[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 103 (Monday, July 23, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H4379-H4380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PRESIDENT BUSH'S FIRST 180 DAYS

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, we are in our busiest 
legislative session in July; and it is important to go back and 
consider all of the accomplishments we have had in the last 6 months. 
All of us have worked alongside with the President in tackling some 
very tough issues, and I think it is important that we remind everybody 
of the important victories that I think are a great benefit to the 
American people.
  When thinking about the first 180 days of President Bush's service to 
our Nation, there are many accomplishments across a broad spectrum, 
both national and international issues, that I think are clearly 
evident; and I wish to bring to my colleagues' attention. From 
education and the environment, to health care and national security, 
the President has taken an active stance in promoting an agenda that 
has received both public and bipartisan support.
  Mr. Speaker, let me be specific here. For example, the President's 
budget, with bipartisan support, funds essential priorities, pays down 
a historic level of debt in this country, while, of course, 
simultaneously providing tax relief to every taxpayer in every tax 
bracket.
  The President inherited a faltering economy. He signed into law the 
largest tax cut in 20 years. This was important because it provided a 
needed boost while simultaneously proposing measures to increase trade 
and stabilizing energy prices.
  President Bush's efforts to expand the quality of health care for all 
Americans has led to the largest increase in medical research funding, 
the development of 1,200 new community health care centers for rural 
and low-income Americans, as well as immediate assistance to seniors in 
the form of a prescription drug discount card that will reduce their 
bills by 10 to 15 percent or more.
  While working to improve health care for American seniors, the 
President has also taken action to increase access for disabled 
Americans for better housing, transportation, greater employment 
opportunities, and overall access to community life. Moreover, Mr. 
Speaker, his appointment of a bipartisan commission to improve Social 
Security reveals his deep concern for working Americans and the effect 
Social Security will have for them long after retirement.
  While working to protect the interests of American citizens at home, 
the President has also worked diligently in order to protect American 
interests throughout our global community. The $8 billion increase of 
defense spending that we passed will improve the quality of life for 
all men and women who have committed their lives to military service. 
President Bush's commitment to those in the armed services was no more 
clearly seen than in his efforts to ensure the safe and expedient 
return of the U.S. crew that was detained in China. That was no small 
feat, a diplomatic coup; and I think this is a great success that we, 
as a Nation, can be proud of.
  His efforts have also led to the development of a comprehensive 
review of all areas of the military while also carrying out a 
successful missile defense test.
  President Bush's agenda also focuses on strengthening the ties with 
the global community. His travels to Europe reflect his efforts to 
promote key foreign policy tenets that aim to assist developing nations 
in fighting poverty and improving global health care while also 
promoting an international awareness for environmental conservation. 
These can be clearly seen in his efforts for partnership with the 
African nations on issues ranging from the fight against HIV/AIDS to 
the greater development of international trade.
  Mr. Speaker, his commitment to the international treaty that will 
reduce the worldwide use of 12 dangerous chemicals exemplifies his 
concern for the global environment. The President's foreign policy 
efforts also reflect a sincere commitment to strengthening the young 
independent democracies of Eastern Europe. Moreover, as the first 
President to give a radio address in Spanish, the President has also 
worked to strengthen the alliance of the North American nations through 
active participation during the Summit of the Americas.
  President Bush has successfully strived to replace Washington culture

[[Page H4380]]

of gridlock with several notable bipartisan accomplishments on very 
tough issues, ranging from economy to education to defense spending.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe his first 180 days have revealed to us an 
active and committed Presidential agenda that spans both domestic and 
international concerns while also protecting the interests of America 
and expanding freedom, trade, prosperity, and hope. I wish to 
congratulate the President this afternoon.

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