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Joint Session of Congress, 2/9/89 [4]
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Joint Session of Congress, 2/9/89 [4]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Draft Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13475
Folder ID Number:
13475-012
Folder Title:
Joint Session of Congress, 2/9/89 [4]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
1
2
10002
ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1989
MR. SPEAKER, MR. PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, HONORED GUESTS,
FELLOW CITIZENS:
LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AGO, I JOINED YOU ON THE
WEST FRONT OF THIS VERY BUILDING AND -- LOOKING
OVER THE MONUMENTS TO OUR PROUD PAST -- OFFERED
YOU MY HAND IN FILLING THE NEXT PAGE OF AMERICAN
HISTORY WITH A STORY OF EXTENDED PROSPERITY AND
CONTINUED PEACE. TONIGHT, I AM BACK, TO OFFER YOU
MY PLANS AS WELL. THE HAND REMAINS EXTENDED, THE
SLEEVES ARE ROLLED UP, AMERICA IS WAITING, AND NOW
WE MUST PRODUCE.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A BETTER AMERICA.
IT IS COMFORTING TO RETURN TO THIS HISTORIC
CHAMBER. HERE, 22 YEARS AGO, I FIRST RAISED MY
HAND TO BE SWORN INTO PUBLIC LIFE. SO TONIGHT, I
FEEL AS IF I AM RETURNING HOME TO FRIENDS. AND I
INTEND, IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME, TO GIVE
YOU WHAT FRIENDS DESERVE: FRANKNESS, RESPECT, AND
MY BEST JUDGMENT ABOUT WAYS TO IMPROVE AMERICA'S
FUTURE.
- 2 -
IN RETURN, I ASK FOR AN HONEST COMMITMENT To
OUR COMMON MISSION OF PROGRESS. IF WE SEIZE THE
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ROAD BEFORE US, THERE WILL BE
PRAISE ENOUGH FOR ALL.
THE PEOPLE DIDN'T SEND US HERE TO BICKER.
IT'S TIME TO PRODUCE. IT'S TIME TO GOVERN.
MANY PRESIDENTS HAVE COME TO THIS CHAMBER IN
TIMES OF GREAT CRISIS. WAR. DEPRESSION. LOSS OF
NATIONAL SPIRIT.
EIGHT YEARS AGO, I SAT IN THAT CHAIR AS
PRESIDENT REAGAN SPOKE OF PUNISHING INFLATION AND
DEVASTATINGLY HIGH INTEREST RATES, PEOPLE OUT OF
WORK, AMERICAN CONFIDENCE ON THE WANE.
OUR CHALLENGE IS DIFFERENT.
WE ARE FORTUNATE -- A MUCH CHANGED LANDSCAPE
LIES BEFORE US TONIGHT.
so I DON'T PROPOSE TO REVERSE DIRECTION. WE
ARE HEADED THE RIGHT WAY.
- 3 -
BUT WE CANNOT REST. WE ARE A PEOPLE WHOSE
ENERGY AND DRIVE HAVE FUELED OUR RISE TO
GREATNESS. WE ARE A FORWARD-LOOKING NATION --
GENEROUS, YES, BUT AMBITIOUS AS WELL -- NOT FOR
OURSELVES, BUT FOR THE WORLD.
COMPLACENCY IS NOT IN OUR CHARACTER -- NOT
BEFORE, NOT NOW, NOT EVER.
so TONIGHT, WE MUST TAKE A STRONG AMERICA --
AND MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.
WE MUST ADDRESS SOME VERY REAL PROBLEMS. WE
MUST ESTABLISH SOME VERY CLEAR PRIORITIES. AND WE
MUST MAKE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL CUT IN THE FEDERAL
BUDGET DEFICIT.
SOME PEOPLE FIND THAT AGENDA IMPOSSIBLE.
BUT I AM PRESENTING TO YOU TONIGHT A
REALISTIC PLAN FOR TACKLING IT. MY PLAN HAS FOUR
BROAD FEATURES: ATTENTION TO URGENT PRIORITIES,
INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, AN ATTACK ON THE
DEFICIT, AND NO NEW TAXES.
- 4 -
THIS BUDGET REPRESENTS MY BEST JUDGMENT OF
HOW WE CAN ADDRESS OUR PRIORITIES, CONSISTENT WITH
THE PEOPLE'S VIEW. THERE ARE MANY AREAS IN WHICH
WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SPEND MORE THAN I PROPOSE,
BUT WE CANNOT UNTIL WE GET OUR FISCAL HOUSE IN
ORDER.
NEXT YEAR ALONE, THANKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH,
WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN THE LAW, THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE IN OVER $80 BILLION DOLLARS
MORE THAN IT DOES THIS YEAR. THAT'S RIGHT -- OVER
$80 BILLION IN NEW REVENUES, WITH NO INCREASE IN
TAXES. OUR JOB IS TO ALLOCATE THOSE NEW RESOURCES
WISELY.
WE CAN AFFORD TO INCREASE SPENDING -- BY A
MODEST AMOUNT, BUT ENOUGH TO INVEST IN KEY
PRIORITIES AND STILL CUT THE DEFICIT BY ALMOST
40 PERCENT IN ONE YEAR.
- 5 -
THAT WILL ALLOW US TO MEET THE TARGETS SET
FORTH IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LAW.
BUT TO DO THAT, WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT GROWTH
ABOVE INFLATION IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS IS NOT
PREORDAINED, THAT NOT ALL SPENDING INITIATIVES
WERE DESIGNED TO BE IMMORTAL.
I MAKE THIS PLEDGE TONIGHT: MY TEAM AND I
ARE READY TO WORK WITH THE CONGRESS, TO FORM A
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP GROUP, TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD
FAITH, TO WORK DAY AND NIGHT -- IF THAT'S WHAT IT
TAKES -- TO MEET THE BUDGET TARGETS, AND TO
PRODUCE A BUDGET ON TIME.
WE CANNOT SETTLE FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL.
GOVERNMENT BY CONTINUING RESOLUTION -- OR
GOVERNMENT BY CRISIS -- WILL NOT DO.
I ASK THE CONGRESS TONIGHT TO APPROVE SEVERAL
MEASURES WHICH WILL MAKE BUDGETING MORE SENSIBLE.
WE COULD SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY BY
ENACTING 2-YEAR BUDGETS.
- 6 -
FORTY-THREE GOVERNORS HAVE THE LINE-ITEM
VETO. PRESIDENTS SHOULD HAVE IT, TOO.
AT THE VERY LEAST, WHEN A PRESIDENT PROPOSES
TO RESCIND FEDERAL SPENDING, THE CONGRESS SHOULD
BE REQUIRED TO VOTE ON THAT PROPOSAL -- INSTEAD OF
KILLING IT BY INACTION.
AND I ASK FOR CONGRESS TO HONOR THE PUBLIC'S
WISHES BY PASSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO
REQUIRE A BALANCED BUDGET. SUCH AN AMENDMENT,
ONCE PHASED IN, WILL DISCIPLINE BOTH CONGRESS AND
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
SEVERAL PRINCIPLES DESCRIBE THE KIND OF
AMERICA I HOPE TO BUILD WITH YOUR HELP IN THE
YEARS AHEAD.
WE WILL NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TAKING THE
EASY, SPENDTHRIFT APPROACH TO SOLVING PROBLEMS --
BECAUSE HIGHER SPENDING AND HIGHER TAXES PUT
ECONOMIC GROWTH AT RISK.
- 7 -
ECONOMIC GROWTH PROVIDES JOBS AND HOPE.
ECONOMIC GROWTH ENABLES US TO PAY FOR SOCIAL
PROGRAMS. ECONOMIC GROWTH ENHANCES THE SECURITY
OF THE NATION. AND LOW TAX RATES CREATE ECONOMIC
GROWTH.
I BELIEVE IN GIVING AMERICANS GREATER FREEDOM
AND GREATER CHOICE -- AND I WILL WORK FOR CHOICE
FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES, WHETHER IN THE HOUSING IN
WHICH THEY LIVE, THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY SEND
THEIR CHILDREN, OR THE CHILD CARE THEY SELECT FOR
THEIR YOUNG.
I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THOSE
IN NEED, BUT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE THE
PROVIDER OF FIRST RESORT FOR THINGS THAT THE
PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PRODUCE BETTER.
I BELIEVE IN A SOCIETY THAT IS FREE FROM
DISCRIMINATION AND BIGOTRY OF ANY KIND. I WILL
WORK TO KNOCK DOWN THE BARRIERS LEFT BY PAST
DISCRIMINATION AND TO BUILD A MORE TOLERANT
SOCIETY THAT WILL STOP SUCH BARRIERS FROM EVER
BEING BUILT AGAIN.
- 8 -
I BELIEVE THAT FAMILY AND FAITH REPRESENT THE
MORAL COMPASS OF THE NATION -- AND I WILL WORK TO
MAKE THEM STRONG, FOR AS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAID:
"IF A SPARROW CANNOT FALL TO THE GROUND WITHOUT
HIS NOTICE, [CAN] A [GREAT NATION] RISE WITHOUT
HIS AID?"
AND I BELIEVE IN GIVING PEOPLE THE POWER TO
MAKE THEIR OWN LIVES BETTER THROUGH GROWTH AND
OPPORTUNITY. TOGETHER, LET'S PUT POWER IN THE
HANDS OF PEOPLE.
THREE WEEKS AGO, WE CELEBRATED THE
BICENTENNIAL INAUGURAL, THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
AND IF YOU LOOK BACK, ONE THING IS so
STRIKING ABOUT THE WAY THE FOUNDING FATHERS LOOKED
AT AMERICA. THEY DIDN'T TALK ABOUT THEMSELVES.
THEY TALKED ABOUT POSTERITY. THEY TALKED ABOUT
THE FUTURE.
WE, Too, MUST THINK IN TERMS BIGGER THAN
OURSELVES.
