George W. Bush in State of the Union address
On Social Security:
FactCheck: System may pay less, but will not go bankrupt
The President painted a dire picture of Social Security’s finances, saying “The system.is headed toward bankruptcy.”“Bankruptcy” is a scary term that Democrats have used too, when it suited them, but it could easily give the wrong idea.
Nobody is predicting that Social Security will go out of business the way a bankrupt business does. It would continue to pay benefits -- just not as many.
The President projects that the system’s trust fund will be depleted in 2042.
After that, the system would have legal authority to pay only 73 percent of currently promised benefits -- and that figure would decline each year after, reaching 68 percent in the year 2075. The Congressional Budget Office doesn’t project trust-fund
depletion until a decade later, in 2052, and figures that the benefits cuts wouldn’t be so severe, a reduction to 78% of promised benefits. But either way, even a “bankrupt” system would continue to provide most of what’s promised currently.
Source: FactCheck on 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 3, 2005
On Social Security:
FactCheck: Private accounts are a good bet, not a sure thing
The President did not specify what he would do to fix the Social Security problem. He again urged creation of private Social Security accounts. But those would be of no help whatsoever in shoring up the system’s finances. The President made those private
accounts sound like a sure bet. History suggests that the President is correct -- the stock market has averaged a 6.8% “real” rate of return (adjusted for inflation) over the past two centuries. The administration says a conservative mix of stocks,
corporate bonds and government bonds would return 4.6 percent, even after inflation and administrative costs. And the administration also figures that private accounts would need to generate only a 3 percent rate of return to beat what Social Security
provides. But there’s no guarantee that history will repeat itself. Markets are inherently unpredictable and volatile. At present, for example, all major stock-market indexes are still well below where they were five years ago.
Source: FactCheck on 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 3, 2005
On Social Security:
FactCheck: Only SOME of your personal account is yours
The President glossed over some severely restrictive aspects of the accounts he is proposing, saying flatly “the money is yours.” That’s not exactly true. The owners of personal accounts wouldn’t be able to touch the money while they are working,
not even to borrow. The money would remain in the hands of the federal government, which would administer the personal accounts for a fee of about 30 cents per year for every $100 invested.And even at retirement, the government would control what
becomes of the money. First, the government would automatically take back a portion of the money at retirement and convert it to a guaranteed stream of payments for life-an annuity. Only after the combination of traditional Social Security benefits and
the mandatory annuity payments from the private account equal the poverty level would any remaining portion in the account be “yours.” The President didn’t mention the mandatory nature of these restrictions, calling them only “guidelines.”
Source: FactCheck on 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 3, 2005
On Abortion:
Build a culture of life
Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life. Medical research can help us reach that goal by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities.
To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others. We should all be able to agree on some clear standards.
I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts, and that human life is never bought or sold as a commodity.
America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive and always ethical.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Budget & Economy:
Limit discretionary spending; cut 150 non-essential programs
I will send [Congress] a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.
My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results or duplicate current efforts or do not fulfill essential priorities.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Civil Rights:
Constitutional amendment to protect marriage
So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but government should never undermine them.
Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be redefined by activist judges. For the good of families, children and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Corporations:
Reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs
To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. Small business is the path of advancement, especially for women and minorities. So we must free small businesses
from needless regulation and protection honest job creators from junk lawsuits. Justice is distorted and our economy is held back by irresponsible class actions and frivolous asbestos claims, and I urge Congress to pass legal reforms this year.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Crime:
Expand use of DNA evidence
In America, we must make doubly sure no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit, so we are dramatically expanding the use of DNA evidence to prevent wrongful conviction.
Soon I will send to Congress a proposal to fund special training for defense counsel in capital cases because people on trial for their lives must have competent lawyers by their side.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Education:
Increase the size of Pell grants
Under the No Child Left Behind Act, standards are higher, test scores are on the rise, and we’re closing the achievement gap for minority students. Now we must demand better results from our high schools. We will help an additional 200,000 workers
to get training for a better career by reforming our job training system and strengthening America’s community colleges. And we will make it easier for Americans to afford a college education by increasing the size of Pell grants.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Energy & Oil:
Safe nuclear energy & less dependence on foreign energy
To keep our economy growing, we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. Nearly four years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation,
alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home, including safe, clean nuclear energy.
My Clear Skies legislation will cut power plant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology, from hydrogen-fueled cars to clean coal to renewable sources such as ethanol.
