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Weekly Compilation of
Presidential
Documents
Monday, April 21, 2008
Volume 44—Number 15
Pages 517–551
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Addresses and Remarks Joint Statements
See also Appointments and Nominations; Joint Statement by the United States of
Meetings With Foreign Leaders America and the Holy See—523
America’s Small Business Summit—542
Cabinet meeting—518 Letters and Messages
Commander in Chief’s Trophy, presentation Passover, 5768, message—549
to the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen—
518 Meetings With Foreign Leaders
Energy and climate change—524
Holy See, welcoming ceremony for Pope Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI—522, 523
Benedict XVI—522 United Kingdom, Prime Minister Brown—529
National Catholic Prayer Breakfast—539
President’s Environmental Youth Awards Proclamations
ceremony—527 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.—521
President Thomas Jefferson’s 265th National Park Week—521
birthday—520 Small Business Week—539
Radio address—517 To Take Certain Actions Under the African
Appointments and Nominations Growth and Opportunity Act and the
Generalized System of Preferences and for
Homeland Security Department, Coordinator
of Gulf Coast Region Recovery and Other Purposes—537
Rebuilding, statement—548 Statements by the President
Housing and Urban Development
Department, Secretary, remarks—547 See also Appointments and Nominations
American Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, 25th
Communications to Congress
anniversary of terrorist attack—536
Solomon Islands, message on extending Death of John A. Wheeler—519
Generalized System of Preferences Virginia Tech, anniversary of shootings in
benefits—539 Blacksburg, VA—521
Executive Orders
Supplementary Materials
Amending Executive Orders 13389 and
13390—549 Acts approved by the President—551
Checklist of White House press releases—551
Interviews With the News Media Digest of other White House
News conference with Prime Minister Brown announcements—549
of the United Kingdom, April 17—529 Nominations submitted to the Senate—550
Editor’s Note: The President was at Camp David, MD, on April 18, the closing date of this
issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received
in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF
Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu-
ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be
furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year
Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for
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ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing).
materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also
week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http://
The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpoaccess.gov/wcomp/index.html.
lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- There are no restrictions on the republication of material
ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu-
regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the ments.
Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607;
1 CFR Part 10).
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newmail.eps
VerDate Aug 31 2005 11:55 Apr 22, 2008 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7969 Sfmt 7969 E:\PRESDOCS\P15APF4.018 P15APF4Week Ending Friday, April 18, 2008
The President’s Radio Address rity and its own destiny. So what would this
April 12, 2008 transition look like? On the security front,
we will stay on the offense, continue to sup-
Good morning. Fifteen months ago this port the Iraqi security forces, continue to
week, I announced the surge. And this week transfer security responsibilities to them, and
General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker move over time into an overwatch role.
gave Congress a detailed report on the re- On the economic front, Iraq’s economy is
sults. growing. Iraq is assuming responsibility for
Since the surge began, American and Iraqi almost all the funding of large-scale recon-
forces have made significant progress. While struction projects, and our share of security
there’s more to be done, sectarian violence, costs is dropping as well. On the political
civilian deaths, and military deaths are down. front, Iraq is planning to hold elections that
Improvements in security have helped clear will provide a way for Iraqis to settle disputes
the way for political and economic progress. through the political process instead of
The Iraqi Government has passed a budget through violence.
and three major benchmark laws. And many All our efforts are aimed at a clear goal:
economic indicators are now pointed in the a free Iraq that can protect its people, sup-
right direction. port itself economically, and take charge of
Serious and complex challenges remain in its own political affairs. And no one wants
Iraq. Yet with the surge, a major strategic to achieve that goal more than the Iraqis
shift has occurred. Fifteen months ago, ex- themselves.
tremists were sowing sectarian violence.
The turnaround that our men and women
Today, many mainstream Sunni and Shi’a are
in uniform have made possible in Iraq is a
actively confronting the extremists. Fifteen
brilliant achievement. And we expect that as
months ago, Al Qaida was using bases in Iraq
conditions on the ground continue to im-
to kill our troops and terrorize Iraqis. Today,
we have put Al Qaida on the defensive in prove, they will permit us to continue the
Iraq, and now we are working to deliver a policy of return on success.
crippling blow. Fifteen months ago, Ameri- I’m confident in our success because I
cans were worried about the prospect of fail- know the valor of the young Americans who
ure in Iraq. Today, thanks to the surge, we’ve defend us. This week I commemorated the
revived the prospect of success in Iraq. sacrifice of Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL
This week General Petraeus reported that who gave his life in Iraq and became the
security conditions have improved enough to fourth Medal of Honor recipient in the war
withdraw all five surge brigades. By July 31st, on terror. On September 29th, 2006, Mike
the number of U.S. combat brigades in Iraq and two teammates had taken a position on
will be down 25 percent from the year be- a rooftop when an insurgent grenade landed
fore. Beyond that, General Petraeus says he on the roof. Mike threw himself onto the gre-
will need time to assess how this reduced nade. One of the survivors put it this way:
American presence will affect conditions on ‘‘Mikey looked death in the face that day and
the ground before making recommendations said, ‘You cannot take my brothers. I will go
on further reductions. I’ve told him he’ll have in their stead.’ ’’
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time he needs to make his assessment. It is heroism like Michael Monsoor’s that
Our job in the period ahead is to stand pays the cost of human freedom. Our prayers
with the Iraqi Government as it makes the remain with Michael’s family and with all the
transition to responsibility for its own secu- men and women who continue this noble
517
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fight. We look forward to the day when they there’s constructive things Congress can do
return home in victory. that will encourage the housing market to
Thank you for listening. correct quickly by encouraging—helping
people stay in their homes. I don’t think we
NOTE: The address was recorded at 8 a.m. on ought to be bailing out lenders or specu-
April 11 at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, for lators. I think we need to be helping hard-
broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on April 12. The transcript working Americans who are creditworthy
was made available by the Office of the Press Sec- stay in their homes.