- 9 -
WE MUST TAKE ACTIONS TODAY THAT WILL ENSURE A
BETTER TOMORROW. WE MUST EXTEND AMERICAN
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY, INCREASE LONG-TERM
INVESTMENT, IMPROVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, AND
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY. THESE ARE THE KEYS TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- I PROPOSE ALMOST $2.2 BILLION FOR THE
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE BASIC
RESEARCH AND KEEP US ON TRACK TO DOUBLE ITS BUDGET
BY 1993;
- I PROPOSE TO MAKE PERMANENT THE TAX CREDIT
FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT;
- I HAVE ASKED VICE PRESIDENT QUAYLE TO
CHAIR A NEW TASK FORCE ON COMPETITIVENESS;
- 10 -
- I REQUEST FUNDING FOR NASA AND A STRONG
SPACE PROGRAM -- AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
$2.4 BILLION OVER THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. WE
MUST HAVE A MANNED SPACE STATION; A VIGOROUS, SAFE
SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM; AND MORE COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT IN SPACE. THE SPACE PROGRAM SHOULD
ALWAYS GO "FULL THROTTLE UP" -- THAT'S NOT JUST
OUR AMBITION; IT'S OUR DESTINY.
- I PROPOSE THAT WE CUT THE MAXIMUM TAX RATE
ON CAPITAL GAINS TO INCREASE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.
HISTORY IS CLEAR: THIS WILL INCREASE REVENUES,
HELP SAVINGS, AND CREATE NEW JOBS.
WE WON'T BE COMPETITIVE IF WE LEAVE WHOLE
SECTORS OF AMERICA BEHIND. THIS IS THE YEAR WE
SHOULD FINALLY ENACT URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONES, AND
BRING HOPE TO OUR INNER CITIES.
BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITIVENESS
PROGRAM OF ALL IS ONE WHICH IMPROVES EDUCATION IN
AMERICA.
WHEN SOME OF OUR STUDENTS ACTUALLY HAVE
TROUBLE LOCATING AMERICA ON A MAP OF THE WORLD, IT
IS TIME FOR US TO MAP A NEW APPROACH TO EDUCATION.
- 11 -
WE MUST REWARD EXCELLENCE, AND CUT THROUGH
BUREAUCRACY. WE MUST HELP THOSE SCHOOLS THAT NEED
HELP MOST. WE MUST GIVE CHOICE TO PARENTS,
STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PRINCIPALS. AND WE MUST
HOLD ALL CONCERNED ACCOUNTABLE. IN EDUCATION, WE
CANNOT TOLERATE MEDIOCRITY.
I WANT TO CUT THE DROP-OUT RATE, AND MAKE
AMERICA A MORE LITERATE NATION. BECAUSE WHAT IT
REALLY COMES DOWN TO IS THIS: THE LONGER OUR
GRADUATION LINES ARE TODAY, THE SHORTER OUR
UNEMPLOYMENT LINES WILL BE TOMORROW.
so TONIGHT I AM PROPOSING THE FOLLOWING
INITIATIVES:
- THE BEGINNING OF A $500-MILLION PROGRAM TO
REWARD AMERICA'S BEST SCHOOLS -- "MERIT SCHOOLS";
- THE CREATION OF SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL
AWARDS FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE --
BECAUSE EXCELLENCE SHOULD BE REWARDED;
- 12 -
- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW PROGRAM OF
NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS, ONE EACH YEAR FOR EVERY
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, TO GIVE THIS
GENERATION OF STUDENTS A SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO
EXCEL IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS;
- THE EXPANDED USE OF MAGNET SCHOOLS WHICH
GIVE FAMILIES AND STUDENTS GREATER CHOICE;
- AND A NEW PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE
"ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION" -- WHICH WILL LET
TALENTED PEOPLE FROM ALL FIELDS TEACH IN THE
CLASSROOM.
I HAVE SAID I'D LIKE TO BE "THE EDUCATION
PRESIDENT.' TONIGHT, I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME BY
BECOMING "THE EDUCATION CONGRESS."
JUST LAST WEEK, AS I SETTLED INTO THIS NEW
OFFICE, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A MOTHER IN
PENNSYLVANIA, WHO HAD BEEN STRUCK BY MY MESSAGE IN
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. "NOT 12 HOURS BEFORE," SHE
WROTE, "MY HUSBAND AND I RECEIVED WORD THAT [OUR]
SON WAS ADDICTED TO COCAINE. [HE] HAD THE WORLD
AT HIS FEET. BRIGHT, GIFTED, PERSONABLE.., HE
COULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING WITH HIS LIFE. [NOW] HE
HAS CHOSEN COCAINE."
- 13 -
"PLEASE," SHE WROTE, "FIND A WAY TO CURB THE
SUPPLY OF COCAINE. GET TOUGH WITH THE PUSHERS.
[OUR SON] NEEDS YOUR HELP."
MY FRIENDS, THAT VOICE CRYING OUT FOR HELP
COULD BE THE VOICE OF YOUR OWN NEIGHBOR. YOUR OWN
FRIEND. YOUR OWN RELATIVE. OVER 23 MILLION
AMERICANS USED ILLEGAL DRUGS LAST YEAR -- AT A
STAGGERING COST TO OUR NATION'S WELL-BEING.
LET THIS BE RECORDED AS THE TIME WHEN AMERICA
ROSE UP AND SAID "NO" TO DRUGS. THE SCOURGE OF
DRUGS MUST BE STOPPED.
I AM ASKING TONIGHT FOR AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
A BILLION DOLLARS IN BUDGET OUTLAYS TO ESCALATE
THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS. THE WAR WILL BE WAGED ON
ALL FRONTS.
SOME MONEY WILL BE USED TO EXPAND TREATMENT
TO THE POOR, AND TO YOUNG MOTHERS. THIS WILL
OFFER THE HELPING HAND TO THE MANY INNOCENT
VICTIMS OF DRUGS -- LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF BABIES
BORN ADDICTED, OR WITH AIDS, BECAUSE OF THE
MOTHER'S ADDICTION.
- 14 -
SOME WILL BE USED TO CUT THE WAITING TIME FOR
TREATMENT.
SOME MONEY WILL BE DEVOTED TO THOSE URBAN
SCHOOLS WHERE THE EMERGENCY IS NOW THE WORST. AND
MUCH OF IT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT OUR BORDERS,
WITH HELP FROM THE COAST GUARD, THE CUSTOMS
SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND JUSTICE, AND
YES, THE U.S. MILITARY.
I MEAN TO GET TOUGH ON THE DRUG CRIMINALS.
LET ME BE CLEAR: THIS PRESIDENT WILL BACK UP
THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY --
OUR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS.
MY BUDGET ASKS FOR BEEFED-UP PROSECUTION, FOR
A NEW ATTACK ON ORGANIZED CRIME, AND FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF TOUGH SENTENCES -- AND FOR THE
WORST KINGPINS, THAT MEANS THE DEATH PENALTY.
I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN A DRUG
DEALER IS CONVICTED, THERE IS A CELL WAITING FOR
HIM. HE SHOULD NOT GO FREE BECAUSE PRISONS ARE
TOO FULL.
- 15 -
LET THE WORD GO OUT: IF YOU ARE CAUGHT AND
CONVICTED, YOU MUST DO TIME.
BUT FOR ALL WE DO IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN
INTERDICTION AND TREATMENT, WE WILL NEVER WIN THIS
WAR ON DRUGS UNLESS WE STOP DEMAND FOR DRUGS.
SO SOME OF THIS INCREASE WILL BE USED TO
EDUCATE THE YOUNG ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS. WE
MUST INVOLVE PARENTS. WE MUST INVOLVE TEACHERS.
WE MUST INVOLVE COMMUNITIES. AND MY FRIENDS, WE
MUST INVOLVE OURSELVES.
ONE PROBLEM RELATED TO DRUG USE DEMANDS OUR
URGENT ATTENTION AND OUR CONTINUING COMPASSION.
THAT IS THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF AIDS.
I AM ASKING FOR $1.6 BILLION FOR EDUCATION TO
PREVENT THE DISEASE -- AND FOR RESEARCH TO FIND A
CURE.
IF WE'RE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE, WE NEED A NEW
ATTITUDE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.
WE MUST PROTECT THE AIR WE BREATHE.
- 16 -
I WILL SEND TO YOU SHORTLY LEGISLATION FOR A
NEW, MORE EFFECTIVE CLEAN AIR ACT. IT WILL
INCLUDE A PLAN TO REDUCE, BY DATE CERTAIN, THE
EMISSIONS WHICH CAUSE ACID RAIN -- BECAUSE THE
TIME FOR STUDY ALONE HAS PASSED, AND THE TIME FOR
ACTION IS NOW.
WE MUST MAKE USE OF CLEAN COAL. MY BUDGET
CONTAINS FULL FUNDING, ON SCHEDULE, FOR THE CLEAN
COAL TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WE HAVE MADE WITH
CANADA. WE INTEND TO HONOR THAT AGREEMENT.
I BELIEVE WE SHOULD EXPAND OUR PARKS. SO I
AM ASKING TO FUND NEW ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE LAND
AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND.
WE MUST PROTECT OUR OCEANS. I SUPPORT NEW
PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE WHO WOULD DUMP MEDICAL
WASTE AND OTHER TRASH IN THE OCEANS. THE AGE OF
THE NEEDLE ON THE BEACH MUST END.
- 17 -
IN SOME CASES, THE GULFS AND OCEANS OFF OUR
SHORES HOLD THE PROMISE OF OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES
WHICH CAN MAKE OUR NATION MORE SECURE AND LESS
DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL. WHEN THOSE WITH THE
MOST PROMISE CAN BE TAPPED SAFELY, AS WITH MUCH OF
THE ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, WE SHOULD
PROCEED. BUT WE MUST USE CAUTION AND WE MUST
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
so TONIGHT I AM CALLING FOR THE INDEFINITE
POSTPONEMENT OF THREE LEASE SALES WHICH HAVE
RAISED TROUBLING QUESTIONS -- TWO OFF THE COAST OF
CALIFORNIA, AND ONE WHICH COULD THREATEN THE
EVERGLADES IN FLORIDA.
ACTION ON THESE THREE LEASE SALES WILL AWAIT
THE CONCLUSIONS OF A SPECIAL TASK FORCE SET UP TO
MEASURE THE POTENTIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
I AM DIRECTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY TO USE EVERY TOOL AT THEIR DISPOSAL TO
SPEED AND TOUGHEN THE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS
AGAINST TOXIC WASTE DUMPERS. I WANT FASTER
CLEANUPS AND TOUGHER ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES
AGAINST POLLUTERS.
