded mandates.”
Source: FactCheck.org on the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Families & Children:
Double funding for abstinence to prevent STDs
Each year, about 3 million teenagers contract sexually transmitted diseases that can harm them or kill them or prevent them from ever becoming parents. In my budget, I propose a grassroots campaign to help inform families about these medical risks.
We will double federal funding for abstinence programs so schools can teach this fact of life: Abstinence for young people is the only certain way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Families & Children:
Defend the institution of marriage against activist judges
All of us-parents and schools and government-must work together to counter the negative influence of the culture and to send the right messages to our children. A strong America must value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect
individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton.
That statute protects marriage under federal law as the union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.
Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for
the will of the people and their elected representatives. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Foreign Policy:
America will never seek a permission slip for self-defense
From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support.
There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Foreign Policy:
National Endowment for Democracy in the Middle East
We hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare. Yet it is mistaken and condescending to assume that whole cultures and great religions are incompatible with liberty and self-government. I believe
that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again. As long as the Middle East remains a place of tyranny and despair and anger, it will continue to
produce men and movements that threaten the safety of America and our friends.
So America is pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the greater Middle East. We will challenge the enemies of reform, confront the allies of terror and expect a higher
standard from our friend. I will send you a proposal to double the budget of the National Endowment for Democracy and to focus its new work on the development of free elections and free markets, free press and free labor unions in the Middle East.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Free Trade:
Fact Check: Free trade tempered by steel protectionism
FACTCHECK on Trade: In speaking of benefits of international trade, the President failed to mention his own steps to protect the politically important US steel industry.
BUSH: My Administration is promoting free and fair trade, to open up new markets for America ‘s entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, and farmers, and to create jobs for America ‘s workers.
FACTCHECK: Not mentioned: Bush’s imposition of tariffs on imported steel, which pleased US labor unions and steel executives but which were found to violate World Trade Organization rules.
Bush lifted the steel tariffs Dec. 4 after trading partners threatened retaliation against US exports.
Source: FactCheck.org on the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Health Care:
Health savings accounts with choice of coverage
Starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money, tax-free, for their medical expenses in a health savings account. I signed this measure proudly, and any attempts to limit the choices of our seniors
or to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare will meet my veto. On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Health Care:
100% tax deduction for catastrophic health insurance
On the critical issue of health care: I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance. By computerizing health records, we can avoid dangerous medical mistakes & reduce
costs. We must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. And tonight I propose that individuals who buy catastrophic health care coverage, as part of our new health savings accounts, be allowed to deduct 100% of the premiums from their taxes.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Health Care:
Government-run health care is the wrong prescription
A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription.
By keeping costs under control, expanding access and helping more Americans afford coverage, we will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America’s health care the best in the world.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Homeland Security:
It’s false hope to think that terror is behind us
Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. 28 months have passed since Sept. 11, 2001-over 2 years without an attack on American soil-and it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable
and comforting-and false. The killing has continued in Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Jerusalem, Istanbul and Baghdad. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Homeland Security:
Terrorists declared war on us-terrorism is beyond a crime
Some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments. After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted
and tried and convicted and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. After September 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the US. And war is what they got.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Immigration:
Support temporary worker program but oppose amnesty
I ask Congress to reform our immigration laws so they reflect our values and benefit our economy. I propose a new temporary-worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing employers when no Americans can be found to fill the job.
This reform will be good for our economy, because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system. A temporary-worker program will help protect our homeland,
allowing border patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security. I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration and unfairly reward those who break our laws.
My temporary-worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Social Security:
Personal retirement accounts for young workers
Younger workers should have the opportunity to build a nest egg by saving part of their Social Security taxes in a personal retirement account.
We should make the Social Security system a source of ownership for the American people. And we should limit the burden of government on this economy by acting as good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Tax Reform:
Congress must act to make tax cuts permanent
The tax reductions you [Congress] passed are set to expire. Unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged $300 more in federal taxes for every child.
Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What the Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Tax Reform:
Tax relief is working
The tax relief you [Congress] passed is working. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong and growing stronger. You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty,
begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes. Americans took those dollars and put them to work,
driving this economy forward. The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years: new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years; homeownership rates, the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing,
inflation is low, interest rates are low, exports are growing, productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise.
These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have, and you were right to return it.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On Tax Reform:
Fact Check: Tax relief fueled spending, but not job growth
FACTCHECK on the Economy: The President said the economy is growing and producing jobs, but failed to mention that the growth is so far insufficient to make up for what’s been lost since he took office.BUSH: We have come through recession,
and terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, and the uncertainties of war. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger.... And jobs are on the rise.
FACTCHECK: It is true that the
economy grew last quarter at a yearly rate of 8.2%. And private economists are generally agreed that tax cuts helped propel the consumer spending that fueled the growth, which continues. Also true is that the economy has gained 278,000 jobs since July,
when the job slump bottomed out. But what the President left unsaid is that in the most recent month the job gain was almost nonexistent-only 1,000-and that as of December total employment was still 2.3 million below where it stood when Bush took office.
Source: FactCheck.org on the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On War & Peace:
We’ve already internationalized the war in Iraq
Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Spain, and the [27] other countries that have committed troops
to Iraq. We must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners or dismiss their sacrifices. From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On War & Peace:
We haven’t come this far to falter unfinished
As we gather tonight, hundreds of thousands of American service men and women are deployed across the world in the war on terror. By bringing hope to the oppressed and delivering justice to the violent, they are making America more secure.
We have faced serious challenges together, and now we face a choice: We can go forward with confidence and resolve, or we can turn back to the dangerous illusion that terrorists are not plotting and outlaw regimes are no threat to us.
We can press on with economic growth and reforms in education and Medicare, or we can turn back to old policies and old divisions.
We’ve not come all this way, through tragedy and trial and war, only to falter and leave our work unfinished.
Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same from us. In their efforts, their enterprise and their character, the American people are showing that the state of our union is confident and strong.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On War & Peace:
Saddam had WMD-related program activities
Some did not support the liberation of Iraq. Objections to war often come from principled motives. But let us be candid about the consequences of leaving Saddam Hussein in power. We’re seeking all the facts. Already, the Kay report identified dozens of
weapons of mass destruction-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the UN. Had we failed to act, the dictator’s weapons of mass destruction programs would continue to this day. Had we failed to act,
Security Council resolutions on Iraq would have been revealed as empty threats, weakening the UN and encouraging defiance by dictators around the world. Iraq’s torture chambers would still be filled with victims-terrified and innocent. The killing fields
of Iraq, where hundreds of thousands of men and women and children vanished into the sands, would still be known only to the killers. For all who love freedom and peace, the world without Saddam Hussein’s regime is a better and safer place.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
On War & Peace:
Fact Check: No evidence of bio, chemical, or nuclear WMDs
FACTCHECK on WMD: The President made no mention of the failure so far to locate nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in Iraq.BUSH: We are seeking all the facts. Already the Kay Report identified dozens of weapons of mass destruction-related program
activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the UN.
FACTCHECK: True, former UN weapons inspector David Kay, now heading the US effort to locate Saddam Hussein’s unconventional weapons, did report that last October.
But Kay also told the House and Senate intelligence committees:
KAY: We have not yet found stocks of weapons. We have not yet been able to corroborate the existence of a mobile biological weapons production effort. Multiple sources say that Iraq did
not have a large, ongoing, centrally controlled chemical warfare program after 1991. To date we have not uncovered evidence that Iraq undertook significant post-1998 steps to actually build nuclear weapons or produce fissile material.
Source: FactCheck.org on the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Welfare & Poverty:
Unleash the passion of religious charity
It’s important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America’s religious institutions. Religious charities of every creed are doing some of the most vital work in our country:
mentoring children, feeding the hungry, taking the hand of the lonely. Yet government has often denied social-service grants and contracts to these groups just because they have a cross or a Star of David or a crescent on the wall.
By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities.
Tonight I ask you to codify this into law so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again.
Source: 2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress
Jan 20, 2004
Page last updated: Feb 23, 2019