retary on April 11 but was embargoed for release And I do want to say something about
until the broadcast. In his address, the President
referred to Gen. David H. Petraeus, USA, com-
trade. There’s big disappointment around
manding general, Multi-National Force—Iraq. this table about the action that the Speaker
The Office of the Press Secretary also released took on the Colombia free trade agreement.
a Spanish language transcript of this address. This free trade agreement is good for Amer-
ican workers, and it’s good for American con-
sumers. And this free trade agreement is in
Remarks Following a Cabinet our national interests. Yet that bill is dead
Meeting unless the Speaker schedules a definite vote.
April 14, 2008 This is a unprecedented move, and it’s not
in our country’s interest that we stiff an ally
I want to thank members of my Cabinet like Colombia and that we don’t encourage
for joining me this morning. We discussed our goods and services to be sold overseas.
a variety of subjects, including the progress Congress recently has been working on
being made in the freedom agenda around legislation for beach monitoring and land-
the world. But we also are reminded that to- scape conservation. And those are important
morrow is tax day, and our fellow citizens issues, but not nearly as important as FHA
will be paying taxes during a time of eco- modernization or the Colombia free trade
nomic uncertainty. These are tough eco- agreement or making the tax cuts permanent.
nomic times. Thank you very much.
This administration anticipated these
times. We worked with Congress to pass a NOTE: The President spoke at 10:14 a.m. in the
progrowth package that incensed businesses Cabinet Room at the White House.
to invest and a progrowth package that will
be sending some of your taxpayers’ money
back to you. And the Secretary mentioned Remarks on Presenting the
again that the second week of May, checks Commander in Chief’s Trophy to the
and/or credits to your account will start com- United States Naval Academy
ing to you. And that’s going to be an impor- Midshipmen
tant part of making sure this economy begins April 14, 2008
to recover in a way that will add confidence
and hope. Sit down, please. Welcome to the Rose
One way Congress can act is to make the Garden. Of course, this is an old habit for
tax cuts permanent. If they really are that a lot of the players standing behind me. After
concerned about economic uncertainty, they all, this is the fifth year in a row that the
ought to create certainty in the Tax Code. mighty Navy football team won the Com-
The other thing we’ve been very active on mander in Chief’s Trophy. And we’re here
is helping people stay in their homes, wheth- to congratulate them on that amazing
er it be the HOPE NOW Alliance or achievement. As a matter of fact, coming to
FHASecure. Over a million people have the Rose Garden is as familiar a place as Ban-
been helped to renegotiate and/or to find croft Hall. [Laughter]
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ways to stay in a home that they own. We welcome you here, and we congratu-
Now, Congress can help. Congress needs late you. Coach, thanks for coming. Proud
to modernize FHA; they need to modernize you’re here. This team has had an historic
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I mean, season. For the third year in a row, had the
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most rushing yards in the Nation, as well as think I’m only going to talk about Texans,
the Nation’s highest graduation rate. You don’t you—[laughter]—had an interception
went to your fifth straight bowl game, and in each of the first four games. He’s the first
of course you accomplished your most im- player in school history to accomplish that
portant goal: You beat Army. feat.
I want to thank the House majority leader, Zerbin Singleton—now there’s an inspira-
Steny Hoyer, strong supporter of the Naval tional story for all. He faced great challenges
Academy, for joining us. Congressman growing up. He overcame injuries from a car
Hoyer, thanks for being here. Secretary Don accident to make it to the Naval Academy.
Winter, Secretary of the Navy, and Linda; And during the season, he received the Dis-
John Dalton, former Secretary of the Navy ney Wide World of Sports Spirit Award as
and a fine Texan, as well as Margaret— college football’s most inspirational figure.
thanks for coming. Vice Admiral Jeff Fowler, He’s the brigade commander of all 4,200
thanks for being here, sir. Proud you’re here. midshipmen at the Naval Academy. He’ll
Coach—just Coach—[laughter]—like, you soon begin flight training as a Marine aviator.
call me George; I’ll call you Ken. [Laughter] Proud to welcome all the individual stars
Glad you all are here. [Laughter] here. But no question, this team played well
This team set a school record by scoring because you played as a unit. I want to thank
511 points. And with your sixth straight win every football player for agreeing to put on
over Army, you established the longest win- the uniform of the finest military ever. You’ve
ning streak against Army in history. You beat signed up after 9/11. You knew the stakes
Notre Dame for the first time since 1963. involved in the war against extremists and
I’m probably not going to spend much time radicals. You knew that your country de-
talking to the Pope about it. [Laughter] You pended on you, and you didn’t hesitate to
had an interesting game in the great State wear the uniform.
of Texas against North Texas, when you won I welcome you as stars on the football field,
74 to 62—136 combined points were the and I welcome you as soon to be sailors and
most scored in a regulation game in the his- marines who have a major responsibility to
tory of NCAA’s top division. You earned an protect the United States from harm and
invitation to play in the Poinsettia Bowl. For- spread the great blessings of liberty so we
get the score, but you made an exciting fin- can have peace. I cannot wait to be able to
ish. In other words, you brought great credit say to you someday, I’m proud to be your
to a fabulous place of higher institute—of Commander in Chief.
learning. And so I welcome you to the Rose Garden.