- 18 -
IN ADDITION TO CARING FOR OUR FUTURE, WE MUST
CARE FOR THOSE AROUND US. A DECENT SOCIETY SHOWS
COMPASSION FOR THE YOUNG, THE ELDERLY, THE
VULNERABLE, AND THE POOR.
OUR FIRST OBLIGATION IS TO THE MOST
VULNERABLE -- INFANTS, POOR MOTHERS, CHILDREN
LIVING IN POVERTY -- AND MY PROPOSED BUDGET
RECOGNIZES THIS. I ASK FOR FULL FUNDING OF
MEDICAID -- AN INCREASE OF OVER $3 BILLION -- AND
AN EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE COVERAGE OF
PREGNANT WOMEN WHO ARE NEAR THE POVERTY LINE.
I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HELP WORKING FAMILIES
COPE WITH THE BURDEN OF CHILD CARE.
OUR HELP SHOULD BE AIMED AT THOSE WHO NEED IT
MOST -- LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
I SUPPORT A NEW CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT THAT WILL
AIM OUR EFFORTS AT EXACTLY THOSE FAMILIES --
WITHOUT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MOTHERS WHO CHOOSE
TO STAY AT HOME.
- 19 -
NOW, I KNOW THERE ARE COMPETING PROPOSALS.
BUT REMEMBER THIS: THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF
ALL PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE IS NOW PROVIDED BY
RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS, CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY
GROUPS. FAMILIES WHO CHOOSE THESE OPTIONS SHOULD
REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR HELP. PARENTS SHOULD HAVE
CHOICE.
AND FOR THOSE CHILDREN WHO CANNOT LIVE WITH
THEIR PARENTS, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE
ADOPTION. I PROPOSE TO RE-ENACT THE TAX DEDUCTION
FOR ADOPTION EXPENSES, AND TO DOUBLE IT TO $3,000.
WE HAVE A MORAL CONTRACT WITH OUR SENIOR
CITIZENS. IN THIS BUDGET, SOCIAL SECURITY IS
FULLY FUNDED, INCLUDING A FULL COST-OF-LIVING
ADJUSTMENT. WE MUST HONOR OUR CONTRACT.
WE MUST CARE ABOUT THOSE IN "THE SHADOWS OF
LIFE," AND I, LIKE MANY AMERICANS, AM DEEPLY
TROUBLED BY THE PLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS. THE
CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS ARE MANY, THE HISTORY IS
LONG, BUT THE MORAL IMPERATIVE TO ACT IS CLEAR.
- 20 -
THANKS TO THE DEEP WELL OF GENEROSITY IN THIS
GREAT LAND, MANY ORGANIZATIONS ALREADY CONTRIBUTE.
BUT WE IN GOVERNMENT CANNOT STAND ON THE
SIDELINES. IN MY BUDGET, I ASK FOR GREATER
SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER, FOR HEALTH
SERVICES AND MEASURES TO PREVENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE,
AND FOR CLINICS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL -- AND I
PROPOSE A NEW INITIATIVE INVOLVING THE FULL RANGE
OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. WE MUST CONFRONT THIS
NATIONAL SHAME.
THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE DECIDED TO
MENTION HERE TONIGHT. I HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT
THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO
DETERMINE THEIR OWN POLITICAL FUTURE. PERSONALLY,
I FAVOR STATEHOOD. BUT I ASK THE CONGRESS TO TAKE
THE NECESSARY STEPS TO LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE IN A
REFERENDUM.
CERTAIN PROBLEMS, THE RESULT OF DECADES OF
UNWISE PRACTICES, THREATEN THE HEALTH AND SECURITY
OF OUR PEOPLE. LEFT UNATTENDED, THEY WILL ONLY
GET WORSE -- BUT WE CAN ACT NOW TO PUT THEM BEHIND
US.
- 21 -
EARLIER THIS WEEK, I ANNOUNCED MY SUPPORT FOR
A PLAN TO RESTORE THE FINANCIAL AND MORAL
INTEGRITY OF OUR SAVINGS SYSTEM. I ASK CONGRESS
TO ENACT OUR REFORM PROPOSALS WITHIN 45 DAYS. WE
MUST NOT LET THIS SITUATION FESTER.
CERTAINLY, THE SAVINGS OF AMERICANS MUST
REMAIN SECURE -- INSURED DEPOSITORS WILL CONTINUE
TO BE FULLY PROTECTED. BUT ANY PLAN TO REFINANCE
THE SYSTEM MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY MAJOR REFORM.
OUR PROPOSALS WILL PREVENT SUCH A CRISIS FROM
REOCCURRING. THE BEST ANSWER IS TO MAKE SURE THAT
A MESS LIKE THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
THE MAJORITY OF THRIFTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS
THIS NATION HAVE BEEN HONEST; THEY HAVE PLAYED A
MAJOR ROLE IN HELPING FAMILIES ACHIEVE THE
AMERICAN DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP. BUT MAKE NO
MISTAKE: THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT, THOSE WHO BREAK
THE LAW, MUST BE KICKED OUT OF THE BUSINESS; AND
THEY SHOULD GO TO JAIL.
- 22 -
WE FACE A MASSIVE TASK IN CLEANING UP THE
WASTE LEFT FROM DECADES OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT
AT AMERICA'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PLANTS.
CLEARLY, WE MUST MODERNIZE THESE PLANTS AND
OPERATE THEM SAFELY. THAT IS NOT AT ISSUE -- OUR
NATIONAL SECURITY DEPENDS ON IT.
BUT BEYOND THAT, WE MUST CLEAN UP THE OLD
MESS THAT'S BEEN LEFT BEHIND -- AND I PROPOSE IN
THIS BUDGET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE OUR CURRENT EFFORT
TO DO so. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY THE
EXACT NATURE OF THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS SO WE CAN
CLEAN THEM UP -- AND CLEAN THEM UP WE WILL.
WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE DURING THESE PAST
8 YEARS. AMERICA IS A STRONGER NATION TODAY THAN
IT WAS IN 1980.
MORALE IN OUR ARMED FORCES IS RESTORED. OUR
RESOLVE HAS BEEN SHOWN. OUR READINESS HAS BEEN
IMPROVED. AND WE ARE AT PEACE.
THERE CAN NO LONGER BE ANY DOUBT THAT PEACE
HAS BEEN MADE MORE SECURE THROUGH STRENGTH. WHEN
AMERICA IS STRONGER, THE WORLD IS SAFER.
- 23 -
MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, THAT AFTER THE
SUCCESSFUL RESTORATION OF OUR STRENGTH, THE
PENTAGON BUDGET HAS ACTUALLY BEEN REDUCED IN REAL
TERMS FOR EACH OF THE LAST 4 YEARS.
IN LIGHT OF THE COMPELLING NEED TO REDUCE THE
DEFICIT, I PROPOSE A 1-YEAR FREEZE IN THE MILITARY
BUDGET -- SOMETHING I PROPOSED LAST FALL IN MY
FLEXIBLE FREEZE PLAN.
THIS FREEZE WILL APPLY FOR ONLY 1 YEAR --
AFTER THAT INCREASES ABOVE INFLATION WILL BE
REQUIRED. I WILL NOT SACRIFICE AMERICAN
PREPAREDNESS; AND I WILL NOT COMPROMISE AMERICAN
STRENGTH.
I SHOULD BE CLEAR ON THE CONDITIONS ATTACHED
TO MY RECOMMENDATION FOR THE COMING YEAR:
- THE SAVINGS MUST BE ALLOCATED TO THOSE
PRIORITIES FOR INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE THAT I HAVE
SPOKEN ABOUT TONIGHT;
- 24 -
- THIS DEFENSE FREEZE MUST BE PART OF A
COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET AGREEMENT WHICH MEETS THE
TARGETS SPELLED OUT IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS
LAW WITHOUT RAISING TAXES, AND WHICH INCORPORATES
REFORMS IN THE BUDGET PROCESS.
I HAVE DIRECTED THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TO REVIEW OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE
POLICIES AND REPORT BACK TO ME WITHIN 90 DAYS TO
ENSURE THAT OUR CAPABILITIES AND RESOURCES MEET
OUR COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES.
I AM ALSO CHARGING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
WITH THE TASK OF DEVELOPING A PLAN TO IMPROVE THE
DEFENSE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
PENTAGON -- ONE WHICH WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT THE
PACKARD COMMISSION REPORT. MANY OF THE CHANGES
CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE
CONGRESS -- SO I ASK FOR YOUR HELP.
WE NEED FEWER REGULATIONS. WE NEED LESS
BUREAUCRACY. WE NEED MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT AND
2-YEAR BUDGETING. AND FRANKLY, WE NEED LESS
CONGRESSIONAL MICROMANAGEMENT OF OUR NATION'S
MILITARY POLICY.
- 25 -
SECURING A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD IS PERHAPS THE
MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY I'D LIKE TO ADDRESS
TONIGHT.
WE MEET AT A TIME OF EXTRAORDINARY HOPE.
NEVER BEFORE IN THIS CENTURY HAVE OUR VALUES OF
FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY BEEN
SUCH A POWERFUL POLITICAL AND INTELLECTUAL FORCE
AROUND THE GLOBE.
NEVER BEFORE HAS OUR LEADERSHIP BEEN SO
CRUCIAL, BECAUSE WHILE AMERICA HAS ITS EYES ON THE
FUTURE, THE WORLD HAS ITS EYES ON AMERICA.
IT IS A TIME OF GREAT CHANGE IN THE WORLD --
AND ESPECIALLY IN THE SOVIET UNION. PRUDENCE AND
COMMON SENSE DICTATE THAT WE TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE
FULL MEANING OF THE CHANGE GOING ON THERE, REVIEW
OUR POLICIES CAREFULLY, AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
BUT I HAVE PERSONALLY ASSURED GENERAL SECRETARY
GORBACHEV THAT, AT THE CONCLUSION OF SUCH A
REVIEW, WE WILL BE READY TO MOVE FORWARD. WE WILL
NOT MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR PEACE.