Four years of debate is enough! I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Health Care:
Association health plans for small business
To make our economy stronger and more productive, we must make health care more affordable and give families greater access to good coverage and more control over their health decisions.
I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with - credits to help low-income workers buy insurance,
- a community health center in every poor country,
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improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs,
- association health plans for small business and their employees,
- expanded health savings accounts, and
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medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Homeland Security:
For long-term peace, end conditions that feed radicalism
In the long term, the peace we seek will only be achieved by eliminating the conditions that feed radicalism and ideologies of murder. If whole regions of the world remain in despair and grow in hatred, they will be the recruiting grounds for terror,
and that terror will stalk America and other free nations for decades. The only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror, and replace hatred with hope, is the force of human freedom. Our enemies know this, and that is why the
terrorist Zarqawi recently declared war on what he called the “evil principle” of democracy. And we’ve declared our own intention: America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond,
with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. Because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors, the advance of freedom will lead to peace.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Immigration:
It’s time to permit temporary guest workers
America’s immigration system is outdated, unsuited to the needs of our economy and to the values of our country. We should not be content with laws that punish hardworking people and deny businesses willing workers and invite chaos at our border.
It is time for an immigration policy that permits temporary guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take, that rejects amnesty, that tells us who is entering and leaving our country, and that closes the border to drug dealers and terrorists.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Social Security:
Social Security system is headed toward bankruptcy
One of America’s most important institutions, a symbol of the trust between generations, is also in need of wise & effective reform. Social Security was a great moral success of the 20th century, and we must honor its great purposes in this new century.
The system, however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy, and so we must join together to strengthen & save Social Security. Today, more than 45 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and millions more are nearing retirement.
And for them, the system is strong and fiscally sound. I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you. For you, the Social Security system will not change in any way.
In 2018, Social Security will be paying out
more than it takes in. And every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. By 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than $300 billion. By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Social Security:
Personal retirement accounts for younger workers
As we fix Social Security, we have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers, and the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts. Right now, a set portion of the money you earn is taken out
of your paycheck to pay for the Social Security benefits of today’s retirees. If you are a younger worker, I believe you should be able to set aside part of that money in your own retirement account, so you can build a nest egg for your own future.
Your money will grow, over time, at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver, and your account will provide money for retirement over and above the check you will receive from Social Security.
In addition, you’ll be able to pass along the money that accumulates in your personal account, if you wish, to your children or grandchildren. And best of all, the money in the account is yours, and the government can never take it away.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Tax Reform:
Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all
We must be good stewards of this economy and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely. America’s economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation. In the past four years we’ve provided tax relief to
every person who pays income taxes, overcome a recession, opened up new markets abroad, prosecuted corporate criminals, raised homeownership to its highest level in history, and in the last year alone the United States has added 2.3 million new jobs.
By making our economy more flexible, more innovative, and more competitive, we will keep America the economic leader of the world. America’s prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the federal government.
I welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline.
The principle here is clear: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely or not at all.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Tax Reform:
Re-examine the tax code from top to bottom
Year after year, Americans are burdened by an archaic, incoherent federal tax code. I’ve appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the tax code from top to bottom.
And when the recommendations are delivered, you and I will work together to give this nation a tax code that is pro-growth, easy to understand and fair to all.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On War & Peace:
Confront Iran as terrorism sponsor; hold Syria accountable
To promote peace in the broader Middle East, we must confront regimes that continue to harbor terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder. Syria still allows its territory, and parts of Lebanon, to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance
of peace in the region. [Congress has] passed, and we are applying, the Syrian Accountability Act, and we expect the Syrian government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom. Today, Iran remains the world’s primary state sponsor of
terror, pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. We are working with European allies to make clear to the Iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and
any plutonium reprocessing and end its support for terror. And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On War & Peace:
$350M for Palestinian reforms
To promote democracy [in Israel and Palestine], I will ask Congress for $350 million to support Palestinian political, economic, and security reforms.
The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace is within reach -- and America will help them achieve that goal.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
On Welfare & Poverty:
Appoints Laura Bush to lead anti-gang initiative
Because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our government will continue to support faith-based and community groups that bring hope
to harsh places. Now we need to focus on giving young people, especially young men in our cities, better options than apathy, or gangs, or jail. Tonight I propose a three-year initiative to help organizations keep young people out of gangs,
in programs ranging from literacy to sports. And I am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our First Lady, Laura Bush.
Source: 2005 State of the Union Speech
Feb 2, 2005
Page last updated: Feb 23, 2019