And I want to thank your head coach and I congratulate you on being fine football play-
welcome him. He’s been a big part of the ers. More importantly, I congratulate you on
success over the past 6 years, and no doubt being patriotic Americans. May God bless
in my mind—more importantly, no doubt in you.
the superintendent’s mind—that he’s going
to be a fabulous head coach for years to NOTE: The President spoke at 1:16 p.m. in the
Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks,
come. Congratulations.
he referred to Ken Niumatalolo, head coach, U.S.
I’ve been reading about some of the stand- Naval Academy football team; and Vice Adm. Jef-
out performers on the team, starting with slot frey L. Fowler, USN, superintendent, U.S. Naval
back Reggie Campbell, team captain on of- Academy.
fense. He holds—he owns eight school
records. He was the MVP of the Army-Navy
game. Linebacker Irv Spencer, team captain Statement on the Death of
on defense—he led the team with 95 tackles. John A. Wheeler
Adam Ballard, Texan—[laughter]— April 14, 2008
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Lewisville, Texas—he came back from a bro-
ken leg in 2006 to score Navy’s first touch- Laura and I are saddened by the death
down of the season. He’s a bruiser. Corner- of John Archibald Wheeler, one of America’s
back Ketric Buffin, Rowlett, Texas—you greatest physicists.
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During his distinguished career, Dr. ferson proclaimed as a self-evident truth that
Wheeler collaborated with scientists such as liberty was a right given to all people by an
Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr on projects Almighty.
that changed the course of history. His early Here in America, that truth was not fully
work with Bohr on how nuclei split apart, realized in Jefferson’s own lifetime. As he ob-
his vision of the possibilities of Einstein’s served the condition of slaves in America,
curved space, and his work on quantum the- Jefferson said, quote, ‘‘I tremble for my
ory demonstrated his innovation and bril- country when I reflect that God is just [and]
liance. And he will always be remembered that His justice cannot sleep forever.’’ Less
for giving the phenomenon of black holes its than 40 years after his death, justice was
name. awakened in America and a new era of free-
Dr. Wheeler was also a great teacher who dom dawned.
understood that educating young minds Today, on the banks of the Tidal Basin,
would be one of his most significant con- a statue of Thomas Jefferson stands in a ro-
tributions. As a professor at Princeton Uni- tunda that is a memorial to both the man
versity and the University of Texas—Austin, and the ideas that built this Nation. There,
Dr. Wheeler inspired generations of stu- on any day of the week, you will find men
dents, such as the late Nobel Prize winning and women of all creeds, colors, races, and
physicist Richard Feynman, to transform religions. You will find scholars, school-
their curiosity into scientific discoveries. children, and visitors from every part of our
Today our thoughts and prayers are with
country. And you will find each of them look-
the Wheeler family.
ing upward in quiet reflection on the liturgy
of freedom, the words of Thomas Jefferson
Remarks Honoring President inscribed on the memorial’s walls.
Thomas Jefferson’s 265th Birthday The power of Jefferson’s words do not stop
at water’s edge. They beckon the friends of
April 14, 2008 liberty on even the most distant shores.
Thank you all. Thanks for coming. Please They’re a source of inspiration for people in
be seated. Welcome to the White House. young democracies like Afghanistan and
Laura and I are so honored you are here. Lebanon and Iraq. And they are a source of
I welcome members of my Cabinet, Mem- hope for people in nations like Belarus and
bers of the United States Senate, folks who Burma, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Syria, North
work in the White House, the Governor of Korea, and Zimbabwe, where the struggle for
Virginia and Anne Holton. Thank you all for freedom continues.
coming. We’re really happy you’re here. Thomas Jefferson left us on July 4th, 1826,
We’re here tonight to commemorate the 50 years to the day after our Declaration of
265th birthday of Thomas Jefferson, here in Independence was adopted. In one of the
a room where he once walked and in a home great harmonies of history, his friend and
where he once lived. In this house, President rival John Adams died on the very same day.
Jefferson spread the word that liberty was Adams’s last words were, ‘‘Thomas Jefferson
the right of every individual. In this house, survives.’’ And he still does today, and he will
Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark off on the live on forever, because the desire to live in
mission that helped make America a conti- freedom is the eternal hope of mankind.
nental nation. And in this house, Jefferson And now it’s my pleasure to welcome
was known to receive guests in his bathrobe Wilfred McClay to the stage.
and slippers. [Laughter] Laura said, ‘‘No.’’
[Laughter] I don’t have a bathrobe. [Laugh- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:05 p.m. in the
ter] East Room at the White House. In his remarks,
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With a single sentence, Thomas Jefferson he referred to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia
changed the history of the world. After and his wife, Anne Holton; and Wilfred M.
countless centuries, when the powerful and McClay, SunTrust Bank chair of excellence in hu-
the privileged governed as they pleased, Jef- manities and professor of history, University of
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Tennessee at Chattanooga. The transcript re- On this day and throughout the year, we
leased by the Office of the Press Secretary also encourage our children to set high goals,
included the remarks of the First Lady. make the right choices, and put character
first. By instilling respect, responsibility, civic
duty, compassion, and honesty in our youth,
Statement on the Anniversary of the
we can help more of our citizens realize the
Virginia Tech Shootings in great promise of America.
Blacksburg, Virginia Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush,
April 15, 2008 President of the United States of America,
by virtue of the authority vested in me by
April 16, 2007, brought the deadliest day the Constitution and laws of the United
of violence on a college campus in our Na- States, do hereby proclaim April 16, 2008,
tion’s history. The horrific crimes committed as Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call
at Virginia Tech University filled our souls upon government officials, educators, volun-
with sadness. One year later, we remember teers, and all the people of the United States
the victims murdered and wounded that day. to reach out to young people and work to
We join our fellow Americans in praying create a better, brighter, and more hopeful
for the families and friends whose hearts future for all.
ache for their lost loved ones. We continue In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
to be amazed by the extraordinary Hokie my hand this fifteenth day of April, in the
spirit and inspired by the survivors of this year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of
tragedy. Students, teachers, and alumni have the Independence of the United States of
overcome evil with good by supporting each America the two hundred and thirty-second.
other with love and compassion. We are
humbled by their resilience and confident in George W. Bush
the university’s bright future.