- 26 -
THE FUNDAMENTAL FACT REMAINS THAT THE SOVIETS
RETAIN A VERY POWERFUL MILITARY MACHINE, IN THE
SERVICE OF OBJECTIVES WHICH ARE STILL TOO OFTEN IN
CONFLICT WITH OURS. SO LET US TAKE THE NEW
OPENNESS SERIOUSLY. BUT LET US ALSO BE REALISTIC.
AND LET US NEGOTIATE FROM STRENGTH.
THERE ARE SOME PRESSING ISSUES WE MUST
ADDRESS:
I WILL VIGOROUSLY PURSUE THE STRATEGIC
DEFENSE INITIATIVE.
THE SPREAD AND EVEN USE OF SOPHISTICATED
WEAPONRY THREATENS GLOBAL STABILITY AS NEVER
BEFORE.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS MUST BE BANNED FROM THE FACE
OF THE EARTH, NEVER TO BE USED AGAIN. THIS WON'T
BE EASY. VERIFICATION WILL BE DIFFICULT. BUT
CIVILIZATION AND HUMAN DECENCY DEMAND THAT WE TRY.
- 27 -
AND THE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS MUST BE
STOPPED. I WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF
THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY. OUR
DIPLOMACY MUST WORK EVERY DAY AGAINST THE
PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
AND, AROUND THE GLOBE, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE
FREEDOM'S BEST FRIEND.
WE MUST STAND FIRM FOR SELF-DETERMINATION AND
DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AMERICA -- INCLUDING IN
NICARAGUA.
FOR WHEN PEOPLE ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE, THEY
INEVITABLY WILL CHOOSE A FREE PRESS, FREEDOM OF
WORSHIP, AND CERTIFIABLY FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS.
WE MUST STRENGTHEN THE ALLIANCE OF INDUSTRIAL
DEMOCRACIES -- AS SOLID A FORCE FOR PEACE AS THE
WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. THIS IS AN ALLIANCE FORGED
BY THE POWER OF OUR IDEALS, NOT THE PETTINESS OF
OUR DIFFERENCES. SO LET US LIFT OUR SIGHTS -- TO
RISE ABOVE FIGHTING ABOUT BEEF HORMONES TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TO MOVE FROM
PROTECTIONISM TO PROGRESS.
- 28 -
I HAVE ASKED THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO VISIT
EUROPE NEXT WEEK AND TO CONSULT WITH THEM ON THE
WIDE RANGE OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WE FACE
TOGETHER -- INCLUDING EAST-WEST RELATIONS. AND I
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH OUR NATO PARTNERS IN
THE NEAR FUTURE.
I, Too, SHALL BEGIN A TRIP SHORTLY -- TO THE
FAR REACHES OF THE PACIFIC BASIN, WHERE THE WINDS
OF DEMOCRACY ARE CREATING NEW HOPE, AND THE POWER
OF FREE MARKETS IS UNLEASHING A NEW FORCE.
WHEN I SERVED AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CHINA
JUST 14 YEARS AGO, FEW WOULD HAVE PREDICTED THE
SCOPE OF THE CHANGES WE'VE WITNESSED SINCE THEN.
BUT IN PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP, I WAS STRUCK
BY SOMETHING I CAME ACROSS FROM A CHINESE WRITER,
LIN [YOU-TANG]. HE WAS SPEAKING OF HIS COUNTRY,
DECADES AGO -- BUT HIS WORDS SPEAK TO EACH OF US,
IN AMERICA, TONIGHT.
"TODAY," HE SAID, "WE ARE AFRAID OF THE
SIMPLE WORDS LIKE GOODNESS AND MERCY AND
KINDNESS."
- 29 -
MY FRIENDS, IF WE'RE TO SUCCEED AS A NATION,
WE MUST REDISCOVER THOSE WORDS.
IN JUST 3 DAYS, WE MARK THE BIRTHDAY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN -- THE MAN WHO SAVED OUR UNION,
AND GAVE NEW MEANING TO THE WORD OPPORTUNITY.
LINCOLN ONCE SAID:
"I HOLD THAT WHILE MAN EXISTS, IT IS HIS DUTY
TO IMPROVE NOT ONLY HIS OWN CONDITION, BUT TO
ASSIST IN AMELIORATING [THAT OF] MANKIND."
IT IS THIS BROADER MISSION TO WHICH I CALL
ALL AMERICANS. BECAUSE THE DEFINITION OF A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS.
TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF AMERICA, WHO SOMETIMES
FEEL LEFT OUT -- I ASK YOU TONIGHT TO GIVE US THE
BENEFIT OF YOUR TALENT AND ENERGY THROUGH A NEW
PROGRAM CALLED "YES," FOR YOUTH ENTERING SERVICE
TO AMERICA.
TO THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN BUSINESS --
REMEMBER THE ULTIMATE END OF YOUR WORK -- TO MAKE
A BETTER PRODUCT, TO CREATE BETTER LIVES. I ASK
YOU TO PLAN FOR THE LONGER-TERM AND AVOID THE
TEMPTATION OF QUICK AND EASY PAPER PROFITS.
- 30 -
TO THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR THE
UNIFORM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- THANK
YOU. YOUR CALLING IS A HIGH ONE -- TO BE THE
DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM AND THE GUARANTORS OF
LIBERTY. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THE NATION
IS GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE.
TO THE PARENTS OF AMERICA, I ASK YOU TO GET
INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOLING. CHECK ON
THEIR HOMEWORK. GO TO THE SCHOOL, MEET THE
TEACHERS, CARE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE. IT
IS NOT ONLY YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE ON THE LINE, IT IS
AMERICA'S.
TO KIDS IN OUR CITIES -- DON'T GIVE UP HOPE.
SAY NO TO DRUGS. STAY IN SCHOOL. AND YES, "KEEP
HOPE ALIVE."
TO THOSE 37 MILLION AMERICANS WITH SOME FORM
OF DISABILITY -- YOU BELONG IN THE ECONOMIC
MAINSTREAM. WE NEED YOUR TALENTS IN AMERICA'S
WORKFORCE. DISABLED AMERICANS MUST BECOME FULL
PARTNERS IN AMERICA'S OPPORTUNITY SOCIETY.
- 31 -
TO THE FAMILIES OF AMERICA WATCHING TONIGHT
IN YOUR LIVING ROOMS: HOLD FAST TO YOUR DREAMS,
BECAUSE ULTIMATELY AMERICA'S FUTURE RESTS IN YOUR
HANDS.
AND TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS CHAMBER, I ASK FOR
YOUR COOPERATION TO KEEP AMERICA GROWING WHILE
CUTTING THE DEFICIT. THAT IS ONLY FAIR TO THOSE
WHO NOW HAVE NO VOTE -- THE GENERATIONS TO COME.
LET THEM LOOK BACK AND SAY THAT WE HAD THE
FORESIGHT TO UNDERSTAND THAT A TIME OF PEACE AND
PROSPERITY IS NOT A TIME TO REST, BUT A TIME TO
PUSH FORWARD. A TIME TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE.
AND LET ALL AMERICANS REMEMBER THAT NO
PROBLEM OF HUMAN MAKING IS TOO GREAT TO BE
OVERCOME BY HUMAN INGENUITY, HUMAN ENERGY, AND THE
UNTIRING HOPE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. I BELIEVE
THIS. I WOULD NOT HAVE ASKED TO BE YOUR PRESIDENT
IF I DIDN'T.
- 32 -
TOMORROW, THE DEBATE ON THE PLAN I HAVE PUT
FORWARD BEGINS. I ASK THE CONGRESS TO COME
FORWARD WITH YOUR PROPOSALS, IF THEY ARE
DIFFERENT. BUT LET US NOT QUESTION EACH OTHER'S
MOTIVES. LET US DEBATE. LET US NEGOTIATE. AND
IN THE END, LET US PRODUCE.
RECALLING ANNIVERSARIES MAY NOT BE MY
SPECIALTY IN SPEECHES.. BUT TONIGHT IS ONE OF
SOME NOTE. ON FEBRUARY 9, 1941, JUST 48 YEARS AGO
TONIGHT, SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL TOOK TO THE
AIRWAVES DURING BRITAIN'S HOUR OF PERIL.
HE HAD RECEIVED FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT A
HAND-CARRIED LETTER QUOTING LONGFELLOW'S FAMOUS
POEM: "SAIL ON, OH SHIP OF STATE! SAIL ON, OH
UNION, STRONG AND GREAT! HUMANITY WITH ALL ITS
FEARS, WITH ALL THE HOPES OF FUTURE YEARS, IS
HANGING BREATHLESS ON THY FATE!"
CHURCHILL RESPONDED ON THIS NIGHT BY RADIO
BROADCAST TO A NATION AT WAR, BUT HE DIRECTED HIS
WORDS TO ROOSEVELT. "WE SHALL NOT FAIL OR
FALTER," HE SAID. "WE SHALL NOT WEAKEN OR TIRE.
GIVE US THE TOOLS, AND WE WILL FINISH THE JOB." "
- 33 -
TONIGHT, ALMOST A HALF CENTURY LATER, OUR
PERIL MAY BE LESS IMMEDIATE, BUT THE NEED FOR
PERSEVERANCE AND CLEAR-SIGHTED FORTITUDE IS JUST
AS GREAT.
NOW, AS THEN, THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY IT
CAN'T BE DONE. THERE ARE VOICES WHO SAY THAT
AMERICA'S BEST DAYS HAVE PAST. THAT WE ARE BOUND
BY CONSTRAINTS, THREATENED BY PROBLEMS, SURROUNDED
BY TROUBLES WHICH LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO HOPE.
WELL, TONIGHT I REMAIN FULL OF HOPE. WE
AMERICANS HAVE ONLY BEGUN ON OUR MISSION OF
GOODNESS AND GREATNESS. AND TO THOSE TIMID SOULS,
I REPEAT THE PLEA -- GIVE US THE TOOLS; AND WE
WILL DO THE JOB.
THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS YOU.
