Nancy Pelosi in State of the Union address
On Corporations:
Replace no-bid contracts with diplomatic engagement
Instead of billions of dollars in no-bid contracts for politically connected firms like Halliburton, and an insistence on American dominance in Iraq, let us share the burden and responsibility with others, so that together we can end the sense of
American occupation and bring troops home safely when their mission is completed. Instead of diplomatic disengagement let us seek to forge coalitions, so that together with others we can address challenges before they threaten the security of the world.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Foreign Policy:
Avoid go-it-alone foreign policy
Even the most powerful nation in the history of the world must bring other nations to our side to meet common dangers. The president’s policies do not reflect that.
He has pursued a go-it-alone foreign policy that leaves us isolated abroad and that steals resources we need for education and health care here at home.
The president led us into the Iraq war on the basis of unproven assertions without evidence. He embraced a radical doctrine of preemptive war unprecedented in our history, and he failed to build a true international coalition.
Therefore, American taxpayers are bearing almost all the cost: a colossal $120 billion and rising. More importantly, American troops are enduring almost all the casualties: tragically, 500 killed and thousands more wounded.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Homeland Security:
Unwavering commitment to America’s armed forces
I express the Democrats’ unbending determination to make the world safer for America-for our people, our interest and our ideals. Democrats have an unwavering commitment to ensure that America’s armed forces remain the best-trained, best-led,
best-equipped force for peace the world has ever known. Never before have we been more powerful militarily. But even the most powerful nation in the history of the world must bring other nations to our side to meet common dangers.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Homeland Security:
Secure 100% of nuclear material with 100% inspection
We must remain focused on the greatest threat to the security of the US: the clear and present danger of terrorism. We know what we must do to protect America, but this administration is failing to meet the challenge. Democrats have a better way to
ensure our homeland security. - 100% of containers coming into our ports or airports must be inspected. Today, only 3% are inspected.
- 100% of chemical and nuclear plants in the US must have high levels of security. Today, the Bush administration
has tolerated a much lower standard.
- 100% communication in real time is needed for our police officers, firefighters and all of our first responders to prevent or respond to a terrorist attack. Today, the technology is there but the resources are not.
- 100% of the enriched uranium and other material for weapons of mass destruction must be secured. Today, the administration has refused to commit the resources necessary to prevent it from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Homeland Security:
No soldier left behind in war-no veteran left behind at home
As a nation, we must do better to keep faith with our armed forces, their families and our veterans. Our men and women in uniform show their valor every day. On the battlefield, our troops pledge to leave no soldier behind. Here at home,
we must leave no veteran behind. We must ensure their health care, their pensions and their survivor benefits. The year ahead offers great opportunity for progress and perhaps new perils still hidden in the shadows of an uncertain world.
But you, the American people, have shown again and again that you are equal to any test. Now your example summons all of us in government, Republicans and Democrats, to a higher standard. This is personal for all of us, in every community
across this land. As a mother of five, and now as a grandmother of five, I came into government to help make the future brighter for all of America’s children. As much as at any time in my memory, the future of our country and our children is at stake.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
On Principles & Values:
Make America a light to the world-not a missile
As a nation we must show our greatness, not just our strength. America must be a light to the world, not just a missile. Forty-three years ago today, as a college student standing in the freezing cold outside this Capitol Building,
I heard President Kennedy issue this challenge in his inaugural address: “My fellow citizens of the world,” he said, “ask not what America will do for you, but what, working together, we can do for the freedom of man.”
There is great wisdom in that, but in it there is also greater strength for our country and the cause of a safer world.
Instead of alienating our allies, let us work with them and international institutions, so that together we can prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and keep them out of the hands of terrorists.
Source: Democratic Response to the 2004 State of the Union address
Jan 20, 2004
Page last updated: Feb 23, 2019