We pray that God will continue to comfort [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register,
and heal the people of the Virginia Tech 8:45 a.m., April 17, 2008]
community.
NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of-
fice of the Press Secretary on April 16, and it was
Proclamation 8238—Education and published in the Federal Register on April 18.
Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2008
April 15, 2008 Proclamation 8239—National Park
Week, 2008
By the President of the United States
of America April 15, 2008
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation of America
A hopeful society helps ensure that its citi-
zens develop the character, knowledge, and A Proclamation
skills they need to succeed. On Education President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said,
and Sharing Day, we underscore our dedica- ‘‘There is nothing so American as our Na-
tion to encouraging our Nation’s youth to tional Parks.’’ During National Park Week,
build a solid foundation for a lifetime of ac- we underscore our commitment to con-
complishment. serving these magnificent places and recog-
Education and Sharing Day pays tribute nize the many employees and volunteers who
to the unique efforts of Rabbi Menachem give their time and energy to keep them
Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. beautiful for all Americans to enjoy.
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The Rebbe helped create numerous edu- This year’s theme for National Park Week,
cation and outreach centers, which continue ‘‘Kids In Parks,’’ highlights youth programs
to provide social service programs and hu- and initiatives offered by the National Park
manitarian aid at home and around the globe. Service to encourage children to be good
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stewards of the land. The Junior Ranger pro- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register,
gram is one such program that encourages 8:58 a.m., April 17, 2008]
America’s youth to explore, protect, and NOTE: This proclamation was released by the Of-
learn about our national parks. Today, many fice of the Press Secretary on April 16, and it was
national parks have active Junior Ranger pro- published in the Federal Register on April 18.
grams. By visiting nps.gov/webrangers, young
people can sign up to become WebRangers,
enabling them to learn about different parks, Remarks at a Welcoming Ceremony
monuments, and historic sites right from for Pope Benedict XVI
their homes. April 16, 2008
Across the United States, the Federal Gov-
ernment plays a vital role in protecting our Holy Father, Laura and I are privileged
natural and historical treasures. My Adminis- to have you here at the White House. We
tration launched the National Park Centen- welcome you with the ancient words com-
nial Initiative to preserve and enhance these mended by Saint Augustine: Pax tecum.
scenic wonders and to prepare for the 100th Peace be with you.
anniversary of the National Park Service in You’ve chosen to visit America on your
2016. Serving as the Honorary Chair of the birthday. Well, birthdays are traditionally
National Park Foundation, First Lady Laura spent with close friends, so our entire Nation
Bush has also played a significant role in pre- is moved and honored that you’ve decided
serving our national parks. The First Lady to share this special day with us. We wish
is actively involved in programs such as First you much health and happiness today and
Bloom, which teaches children how to pre- for many years to come.
serve native plants across America. In addi- This is your first trip to the United States
tion, this past Christmas, the White House since you ascended to the Chair of Saint
highlighted our national parks with the Peter. You will visit two of our greatest cities
theme ‘‘Holiday in the National Parks.’’ and meet countless Americans, including
Our National Parks belong to each of us, many who have traveled from across the
and they are natural places to learn, exercise, country to see with you and to share in the
volunteer, spend time with family and joy of this visit. Here in America, you’ll find
friends, and enjoy the magnificent beauty of a nation of prayer. Each day, millions of our
our great land. During National Park Week citizens approach our Maker on bended
and throughout the year, Americans of all knee, seeking His grace and giving thanks
ages can pledge to help maintain and en- for the many blessings He bestows upon us.
hance America’s national treasures for future Millions of Americans have been praying for
generations. your visit, and millions look forward to pray-
Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, ing with you this week.
President of the United States of America, Here in America, you’ll find a nation of
by virtue of the authority vested in me by compassion. Americans believe that the
the Constitution and laws of the United measure of a free society is how we treat
States, do hereby proclaim April 19 through the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
April 27, 2008, as National Park Week. I in- So each day, citizens across America answer
vite all my fellow citizens to join me in cele- to the universal call to feed the hungry and
brating America’s national parks by visiting comfort the sick and care for the infirm.
these wonderful spaces, discovering all they Each day, across the world, the United States
have to offer, and becoming active partici- is working to eradicate disease, alleviate pov-
pants in park conservation. erty, promote peace, and bring the light of
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set hope to places still mired in the darkness of
my hand this fifteenth day of April, in the tyranny and despair.
year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of
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Here in America, you’ll find a nation that
the Independence of the United States of welcomes the role of faith in the public
America the two hundred and thirty-second. square. When our Founders declared our
George W. Bush Nation’s independence, they rested their
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case on an appeal to the laws of nature and Office of the Press Secretary also released a Span-
of nature’s God. We believe in religious lib- ish language transcript of these remarks.
erty. We also believe that a love for freedom
and a common moral law are written into
every human heart and that these constitute Joint Statement by the United States
the firm foundation on which any successful of America and the Holy See
free society must be built. April 16, 2008
Here in America, you’ll find a nation that
is fully modern, yet guided by ancient and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and
eternal truths. The United States is the most President George W. Bush met today in the
innovative, creative, and dynamic country on Oval Office of the White House.