###
ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1989
MR. SPEAKER, MR. PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, HONORED GUESTS,
FELLOW CITIZENS:
LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AGO, I JOINED YOU ON THE
WEST FRONT OF THIS VERY BUILDING AND -- LOOKING
OVER THE MONUMENTS TO OUR PROUD PAST -- OFFERED
YOU MY HAND IN FILLING THE NEXT PAGE OF AMERICAN
HISTORY WITH A STORY OF EXTENDED PROSPERITY AND
CONTINUED PEACE. TONIGHT, I AM BACK, TO OFFER YOU
MY PLANS AS WELL. THE HAND REMAINS EXTENDED, THE
SLEEVES ARE ROLLED UP, AMERICA IS WAITING, AND NOW
WE MUST PRODUCE.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A BETTER AMERICA.
IT IS COMFORTING TO RETURN TO THIS HISTORIC
CHAMBER. HERE, 22 YEARS AGO, I FIRST RAISED MY
HAND TO BE SWORN INTO PUBLIC LIFE. SO TONIGHT, I
FEEL AS IF I AM RETURNING HOME TO FRIENDS. AND I
INTEND, IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME, TO GIVE
YOU WHAT FRIENDS DESERVE: FRANKNESS, RESPECT, AND
MY BEST JUDGMENT OUT WAYS TO IMPROVE AMERICA'S
FUTURE.
- 2 -
IN RETURN, I ASK FOR AN HONEST COMMITMENT TO
OUR COMMON MISSION OF PROGRESS. IF WE SEIZE THE
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ROAD BEFORE US, THERE WILL BE
PRAISE ENOUGH FOR ALL.
2
THE PEOPLE DIDN'T SEND US HERE TO BICKER.
IT'S TIME TO GOVERN.
MANY PRESIDENTS HAVE COME TO THIS CHAMBER IN
TIMES OF GREAT CRISIS. WAR. DEPRESSION. LOSS OF
NATIONAL SPIRIT.
EIGHT YEARS AGO, I SAT IN THAT CHAIR AS
PRESIDENT REAGAN SPOKE OF PUNISHING INFLATION AND
DEVASTATINGLY HIGH INTEREST RATES, PEOPLE OUT OF
WORK, AMERICAN CONFIDENCE ON THE WANE.
OUR CHALLENGE IS DIFFERENT.
WE ARE FORTUNATE -- A MUCH CHANGED LANDSCAPE
LIES BEFORE US TONIGHT.
SO I DON'T PROPOSE TO REVERSE DIRECTION. WE
ARE HEADED THE RIGHT WAY.
- 3 -
BUT WE CANNOT REST. WE ARE A PEOPLE WHOSE
ENERGY AND DRIVE HAVE FUELED OUR RISE TO
3
GREATNESS. WE ARE A FORWARD-LOOKING NATION --
GENEROUS, YES, BUT AMBITIOUS AS WELL NOT FOR
OURSELVES, BUT FOR THE WORLD.
COMPLACENCY IS NOT IN OUR CHARACTER -- NOT
BEFORE, NOT NOW, NOT EVER.
so TONIGHT, WE MUST TAKE A STRONG AMERICA --
AND MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.
i WE MUST ADDRESS SOME VERY REAL PROBLEMS. WE
MUST ESTABLISH SOME VERY CLEAR PRIORITIES. AND WE
MUST MAKE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL CUT IN THE FEDERAL
BUDGET DEFICIT.
SOME PEOPLE FIND THAT AGENDA IMPOSSIBLE.
BUT I AM PRESENTING TO YOU TONIGHT A
REALISTIC PLAN FOR TACKLING IT. MY PLAN HAS FOUR
BROAD FEATURES: ATTENTION TO URGENT PRIORITIES,
INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, AN ATTACK ON THE
DEFICIT, AND NO NEW TAXES.
- 4 -
THIS BUDGET REPRESENTS MY BEST JUDGMENT OF
HOW WE CAN ADDRESS OUR PRIORITIES. THERE ARE MANY
4
AREAS IN WHICH WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SPEND MORE
THAN I PROPOSE, BUT WE CANNOT UNTIL WE GET OUR
FISCAL HOUSE IN ORDER.
NEXT YEAR ALONE, THANKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH,
WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN THE LAW, THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE IN OVER $80 BILLION DOLLARS
MORE THAN IT DOES THIS YEAR. THAT'S RIGHT -- OVER
$80 BILLION IN NEW REVENUES, WITH NO INCREASE IN
TAXE$. OUR JOB IS TO ALLOCATE THOSE NEW RESOURCES
WISELY.
WE CAN AFFORD TO INCREASE SPENDING -- BY A
MODEST AMOUNT, BUT ENOUGH TO INVEST IN KEY
PRIORITIES AND STILL CUT THE DEFICIT BY ALMOST
40 PERCENT IN ONE YEAR.
THAT WILL ALLOW US TO MEET THE TARGETS SET
FORTH IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LAW.
BUT TO DO THAT, WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT GROWTH
ABOVE INFLATION IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS IS NOT
PREORDAINED, THAT NOT ALL SPENDING INITIATIVES
WERE DESIGNED TO BE IMMORTAL.
- 5 -
I MAKE THIS PLEDGE TONIGHT: MY TEAM AND I
ARE READY TO WORK WITH THE CONGRESS, TO FORM A
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP GROUP, TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD
FAITH, TO WORK DAY AND NIGHT -- IF THAT'S WHAT IT
5
TAKES -- TO MEET THE BUDGET TARGETS, AND TO
PRODUCE A BUDGET ON TIME.
WE CANNOT SETTLE FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL.
GOVERNMENT BY CONTINUING RESOLUTION -- OR
GOVERNMENT BY CRISIS -- WILL NOT DO.
I
I ASK THE CONGRESS TONIGHT TO APPROVE SEVERAL
MEASURES WHICH WILL MAKE BUDGETING MORE SENSIBLE.
WE COULD SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY BY
ENACTING 2-YEAR BUDGETS.
FORTY-THREE GOVERNORS HAVE THE LINE-ITEM
VETO. PRESIDENTS SHOULD HAVE IT, TOO.
AT THE VERY LEAST, WHEN A PRESIDENT PROPOSES
TO RESCIND FEDERAL SPENDING, THE CONGRESS SHOULD
BE REQUIRED TO VOTE ON THAT PROPOSAL -- INSTEAD OF
KILLING IT BY INACTION.
- 6 -
AND I ASK FOR CONGRESS TO HONOR THE PUBLIC'S
WISHES BY PASSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO
REQUIRE A BALANCED BUDGET. SUCH AN AMENDMENT,
ONCE PHASED IN, WILL DISCIPLINE BOTH CONGRESS AND
6
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
SEVERAL PRINCIPLES DESCRIBE THE KIND OF
AMERICA I HOPE TO BUILD WITH YOUR HELP IN THE
YEARS AHEAD.
WE WILL NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TAKING THE
EASY, SPENDTHRIFT APPROACH TO SOLVING PROBLEMS --
BECAUSE HIGHER SPENDING AND HIGHER TAXES PUT
ECONOMIC GROWTH AT RISK.
ECONOMIC GROWTH PROVIDES JOBS AND HOPE.
ECONOMIC GROWTH ENABLES US TO PAY FOR SOCIAL
PROGRAMS. ECONOMIC GROWTH ENHANCES THE SECURITY
OF THE NATION. AND LOW TAX RATES CREATE ECONOMIC
GROWTH.
I BELIEVE IN GIVING AMERICANS GREATER FREEDOM
AND GREATER CHOICE AND I WILL WORK FOR CHOICE
FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES, WHETHER IN THE HOUSING IN
WHICH THEY LIVE, THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY SEND
THEIR CHILDREN, OR THE CHILD CARE THEY SELECT FOR
THEIR YOUNG.
- 7 -
I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THOSE
IN NEED, BUT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE THE
PROVIDER OF FIRST RESORT FOR THINGS THAT THE
PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PRODUCE BETTER.
+
I BELIEVE IN A SOCIETY THAT IS FREE FROM
DISCRIMINATION AND BIGOTRY OF ANY KIND. I WILL
WORK TO KNOCK DOWN THE BARRIERS LEFT BY PAST
DISCRIMINATION AND TO BUILD A MORE TOLERANT
SOCIETY THAT WILL STOP SUCH BARRIERS FROM EVER
BEING BUILT AGAIN.
i
I BELIEVE THAT FAMILY AND FAITH REPRESENT THE
MORAL COMPASS OF THE NATION -- AND I WILL WORK TO
MAKE THEM STRONG, FOR AS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAID:
"IF A SPARROW CANNOT FALL TO THE GROUND WITHOUT
HIS NOTICE, [CAN] A [GREAT NATION] RISE WITHOUT
HIS AID?"
AND I BELIEVE IN GIVING PEOPLE THE POWER TO
MAKE THEIR OWN LIVES BETTER THROUGH GROWTH AND
OPPORTUNITY. TOGETHER, LET'S PUT POWER IN THE
HANDS OF PEOPLE.
((PAUSE))
- 8 -
THREE WEEKS AGO, WE CELEBRATED THE
BICENTENNIAL INAUGURAL, THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
AND IF YOU LOOK BACK, ONE THING IS SO
8
STRIKING ABOUT THE WAY THE FOUNDING FATHERS LOOKED
AT AMERICA. THEY DIDN'T TALK ABOUT THEMSELVES.
THEY TALKED ABOUT POSTERITY. THEY TALKED ABOUT
THE FUTURE.
WE, TOO, MUST THINK IN TERMS BIGGER THAN
OURSELVES.
WE MUST TAKE ACTIONS TODAY THAT WILL ENSURE A
BETTER TOMORROW. WE MUST EXTEND AMERICAN
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY, INCREASE LONG-TERM
INVESTMENT, IMPROVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, AND
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY. THESE ARE THE KEYS TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- I PROPOSE ALMOST $2.2 BILLION FOR THE
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE BASIC
RESEARCH AND KEEP US ON TRACK TO DOUBLE ITS BUDGET
BY 1993;
- 9 -
- I PROPOSE TO MAKE PERMANENT THE TAX CREDIT
FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT;
- I HAVE ASKED VICE PRESIDENT QUAYLE TO
9
CHAIR A NEW TASK FORCE ON COMPETITIVENESS;
- I REQUEST FUNDING FOR NASA AND A STRONG
SPACE PROGRAM -- AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
$2.4 BILLION OVER THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. WE
MUST HAVE A MANNED SPACE STATION; A VIGOROUS, SAFE
SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM; AND MORE COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT IN SPACE. THE SPACE PROGRAM SHOULD
ALWAYS GO "FULL THROTTLE UP" -- THAT'S NOT JUST
OUR AMBITION; IT'S OUR DESTINY.
- I PROPOSE THAT WE CUT THE MAXIMUM TAX RATE
ON CAPITAL GAINS TO INCREASE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.
HISTORY IS CLEAR: THIS WILL INCREASE REVENUES,
HELP SAVINGS, AND CREATE NEW JOBS.
WE WON'T BE COMPETITIVE IF WE LEAVE WHOLE
SECTORS OF AMERICA BEHIND. THIS IS THE YEAR WE
SHOULD FINALLY ENACT URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONES, AND
BRING HOPE TO OUR INNER CITIES.
BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITIVENESS
PROGRAM OF ALL IS ONE WHICH IMPROVES EDUCATION IN
AMERICA.
- 10 -
WHEN SOME OF OUR STUDENTS ACTUALLY HAVE
TROUBLE LOCATING AMERICA ON A MAP OF THE WORLD, IT
IS TIME FOR US TO MAP A NEW APPROACH TO EDUCATION.
0
WE MUST REWARD EXCELLENCE, AND CUT THROUGH
BUREAUCRACY. WE MUST HELP THOSE SCHOOLS THAT NEED
HELP MOST. WE MUST GIVE CHOICE TO PARENTS,
STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PRINCIPALS. AND WE MUST
HOLD ALL CONCERNED ACCOUNTABLE. IN EDUCATION, WE
CANNOT TOLERATE MEDIOCRITY.
I WANT TO CUT THE DROP-OUT RATE, AND MAKE
AMERICA A MORE LITERATE NATION. BECAUSE WHAT IT
REALLY COMES DOWN TO IS THIS: THE LONGER OUR
GRADUATION LINES ARE TODAY, THE SHORTER OUR
UNEMPLOYMENT LINES WILL BE TOMORROW.
so TONIGHT I AM PROPOSING THE FOLLOWING
INITIATIVES:
- THE BEGINNING OF A $500-MILLION PROGRAM TO
REWARD AMERICA'S BEST SCHOOLS -- "MERIT SCHOOLS";
- THE CREATION OF SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL
AWARDS FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE --
BECAUSE EXCELLENCE SHOULD BE REWARDED;
- 11 -
- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW PROGRAM OF
NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS, ONE EACH YEAR FOR EVERY
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, TO GIVE THIS
GENERATION OF STUDENTS A SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO
11
EXCEL IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS;
- THE EXPANDED USE OF MAGNET SCHOOLS WHICH
GIVE FAMILIES AND STUDENTS GREATER CHOICE;
- AND A NEW PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE
"ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION" -- WHICH WILL LET
TALENTED PEOPLE FROM ALL FIELDS TEACH IN THE
CLASSROOM.
I HAVE SAID I'D LIKE TO BE "THE EDUCATION
PRESIDENT. " TONIGHT, I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME BY
BECOMING
I
"THE EDUCATION CONGRESS."
JUST LAST WEEK, AS I SETTLED INTO THIS NEW
OFFICE, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A MOTHER IN
PENNSYLVANIA, WHO HAD BEEN STRUCK BY MY MESSAGE IN
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. "NOT 12 HOURS BEFORE," SHE
WROTE, "MY HUSBAND AND I RECEIVED WORD THAT [OUR]
SON WAS ADDICTED TO COCAINE. [HE] HAD THE WORLD
AT HIS FEET. BRIGHT, GIFTED, PERSONABLE.., HE
COULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING WITH HIS LIFE. [NOW] HE
HAS CHOSEN COCAINE."
- 12 -
"PLEASE," SHE WROTE, "FIND A WAY TO CURB THE
SUPPLY OF COCAINE. GET TOUGH WITH THE PUSHERS.
[OUR SON] NEEDS YOUR HELP."
2
MY FRIENDS, THAT VOICE CRYING OUT FOR HELP
COULD BE THE VOICE OF YOUR OWN NEIGHBOR. YOUR OWN
FRIEND. YOUR OWN SON. OVER 23 MILLION AMERICANS
USED ILLEGAL DRUGS LAST YEAR -- AT A STAGGERING
COST TO OUR NATION'S WELL-BEING.
LET THIS BE RECORDED AS THE TIME WHEN AMERICA
ROSE UP AND SAID "NO" TO DRUGS. THE SCOURGE OF
DRUGS MUST BE STOPPED.
I AM ASKING TONIGHT FOR AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
A BILLION DOLLARS IN BUDGET OUTLAYS TO ESCALATE
THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS. THE WAR WILL BE WAGED ON
ALL FRONTS.
OUR NEW "DRUG CZAR" BILL BENNETT AND I WILL
BE SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER, LEADING THE CHARGE.
SOME MONEY WILL BE USED TO EXPAND TREATMENT
TO THE POOR, AND TO YOUNG MOTHERS. THIS WILL
OFFER THE HELPING HAND TO THE MANY INNOCENT
VICTIMS OF DRUGS -- LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF BABIES
BORN ADDICTED, OR WITH AIDS, BECAUSE OF THE
MOTHER'S ADDICTION.
- 13 -
SOME WILL BE USED TO CUT THE WAITING TIME FOR
TREATMENT.
SOME MONEY WILL BE DEVOTED TO THOSE URBAN
SCHOOLS WHERE THE EMERGENCY IS NOW THE WORST. AND
3
MUCH OF IT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT OUR BORDERS,
WITH HELP FROM THE COAST GUARD, THE CUSTOMS
SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND JUSTICE, AND
YES, THE U.S. MILITARY.
I MEAN TO GET TOUGH ON THE DRUG CRIMINALS.
LET ME BE CLEAR: THIS PRESIDENT WILL BACK UP
THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY --
OUR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS.
MY BUDGET ASKS FOR BEEFED-UP PROSECUTION, FOR
A NEW ATTACK ON ORGANIZED CRIME, AND FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF TOUGH SENTENCES -- AND FOR THE
WORST KINGPINS, THAT MEANS THE DEATH PENALTY.
I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN A DRUG
DEALER IS CONVICTED, THERE IS A CELL WAITING FOR
HIM. HE SHOULD NOT GO FREE BECAUSE PRISONS ARE
TOO FULL.
LET THE WORD GO OUT: IF YOU ARE CAUGHT AND
CONVICTED, YOU WILL DO TIME.
- 14 -
BUT FOR ALL WE DO IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN
INTERDICTION AND TREATMENT, WE WILL NEVER WIN THIS
WAR ON DRUGS UNLESS WE STOP DEMAND FOR DRUGS.
so SOME OF THIS INCREASE WILL BE USED TO
EDUCATE THE YOUNG ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS. WE
MUST INVOLVE PARENTS. WE MUST INVOLVE TEACHERS.
WE MUST INVOLVE COMMUNITIES. AND MY FRIENDS, WE
MUST INVOLVE OURSELVES.
ONE PROBLEM RELATED TO DRUG USE DEMANDS OUR
URGENT ATTENTION AND OUR CONTINUING COMPASSION.
THAT, IS THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF AIDS.
I AM ASKING FOR $1.6 BILLION FOR EDUCATION TO
PREVENT THE DISEASE -- AND FOR RESEARCH TO FIND A
CURE.
((PAUSE))
IF WE'RE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE, WE NEED A NEW
ATTITUDE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.
WE MUST PROTECT THE AIR WE BREATHE.
- 15 -
I WILL SEND TO YOU SHORTLY LEGISLATION FOR A
NEW, MORE EFFECTIVE CLEAN AIR ACT. IT WILL
INCLUDE A PLAN TO REDUCE, BY DATE CERTAIN, THE
15
EMISSIONS WHICH CAUSE ACID RAIN -- BECAUSE THE
TIME FOR STUDY ALONE HAS PASSED, AND THE TIME FOR
ACTION IS NOW.
WE MUST MAKE USE OF CLEAN COAL. MY BUDGET
CONTAINS FULL FUNDING, ON SCHEDULE, FOR THE CLEAN
COAL TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WE HAVE MADE WITH
CANADA. WE INTEND TO HONOR THAT AGREEMENT.
i WE MUST NOT NEGLECT OUR PARKS. so I AM
ASKING TO FUND NEW ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE LAND AND
WATER CONSERVATION FUND.
WE MUST PROTECT OUR OCEANS. I SUPPORT NEW
PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE WHO WOULD DUMP MEDICAL
WASTE AND OTHER TRASH IN THE OCEANS. THE AGE OF
THE NEEDLE ON THE BEACH MUST END.
- 16 -
IN SOME CASES, THE GULFS AND OCEANS OFF OUR
SHORES HOLD THE PROMISE OF OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES
WHICH CAN MAKE OUR NATION MORE SECURE AND LESS
DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL. WHEN THOSE WITH THE
6
MOST PROMISE CAN BE TAPPED SAFELY, AS WITH MUCH OF
THE ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, WE SHOULD
PROCEED. BUT WE MUST USE CAUTION AND WE MUST
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
so TONIGHT I AM CALLING FOR THE INDEFINITE
POSTPONEMENT OF THREE LEASE SALES WHICH HAVE
RAISED TROUBLING QUESTIONS -- TWO OFF THE COAST OF
CALIFORNIA, AND ONE WHICH COULD THREATEN THE
EVERGLADES IN FLORIDA.
ACTION ON THESE THREE LEASE SALES WILL AWAIT
THE CONCLUSIONS OF A SPECIAL TASK FORCE SET UP TO
MEASURE THE POTENTIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
I AM DIRECTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY TO USE EVERY TOOL AT THEIR DISPOSAL TO
SPEED AND TOUGHEN THE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS
AGAINST TOXIC WASTE DUMPERS. I WANT FASTER
CLEANUPS AND TOUGHER ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES
AGAINST POLLUTERS.