Earth. It is also among the most religious. President Bush, on behalf of all Ameri-
In our Nation, faith and reason coexist in har- cans, welcomed the Holy Father, wished him
mony. This is one of our country’s greatest a happy birthday, and thanked him for the
strengths and one of the reasons that our land spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers
remains a beacon of hope and opportunity to the whole human family. The President
for millions across the world. wished the Pope every success in his Apos-
Most of all, Holy Father, you will find in tolic Journey and in his address at the United
America people whose hearts are open to Nations, and expressed appreciation for the
your message of hope. And America and the Pope’s upcoming visit to ‘‘Ground Zero’’ in
world need this message. New York.
In a world where some invoke the name During their meeting, the Holy Father and
of God to justify acts of terror and murder the President discussed a number of topics
and hate, we need your message that God of common interest to the Holy See and the
is love. And embracing this love is the surest United States of America, including moral
way to save men from falling prey to the and religious considerations to which both
teaching of fanaticism and terrorism. parties are committed: the respect of the dig-
In a world where some treat life as some- nity of the human person; the defense and
thing to be debased and discarded, we need promotion of life, matrimony and the family;
your message that all human life is sacred the education of future generations; human
and that each of us is willed, each of us is rights and religious freedom; sustainable de-
loved—[applause]—and your message that velopment and the struggle against poverty
each of us is willed, each of us is loved, and and pandemics, especially in Africa. In re-
each of us is necessary. gard to the latter, the Holy Father welcomed
In a world where some no longer believe the United States’ substantial financial con-
that we can distinguish between simple right tributions in this area. The two reaffirmed
and wrong, we need your message to reject their total rejection of terrorism as well as
this dictatorship of relativism and embrace the manipulation of religion to justify im-
a culture of justice and truth. moral and violent acts against innocents.
In a world where some see freedom as They further touched on the need to con-
simply the right to do as they wish, we need front terrorism with appropriate means that
your message that true liberty requires us to respect the human person and his or her
live our freedom not just for ourselves but rights.
in a spirit of mutual support. The Holy Father and the President de-
Holy Father, thank you for making this voted considerable time in their discussions
journey to America. Our Nation welcomes to the Middle East, in particular resolving
you. We appreciate the example you set for the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the
the world, and we ask that you always keep vision of two states living side-by-side in
us in your prayers. peace and security, their mutual support for
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NOTE: The President spoke at 10:38 a.m. on the the sovereignty and independence of Leb-
South Lawn at the White House. The transcript anon, and their common concern for the situ-
released by the Office of the Press Secretary also ation in Iraq and particularly the precarious
included the remarks of Pope Benedict XVI. The state of Christian communities there and
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elsewhere in the region. The Holy Father veloping nations reduce greenhouse gases,
and the President expressed hope for an end reduce our dependence on oil, and keep our
to violence and for a prompt and comprehen- economies vibrant and strong for the decades
sive solution to the crises which afflict the to come.
region. I’ve put our Nation on a path to slow, stop,
The Holy Father and the President also and eventually reverse the growth of our
considered the situation in Latin America greenhouse gas emissions. In 2002, I an-
with reference, among other matters, to im- nounced our first step: to reduce America’s
migrants, and the need for a coordinated pol- greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent
icy regarding immigration, especially their through 2012. I’m pleased to say that we re-
humane treatment and the well being of their main on track to meet this goal even as our
families. economy has grown 17 percent.
As we take these steps here at home, we’re
NOTE: The Office of the Press Secretary also re- also working internationally on a rational
leased a Spanish language version of this joint
statement. An original was not available for
path to addressing global climate change.
verification of the content of this joint statement. When I took office 7 years ago, we faced
a problem. A number of nations around the
world were preparing to implement the
Remarks on Energy and Climate flawed approach of Kyoto Protocol. In 1997,
Change the United States Senate took a look at the
April 16, 2008 Kyoto approach and passed a resolution op-
posing the approach by a 95-to-nothing vote.
Thank you. Welcome. I thank you all for The Kyoto Protocol would have required
coming. I particularly want to thank mem- the United States to drastically reduce green-
bers of my Cabinet for joining me here today house gas emissions. The impact of this
in the Rose Garden. agreement, however, would have been to
Tomorrow represents—representatives of limit our economic growth and to shift Amer-
the world’s major economies will gather in ican jobs to other countries while allowing
Paris to discuss climate change. Here in major developing nations to increase their
Washington, the debate about climate emissions. Countries like China and India are
change is intensifying. Today I’ll share some experiencing rapid economic growth, and
views on this important issue to advance dis- that’s good for their people, and it’s good for
cussions both at home and abroad. the world. This also means they’re emitting
Climate change involves complicated increasingly large quantities of greenhouse
science and generates vigorous debate. Many gases, which has consequences for the entire
are concerned about the effect of climate global climate.
change on our environment. Many are con- So the United States has launched, and the
cerned about the effect of climate change G–8 has embraced, a new process that brings
policies on our economy. I share these con- together the countries responsible for most
cerns, and I believe they can be sensibly rec- of the world’s emissions. We’re working to-
onciled. ward a climate agreement that includes the
Over the past 7 years, my administration meaningful participation of every major
has taken a rational, balanced approach to economy and gives none a free ride.
these serious challenges. We believe we need In support of this process, and based on
to protect our environment. We believe we technology advances and strong new policy,
need to strengthen our energy security. We it is now time for the United States to look
believe we need to grow our economy. And beyond 2012 and to take the next step. We’ve
we believe the only way to achieve these shown that we can slow emissions growth.
goals is through continued advances in tech- But today I’m announcing a new national
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nology. So we’ve pursued a series of policies goal: to stop the growth of U.S. greenhouse
aimed at encouraging the rise of innovation, gas emissions by 2025.