((PAUSE))
- 17 -
IN ADDITION TO CARING FOR OUR FUTURE, WE MUST
CARE FOR THOSE AROUND US. A DECENT SOCIETY SHOWS
COMPASSION FOR THE YOUNG, THE ELDERLY, THE
VULNERABLE, AND THE POOR.
17
OUR FIRST OBLIGATION IS TO THE MOST
VULNERABLE -- INFANTS, POOR MOTHERS, CHILDREN
LIVING IN POVERTY -- AND MY PROPOSED BUDGET
RECOGNIZES THIS. I ASK FOR FULL FUNDING OF
MEDICAID -- AN INCREASE OF OVER $3 BILLION -- AND
AN EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE COVERAGE OF
PREGNANT WOMEN WHO ARE NEAR THE POVERTY LINE.
I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HELP WORKING FAMILIES
COPE WITH THE BURDEN OF CHILD CARE.
OUR HELP SHOULD BE AIMED AT THOSE WHO NEED IT
MOST -- LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
I SUPPORT A NEW CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT THAT WILL
AIM OUR EFFORTS AT EXACTLY THOSE FAMILIES --
WITHOUT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MOTHERS WHO CHOOSE
TO STAY AT HOME.
- 18 -
NOW, I KNOW THERE ARE COMPETING PROPOSALS.
BUT REMEMBER THIS: THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF
ALL PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE IS NOW PROVIDED BY
RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS, CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY
GROUPS. FAMILIES WHO CHOOSE THESE OPTIONS SHOULD
18
REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR HELP. PARENTS SHOULD HAVE
CHOICE.
AND FOR THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE UNWANTED OR
ABUSED, OR WHOSE PARENTS ARE DECEASED, WE SHOULD
ENCOURAGE ADOPTION. I PROPOSE TO RE-ENACT THE TAX
DEDUCTION FOR ADOPTION EXPENSES, AND TO DOUBLE IT
TO $3,000. LET'S MAKE IT EASIER FOR THESE KIDS TO
HAVE PARENTS WHO LOVE THEM.
WE HAVE A MORAL CONTRACT WITH OUR SENIOR
CITIZENS. IN THIS BUDGET, SOCIAL SECURITY IS
FULLY FUNDED, INCLUDING A FULL COST-OF-LIVING
ADJUSTMENT. WE MUST HONOR OUR CONTRACT.
WE MUST CARE ABOUT THOSE IN "THE SHADOWS OF
LIFE," AND I, LIKE MANY AMERICANS, AM DEEPLY
TROUBLED BY THE PLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS. THE
CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS ARE MANY, THE HISTORY IS
LONG, BUT THE MORAL IMPERATIVE TO ACT IS CLEAR.
- 19 -
THANKS TO THE DEEP WELL OF GENEROSITY IN THIS
GREAT LAND, MANY ORGANIZATIONS ALREADY CONTRIBUTE.
BUT WE IN GOVERNMENT CANNOT STAND ON THE
SIDELINES. IN MY BUDGET, I ASK FOR GREATER
SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER, FOR HEALTH
SERVICES AND MEASURES TO PREVENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE,
AND FOR CLINICS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL -- AND I
19
PROPOSE A NEW INITIATIVE INVOLVING THE FULL RANGE
OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. WE MUST CONFRONT THIS
NATIONAL SHAME.
THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE DECIDED TO
MENTION HERE TONIGHT. I HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT
THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO
DETERMINE THEIR OWN POLITICAL FUTURE. PERSONALLY,
I FAVOR STATEHOOD. BUT I ASK THE CONGRESS TO TAKE
REFERENDUM.
THE NECESSARY STEPS TO allow LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE IN A
<x0
CERTAIN PROBLEMS, THE RESULT OF DECADES OF
UNWISE PRACTICES, THREATEN THE HEALTH AND SECURITY
OF OUR PEOPLE. LEFT UNATTENDED, THEY WILL ONLY
GET WORSE -- BUT WE CAN ACT NOW TO PUT THEM BEHIND
US.
- 20 -
EARLIER THIS WEEK, I ANNOUNCED MY SUPPORT FOR
A PLAN TO RESTORE THE FINANCIAL AND MORAL
INTEGRITY OF OUR SAVINGS SYSTEM. I ASK CONGRESS
TO ENACT OUR REFORM PROPOSALS WITHIN 45 DAYS. WE
MUST NOT LET THIS SITUATION FESTER.
20
CERTAINLY, THE SAVINGS OF AMERICANS MUST
REMAIN SECURE -- INSURED DEPOSITORS WILL CONTINUE
TO BE FULLY PROTECTED. BUT ANY PLAN TO REFINANCE
THE SYSTEM MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY MAJOR REFORM.
OUR PROPOSALS WILL PREVENT SUCH A CRISIS FROM
REOCCURRING. THE BEST ANSWER IS TO MAKE SURE THAT
A MESS LIKE THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
THE MAJORITY OF THRIFTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS
THIS NATION HAVE BEEN HONEST; THEY HAVE PLAYED A
MAJOR ROLE IN HELPING FAMILIES ACHIEVE THE
AMERICAN DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP. BUT MAKE NO
MISTAKE: THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT, THOSE WHO BREAK
THE LAW, MUST BE KICKED OUT OF THE BUSINESS; AND
THEY SHOULD GO TO JAIL.
WE FACE A MASSIVE TASK IN CLEANING UP THE
WASTE LEFT FROM DECADES OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT
AT AMERICA'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PLANTS.
- 21 -
CLEARLY, WE MUST MODERNIZE THESE PLANTS AND
OPERATE THEM SAFELY. THAT IS NOT AT ISSUE -- OUR
NATIONAL SECURITY DEPENDS ON IT.
BUT BEYOND THAT, WE MUST CLEAN UP THE OLD
21
MESS THAT'S BEEN LEFT BEHIND -- AND I PROPOSE IN
THIS BUDGET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE OUR CURRENT EFFORT
TO DO SO. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY THE
EXACT NATURE OF THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS so WE CAN
CLEAN THEM UP -- AND CLEAN THEM UP WE WILL.
WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE DURING THESE PAST
8 YEARS. AMERICA IS A STRONGER NATION TODAY THAN
IT WAS IN 1980.
MORALE IN OUR ARMED FORCES IS RESTORED. OUR
RESOLVE HAS BEEN SHOWN. OUR READINESS HAS BEEN
IMPROVED. AND WE ARE AT PEACE.
THERE CAN NO LONGER BE ANY DOUBT THAT PEACE
HAS BEEN MADE MORE SECURE THROUGH STRENGTH. WHEN
AMERICA IS STRONGER, THE WORLD IS SAFER.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, THAT AFTER THE
SUCCESSFUL RESTORATION OF OUR STRENGTH, THE
PENTAGON BUDGET HAS ACTUALLY BEEN REDUCED IN REAL
TERMS FOR EACH OF THE LAST 4 YEARS. WE CANNOT
TOLERATE CONTINUED REAL REDUCTIONS IN DEFENSE.
- 22 -
IN LIGHT OF THE COMPELLING NEED TO REDUCE THE
DEFICIT, HOWEVER, I SUPPORT A 1-YEAR FREEZE IN THE
MILITARY BUDGET -- SOMETHING I PROPOSED LAST FALL
IN MY FLEXIBLE FREEZE PLAN.
THIS FREEZE WILL APPLY FOR ONLY 1 YEAR --
22
AFTER THAT INCREASES ABOVE INFLATION WILL BE
REQUIRED. I WILL NOT SACRIFICE AMERICAN
PREPAREDNESS; AND I WILL NOT COMPROMISE AMERICAN
STRENGTH.
I SHOULD BE CLEAR ON THE CONDITIONS ATTACHED
TO MY RECOMMENDATION FOR THE COMING YEAR:
- THE SAVINGS MUST BE ALLOCATED TO THOSE
PRIORITIES FOR INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE THAT I HAVE
SPOKEN ABOUT TONIGHT;
- THIS DEFENSE FREEZE MUST BE PART OF A
COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET AGREEMENT WHICH MEETS THE
TARGETS SPELLED OUT IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS
LAW WITHOUT RAISING TAXES, AND WHICH INCORPORATES
REFORMS IN THE BUDGET PROCESS.
- 23 -
I HAVE DIRECTED THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TO REVIEW OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE
POLICIES AND REPORT BACK TO ME WITHIN 90 DAYS TO
ENSURE THAT OUR CAPABILITIES AND RESOURCES MEET
OUR COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES.
23
I AM ALSO CHARGING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
WITH THE TASK OF DEVELOPING A PLAN TO IMPROVE THE
DEFENSE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
PENTAGON -- ONE WHICH WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT THE
PACKARD COMMISSION REPORT. MANY OF THE CHANGES
CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE
CONGRESS -- so I ASK FOR YOUR HELP.
WE NEED FEWER REGULATIONS. WE NEED LESS
BUREAUCRACY. WE NEED MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT AND
2-YEAR BUDGETING. AND FRANKLY, WE NEED LESS
CONGRESSIONAL MICROMANAGEMENT OF OUR NATION'S
MILITARY POLICY.
SECURING A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD IS PERHAPS THE
MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY I'D LIKE TO ADDRESS
TONIGHT.
- 24 -
WE MEET AT A TIME OF EXTRAORDINARY HOPE.
NEVER BEFORE IN THIS CENTURY HAVE OUR VALUES OF
FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY BEEN
SUCH A POWERFUL POLITICAL AND INTELLECTUAL FORCE
24
AROUND THE GLOBE.
NEVER BEFORE HAS OUR LEADERSHIP BEEN SO
CRUCIAL, BECAUSE WHILE AMERICA HAS ITS EYES ON THE
FUTURE, THE WORLD HAS ITS EYES ON AMERICA.
IT IS A TIME OF GREAT CHANGE IN THE WORLD --
AND ESPECIALLY IN THE SOVIET UNION. PRUDENCE AND
COMMON SENSE DICTATE THAT WE TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE
FULL MEANING OF THE CHANGE GOING ON THERE, REVIEW
OUR POLICIES CAREFULLY, AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
BUT I HAVE PERSONALLY ASSURED GENERAL SECRETARY
GORBACHEV THAT, AT THE CONCLUSION OF SUCH A
REVIEW, WE WILL BE READY TO MOVE FORWARD. WE WILL
NOT MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR PEACE.