as well as more cost-effective clean energy To reach this goal, we will pursue an econ-
technologies that can help America and de- omy-wide strategy that builds on the solid
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foundation that we have in place. As part of in the power generation sector. To reach our
this strategy, we worked with Congress to 2025 goal, we’ll need to more rapidly slow
pass energy legislation that specifies a new the growth of power sector greenhouse gas
fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon emissions so they peak within 10 to 15 years
by 2020 and requires fuel producers to sup- and decline thereafter. By doing so, we’ll re-
ply at least 36 billion gallons of renewable duce emission levels in the power sector well
fuel by 2022. This should provide an incen- below where they were projected to be when
tive for shifting to a new generation of fuels, we first announced our climate strategy in
like cellulosic ethanol, that will reduce con- 2002.
cerns about food prices and the environment. There are a number of ways to achieve
We also mandated new objectives for the these reductions, but all responsible ap-
coming decade to increase the efficiency of proaches depend on accelerating the devel-
lighting and appliances. We’re helping States opment and deployment of new tech-
achieve their goals for increasing renewable nologies.
power and building-code efficiency by shar- As we approach this challenge, we face a
ing new technologies and providing tax in- growing problem here at home. Some courts
centives. We’re working to implement a new are taking laws written more than 30 years
international agreement that will accelerate ago, to primarily address local and regional
cuts in potent HCFC emissions. Taken to- environmental effects, and applying them to
gether, these landmark actions will prevent
global climate change. Clean Air Act, the En-
billions of metric tons of greenhouse gas
dangered Species Act, and the National En-
emissions from entering the atmosphere.
vironmental Policy Act were never meant to
These objectives are backed by a combina-
regulate global climate. For example, under
tion of new market-based regulations, new
a Supreme Court decision last year, the
government incentives, and new funding for
technology research. We’ve provided billions Clean Air Act could be applied to regulate
of dollars for next generation nuclear energy greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
technologies. Along with the private sector, Now, this would automatically trigger regula-
we’ve invested billions more to research, de- tion under the Clean Air Act of greenhouse
velop, and commercially deploy renewable gases all across our economy, leading to what
fuels, hydrogen fuel cells, advanced batteries, Energy and Commerce Committee chairman
and other technologies to enable a new gen- John Dingell last week called, quote, ‘‘a glo-
eration of vehicles and more reliable renew- rious mess.’’
able power systems. If these laws are stretched beyond their
In 2009 alone, the Government and the original intent, they could override the pro-
private sector plan to dedicate nearly a billion grams Congress just adopted and force the
dollars to clean coal research and develop- Government to regulate more than just pow-
ment. Our incentives for power production erplant emissions. It could also force the
from wind and solar energy have helped to Government to regulate smaller users and
more than quadruple its use. We worked producers of energy, from schools and stores
with Congress to make available more than to hospitals and apartment buildings. This
$40 billion in loan guarantees to support in- would make the Federal Government act like
vestments that will avoid, reduce, or seques- a local planning and zoning board. It would
ter greenhouse gas emissions or air pollut- have a crippling effect on our entire econ-
ants. And our farmers can now compete for omy.
substantial new conservation incentives to re- Decisions with such far-reaching impact
store land and forests in ways that help cut should not be left to unelected regulators and
greenhouse gases. judges. Such decisions should be opened—
We’re doing a lot to protect this environ- debated openly. Such decisions should be
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ment. We’ve laid a solid foundation for fur- made by the elected representatives of the
ther progress, but these measures—while people they affect. The American people de-
these measures will bring us a long way to serve an honest assessment of the costs, ben-
achieving our new goal, we’ve got to do more efits, and feasibility of any proposed solution.
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This is the approach that Congress prop- The wrong way is to threaten punitive tar-
erly took last year on mandatory policies that iffs and protective—protectionist barriers,
will reduce emissions from cars and trucks start a carbon-based global trade war, and
and improve the efficiency of lighting and to stifle the diffusion of new technologies.
appliances. This year, Congress will soon be The right way is to work to make advanced
considering additional legislation that will af- technology affordable and available in the de-
fect global climate change. I believe that con- veloping world by lowering trade barriers,
gressional debate should be guided by cer- creating a global free market for clean energy
tain core principles and a clear appreciation technologies, and enhancing international co-
that there is a wrong way and a right way operation and technology investment.
to approach reducing greenhouse gas emis- We must all recognize that in the long run,
sions. Bad legislation would impose tremen- new technologies are the key to addressing
dous costs on our economy and on American climate change. But in the short run, they
families without accomplishing the important can be more expensive. And that is why I
climate change goals we share. believe part of any solution means reforming
The wrong way is to raise taxes, duplicate today’s complicated mix of incentives to
mandates, or demand sudden and drastic make the commercialization and use of new,
emissions cuts that have no chance of being lower emission technologies more competi-
realized and every chance of hurting our tive. Today, we have different incentives for
economy. The right way is to set realistic different technologies, from nuclear power
goals for reducing emissions, consistent with to clean coal to wind and solar energy. What
advances in technology, while increasing our we need to do is consolidate them into a sin-
gle, expanded program with the following
energy security and ensuring our economy
features.
can continue to prosper and grow.
First, the incentive should be carbon-
The wrong way is to sharply increase gaso- weighted to make lower emission power
line prices, home heating bills for American sources less expensive relative to higher
families, and the cost of energy for American emissions sources, and it should take into ac-
businesses. The right way is to adopt policies count our Nation’s energy security needs.
that spur investment in the new technologies Second, the incentive should be tech-
needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions nology-neutral, because the Government
more cost effectively in the longer term with- should not be picking winners and losers in
out placing unreasonable burdens on Amer- this emerging market.
ican consumers and workers in the short Third, the incentive should be long-lasting.
term. It should provide a positive and reliable mar-
The wrong way is to jeopardize our energy ket signal not only for the investment in a
and economic security by abandoning nu- technology but also for the investments in
clear power and our Nation’s huge reserves domestic manufacturing capacity and infra-
of coal. The right way is to promote more structure that will help lower costs and scale
emission-free nuclear power and encourage up availability.
the investments necessary to produce elec- Even with strong new incentives, many
tricity from coal without releasing carbon new technologies face regulatory and polit-
into the air. ical barriers. To pave the way for a new gen-
The wrong way is to unilaterally impose eration of nuclear powerplants, we must pro-
regulatory costs that put American busi- vide greater certainty on issues from licens-
nesses at a disadvantage with their competi- ing to responsible management of spent fuel.
tors abroad, which would simply drive Amer- The promise of carbon capture and storage
ican jobs overseas and increase emissions depends on new pipelines and liability rules.
there. The right way is to ensure that all Large-scale renewable energy installations
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major economies are bound to take action are most likely to be built in sparsely popu-
and to work cooperatively with our partners lated areas, which will require advanced
for a fair and effective international climate interstate transmission systems to deliver this
agreement. power to major population centers. If we’re
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serious about confronting climate change, greenhouse gas emissions. To be economi-
then we have to be serious about addressing cally sustainable, this approach must foster
these obstacles. the economic growth necessary to pay for in-
If we fully implement our new strong laws, vestments in new technology and to raise liv-
adhere to the principles I’ve outlined, and ing standards. We must help countries in the
adopt appropriate incentives, we will put developing world gain access to technologies
America on an ambitious new track for as well as financing that will enable them to
greenhouse gas reductions. The growth in take a lower carbon path to economic growth.
emissions will slow over the next decade, stop And then there will be the major econo-
by 2025, and begin to reverse thereafter, so mies leader meeting in July—that’s the one
long as technology continues to advance. I’ll be going to—where we will seek agree-
Our new 2025 goal marks a major step for- ment on a long-term global goal for emissions
ward in America’s efforts to address climate reductions, as well as an agreement on how
change. Yet even if we reduced our own national plans will be a part of the post-2012
emissions to zero tomorrow, we would not approach. We’ll also seek to increase inter-
make a meaningful dent in solving the prob- national cooperation among private firms and
lem without concerted action by all major governments in key sectors such as power
economies. So in connection with the major generation, auto manufacturing, renewable
economies process we launched, we’re urg- fuels, and aluminum and steel.
ing each country to develop its own national We will work toward the creation of an
goals and plans to reduce greenhouse gas international clean technology fund that will
emissions. help finance low emissions energy projects
Like many other countries, America’s na- in the developing world. We’ll call on all na-
tional plan will be a comprehensive blend of tions to help spark a global clean energy revo-
market incentives and regulations to reduce lution by agreeing immediately to eliminate
emissions by encouraging clean and efficient trade barriers on clean energy goods and
energy technologies. We’re willing to include services.
this plan in a binding international agree- The strategy I have laid out today shows
ment, so long as our fellow major economies faith in the ingenuity and enterprise of the
are prepared to include their plans in such American people, and that’s a resource that’s
an agreement. We recognize that different never going to run out. I’m confident that
nations will design different strategies, with with sensible and balanced policies from
goals and policies that reflect their unique Washington, American innovators and entre-
energy resources and economic cir- preneurs will pioneer a new generation of
cumstances. But we can only make progress technology that improves our environment,
if their plans will make a real difference as strengthens our economy, and continues to
well. amaze the world.
The next step in the major economies Thanks for coming.
process is a meeting this week in Paris, and
I want to thank my friend President Sarkozy NOTE: The President spoke at 2:45 p.m. in the
for hosting it. There representatives of all Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks,
participating nations will lay the groundwork he referred to President Nicolas Sarkozy of
for a leaders’ meeting in conjunction with the France.
G–8 summit in July. Our objective is to come
together on a common approach that will
contribute to the negotiations under the U.N. Remarks at the President’s
framework convention of global climate once Environmental Youth Awards
the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. This ap- Ceremony
proach must be environmentally effective April 17, 2008
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and economically sustainable.
To be effective, this approach will require Thanks for coming. Please be seated, and
commitments by all major economies to slow, welcome to the Rose Garden. And thanks for
stop, and eventually reverse the growth of bringing such good weather. [Laughter]
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Laura and I are thrilled you’re here, and lion dollars by encouraging teachers to re-
we are thrilled to honor young Americans duce their energy use in the classroom.
who are helping their communities by safe- These are practical ways to help protect
guarding the environment. I’m really pleased our environment. And one way to thank you
that Steve is with us too. Thanks for coming. is to have the Administrator present awards
Debbie, thanks for being here. to you. You set a great example for people
I want to welcome your parents and your around the country, and you set a great exam-
sponsors, and I know they’re incredibly ple for the Government. We’re focused on
proud of you. I appreciate the dedication that conserving and protecting our environment.
you’ve shown to improve neighborhoods. I I don’t know if you know this or not, but
really thank the fact that you’re a person in—we created the Northwestern Hawaii Is-
who’s willing to be a responsible citizen and land Marine National Monument, which is
take action. the largest single conservation area in our
I’m pleased to have all the regional admin- Nation’s history and the largest protected
istrators here. It’s good to see friends from marine area in the world. And we did so be-
around the country. Thanks for coming. cause there are more than 7,000 species in
Thanks for serving the country. the monument, and a quarter of them exist
I appreciate the fact that you know that nowhere else on the Earth. And the good
we live in a country of unbelievable splendor news is, Laura went over to dedicate the
and beauty. And no matter which State we monument and did a fabulous job.
call home, we can always find the work of We’re working hard to protect our wildlife.
the Almighty in our State. And today we Through the principle of cooperative con-
honor 36 young men and women who have servation, which means we bring together
devoted their time, energy, and creativity to different stakeholders—conservationists and
being good stewards of that creation. And we sportsmen and local leaders and Federal,
appreciate the work you’re doing to preserve State, and tribal authorities—to protect spe-
our beauty for generations to come. cies that are at risk.