THE FUNDAMENTAL FACT REMAINS THAT THE SOVIETS
RETAIN A VERY POWERFUL MILITARY MACHINE, IN THE
SERVICE OF OBJECTIVES WHICH ARE STILL TOO OFTEN IN
CONFLICT WITH OURS. so LET US TAKE THE NEW
OPENNESS SERIOUSLY. BUT LET US ALSO BE REALISTIC.
AND LET US ALWAYS BE STRONG.
- 25 -
THERE ARE SOME PRESSING ISSUES WE MUST
ADDRESS:
I WILL VIGOROUSLY PURSUE THE STRATEGIC
25
DEFENSE INITIATIVE.
THE SPREAD AND EVEN USE OF SOPHISTICATED
WEAPONRY THREATENS GLOBAL STABILITY AS NEVER
BEFORE.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS MUST BE BANNED FROM THE FACE
OF THE EARTH, NEVER TO BE USED AGAIN. THIS WON'T
BE EASY. VERIFICATION WILL BE DIFFICULT. BUT
CIVILIZATION AND HUMAN DECENCY DEMAND THAT WE TRY.
AND THE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS MUST BE
STOPPED. I WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF
THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY. OUR
DIPLOMACY MUST WORK EVERY DAY AGAINST THE
PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
AND, AROUND THE GLOBE, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE
FREEDOM'S BEST FRIEND.
WE MUST STAND FIRM FOR SELF-DETERMINATION AND
DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AMERICA -- INCLUDING IN
NICARAGUA.
- 26 -
FOR WHEN PEOPLE ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE, THEY
INEVITABLY WILL CHOOSE A FREE PRESS, FREEDOM OF
WORSHIP, AND CERTIFIABLY FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS.
WE MUST STRENGTHEN THE ALLIANCE OF INDUSTRIAL
ge
DEMOCRACIES - AS SOLID A FORCE FOR PEACE AS THE
WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. THIS IS AN ALLIANCE FORGED
BY THE POWER OF OUR IDEALS, NOT THE PETTINESS OF
OUR DIFFERENCES. so LET US LIFT OUR SIGHTS -- TO
RISE ABOVE FIGHTING ABOUT BEEF HORMONES TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE; TO MOVE FROM
PROTECTIONISM TO PROGRESS.
I HAVE ASKED THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO VISIT
our allies
EUROPE NEXT WEEK AND TO CONSULT WITH THEM ON THE
WIDE RANGE OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WE FACE
TOGETHER INCLUDING EAST-WEST RELATIONS. AND I
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH OUR NATO PARTNERS IN
THE NEAR FUTURE.
I, Too, SHALL BEGIN A TRIP SHORTLY -- TO THE
FAR REACHES OF THE PACIFIC BASIN, WHERE THE WINDS
OF DEMOCRACY ARE CREATING NEW HOPE, AND THE POWER
OF FREE MARKETS IS UNLEASHING A NEW FORCE.
WHEN I SERVED AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CHINA
JUST 14 YEARS AGO, FEW WOULD HAVE PREDICTED THE
SCOPE OF THE CHANGES WE'VE WITNESSED SINCE THEN.
- 27 -
BUT IN PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP, I WAS STRUCK
BY SOMETHING I CAME ACROSS FROM A CHINESE WRITER.
HE WAS SPEAKING OF HIS COUNTRY, DECADES AGO -- BUT
HIS WORDS SPEAK TO EACH OF US, IN AMERICA,
TONIGHT.
"TODAY," HE SAID, "WE ARE AFRAID OF THE
27
SIMPLE WORDS LIKE GOODNESS AND MERCY AND
KINDNESS."
MY FRIENDS, IF WE'RE TO SUCCEED AS A NATION,
WE MUST REDISCOVER THOSE WORDS.
IN JUST 3 DAYS, WE MARK THE BIRTHDAY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN -- THE MAN WHO SAVED OUR UNION,
AND GAVE NEW MEANING TO THE WORD OPPORTUNITY.
LINCOLN ONCE SAID:
"I HOLD THAT WHILE MAN EXISTS, IT IS HIS DUTY
TO IMPROVE NOT ONLY HIS OWN CONDITION, BUT TO
ASSIST IN AMELIORATING [THAT OF] MANKIND."
IT IS THIS BROADER MISSION TO WHICH I CALL
ALL AMERICANS. BECAUSE THE DEFINITION OF A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS.
- 28 -
TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF AMERICA, WHO SOMETIMES
FEEL LEFT OUT -- I ASK YOU TONIGHT TO GIVE US THE
BENEFIT OF YOUR TALENT AND ENERGY THROUGH A NEW
PROGRAM CALLED "YES," FOR YOUTH ENTERING SERVICE
TO AMERICA.
28
TO THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN BUSINESS --
REMEMBER THE ULTIMATE END OF YOUR WORK -- TO MAKE
A BETTER PRODUCT, TO CREATE BETTER LIVES. I ASK
YOU TO PLAN FOR THE LONGER-TERM AND AVOID THE
TEMPTATION OF QUICK AND EASY PAPER PROFITS.
TO THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR THE
i
UNIFORM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- THANK
YOU. YOUR CALLING IS A HIGH ONE -- TO BE THE
DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM AND THE GUARANTORS OF
LIBERTY. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THIS NATION
IS GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE.
TO THE FARMERS OF AMERICA -- WE APPRECIATE
THE BOUNTY YOU PROVIDE. WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO
OPEN FOREIGN MARKETS TO AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCTS.
- 29 -
TO THE PARENTS OF AMERICA, I ASK YOU TO GET
INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOLING. CHECK ON
THEIR HOMEWORK. GO TO THE SCHOOL, MEET THE
TEACHERS, CARE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE. IT
29
IS NOT ONLY YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE ON THE LINE, IT IS
AMERICA'S.
TO KIDS IN OUR CITIES -- DON'T GIVE UP HOPE.
SAY NO TO DRUGS. STAY IN SCHOOL. AND YES, "KEEP
HOPE ALIVE."
TO THOSE 37 MILLION AMERICANS WITH SOME FORM
OF DISABILITY -- YOU BELONG IN THE ECONOMIC
MAINSTREAM. WE NEED YOUR TALENTS IN AMERICA'S
WORKFORCE. DISABLED AMERICANS MUST BECOME FULL
PARTNERS IN AMERICA'S OPPORTUNITY SOCIETY.
TO THE FAMILIES OF AMERICA WATCHING TONIGHT
IN YOUR LIVING ROOMS: HOLD FAST TO YOUR DREAMS,
BECAUSE ULTIMATELY AMERICA'S FUTURE RESTS IN YOUR
HANDS.
AND TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS CHAMBER, I ASK FOR
YOUR COOPERATION TO KEEP AMERICA GROWING WHILE
CUTTING THE DEFICIT. THAT IS ONLY FAIR TO THOSE
WHO NOW HAVE NO VOTE -- THE GENERATIONS TO COME.
- 30 -
LET THEM LOOK BACK AND SAY THAT WE HAD THE
FORESIGHT TO UNDERSTAND THAT A TIME OF PEACE AND
PROSPERITY IS NOT A TIME TO REST, BUT A TIME TO
PUSH FORWARD. A TIME TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE.
30
AND LET ALL AMERICANS REMEMBER THAT NO
PROBLEM OF HUMAN MAKING IS TOO GREAT TO BE
OVERCOME BY HUMAN INGENUITY, HUMAN ENERGY, AND THE
UNTIRING HOPE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. I BELIEVE
THIS. I WOULD NOT HAVE ASKED TO BE YOUR PRESIDENT
IF I DIDN'T.
TOMORROW, THE DEBATE ON THE PLAN I HAVE PUT
1
FORWARD BEGINS. I ASK THE CONGRESS TO COME
FORWARD WITH YOUR PROPOSALS. BUT LET US NOT
QUESTION EACH OTHER'S MOTIVES. LET US DEBATE.
LET US NEGOTIATE. BUT LET US SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
((PAUSE AND SMILE))
RECALLING ANNIVERSARIES MAY NOT BE MY
SPECIALTY IN SPEECHES... BUT TONIGHT IS ONE OF
SOME NOTE. ON FEBRUARY 9th 1941, JUST 48 YEARS AGO
TONIGHT, SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL TOOK TO THE
AIRWAVES DURING BRITAIN'S HOUR OF PERIL.
- 31 -
HE HAD RECEIVED FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT A
HAND-CARRIED LETTER QUOTING LONGFELLOW'S FAMOUS
POEM: "SAIL ON, OH SHIP OF STATE! SAIL ON, OH
UNION, STRONG AND GREAT! HUMANITY WITH ALL ITS
FEARS, WITH ALL THE HOPES OF FUTURE YEARS, IS
HANGING BREATHLESS ON THY FATE!"
31
CHURCHILL RESPONDED ON THIS NIGHT BY RADIO
BROADCAST TO A NATION AT WAR, BUT HE DIRECTED HIS
WORDS TO ROOSEVELT. "WE SHALL NOT FAIL OR
FALTER," HE SAID. "WE SHALL NOT WEAKEN OR TIRE.
GIVE US THE TOOLS, AND WE WILL FINISH THE JOB."
TONIGHT, ALMOST A HALF CENTURY LATER, OUR
PERIL MAY BE LESS IMMEDIATE, BUT THE NEED FOR
PERSEVERANCE AND CLEAR-SIGHTED FORTITUDE IS JUST
AS GREAT.
NOW, AS THEN, THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY IT
CAN'T BE DONE. THERE ARE VOICES WHO SAY THAT
AMERICA'S BEST DAYS HAVE PAST. THAT WE ARE BOUND
BY CONSTRAINTS, THREATENED BY PROBLEMS, SURROUNDED
BY TROUBLES WHICH LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO HOPE.
- 32 -
WELL, TONIGHT I REMAIN FULL OF HOPE. WE
32
AMERICANS HAVE ONLY BEGUN ON OUR MISSION OF
GOODNESS AND GREATNESS. AND TO THOSE TIMID SOULS,
I REPEAT THE PLEA -- GIVE US THE TOOLS; AND WE
WILL DO THE JOB.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS
AMERICA.
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