Students here today come from all across We’re protecting our—and strengthening
the country. And your accomplishments are our National Park System. One way to dedi-
as diverse as your home States. Steve will cate ourselves to conservation is to take that
read out the accomplishments, but I’ll just which is already in existence and make it bet-
touch on a few. ter. And so last year, I announced the Na-
First, for the people from New York who tional Park Centennial Initiative, which is a
collected used books that would have ended great plan to enhance our national parks dur-
up in landfills and donated them to schools ing the decade leading up to the 100th anni-
and nursing homes and homeless shelters. versary in 2016. This is an initiative that’s
Got people here from Massachusetts who going to allow the Park System to hire more
worked with local fishermen to switch from park rangers and to increase the use of tech-
using lead weights to using substances that nology and upgrade its facilities and its his-
didn’t have the potential to poison local birds. toric buildings. I’m looking forward to work-
Virginia—the good folks from Virginia ing with Congress to make sure this effort’s
used—recycled electronic equipment so it fully funded.
wouldn’t end up polluting the environment. And finally, we’re working to ensure that
Makes a lot of sense; it’s a rational plan. America can develop alternative energy
Good people from Tennessee who led sources and develop new technologies so we
hundreds of members of the community to can address global climate change without
switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs, harming the economy. And I believe we can
just like Laura insisted we did here at the do both. I believe we can be good stewards
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White House. [Laughter] of the environment, and I believe we can
How about the good folks from Wash- grow our economy, which we’re going to
ington State who worked with the school dis- have to do to be able to afford the tech-
trict and helped save more than a half a mil- nologies necessary to change.
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So yesterday I announced an important na- days after the Prime Minister took office, his
tional goal, which is stopping the growth in country was attacked by murderers and ex-
U.S. greenhouse gases emissions by 2025. It’s tremists, and he handled the situation bril-
a goal we can achieve. It’s important to set liantly. Prime Minister Brown understands
realistic goals and then work hard to achieve our enemies remain determined to strike our
those goals. countries and to kill our people. He and I
The key to keeping the—making this work share a determination, a fierce determination
is to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of the that these evil men must be stopped and that
country and to develop the new technologies we can defeat their hateful ideology by the
that will allow us to utilize cleaner, more effi- spreading of liberty and freedom.
cient energy sources, which, by the way, will We’re working together in Iraq. I want
have the beneficial effect of becoming— to—appreciate the sacrifice of the British
making us less dependent on oil, particularly troops, their families, and the British people.
oil that comes from parts of the world where During the recent fighting in the Basra Prov-
the people may not exactly like us. So in ince, our nations coordinated our support for
other words, we’re working on our national the Iraqi security forces as they took on ex-
security and our economic security and, at tremists and criminals. I was most thankful
the same time, having the beneficial effect for the brilliance of the British helicopter
of being wise stewards of the environment. crews that fired under courage and helped
But today you’re tired of hearing about an evacuate wounded Iraqi soldiers.
old guy speak. We want to hear the stories I talked to the Prime Minister about my
of young people—young people who will be meetings with General Petraeus and Ambas-
the future leaders of the country, young peo- sador Crocker and why I made the decision
ples who have laid out a strategy as to how I made about our troop levels in Iraq. I ap-
to protect their local communities and have preciate the fact that the Prime Minister
done so. briefed me on what the British commanders
And so I welcome you here. I ask Laura are saying about Iraq. The key thing there
and Steve to join me here on the podium is that we’re working very closely together
to present the awards. Congratulations. Wel- and that we’re making progress.
come to the Rose Garden, and thanks for I also talked about Afghanistan with the
coming. Prime Minister. Appreciate the 7,900 British
troops that are serving bravely in that coun-
NOTE: The President spoke at 10:03 a.m. in the
try. We talked about the very successful
Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks,
he referred to Environmental Protection Agency NATO summit that we just concluded in Ro-
Administrator Stephen L. Johnson and his wife, mania. We talked about our commitment to
Debbie. see to it that we succeed in Afghanistan.
Spent some time on Iran. Our position is
clear, that we’re going to work together,
The President’s News Conference along with other nations, to make it abun-
With Prime Minister Gordon Brown dantly clear to the Iranian regime that they
of the United Kingdom must not have the capability of developing
April 17, 2008 a nuclear weapon.
We talked about Zimbabwe, and I appre-
President Bush. Thank you all. Mr. Prime ciate Gordon Brown’s strong position on that
Minister, welcome to the Rose Garden. Glad issue. And I appreciate the fact that he went
you’re here. It’s a beautiful day. I’m—been to the United Nations and made it abun-
a pleasure to welcome a good friend to the dantly clear that which I feel as well, which
Oval Office and had a good discussion. is, you can’t have elections unless you’re will-
Appreciate our special relationship with ing to put the results out. What kind of elec-
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with MISCELLANEOUS
Britain, and I believe that the actions we’ve tion is it if you not let the will of the people
taken are making it stronger. We spent time be known?
talking about the terrorists and extremists. I I appreciate those in the region who have
would remind my fellow citizens that just spoken out on this issue. Appreciate the fact
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