    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 8, 2001]
    [Pages 1497-1498]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 8, 2001

        Good morning. Earlier this week I flew to Florida to meet with
    people who had lost their jobs because of the September 11th attacks.
    Then I took part in a townhall meeting in Orlando. I listened to
    people's concerns and answered their questions.
        I heard Americans are proud of our Armed Forces, and Americans are
    grateful for their sacrifices. Our country is on alert, and we are not
    intimidated. And as we wage war against terror, Americans made it clear
    they are also worried about the challenges we are facing here at home.
    Americans want action that will strengthen the economy and create jobs.
    They want greater energy independence, and they want reforms in our
    public schools.
        As I listened to the concerns of these Americans, I hoped Congress
    was listening, too, because it became clear the American

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    people want action on an agenda of economic growth, energy independence,
    patients' rights, education, faith-based legislation--all of which are
    important issues that are stuck in Congress.
        I heard hard-working people say they're worried about losing their
    jobs or seeing their hours cut. They know the terrorist attacks of
    September the 11th hurt our economy. That's why in the weeks just after
    the attacks, I proposed help for those who need it most, immediate help
    in the form of extended unemployment benefits and cash grants for
    workers who have been laid off. I also proposed the most important help
    for American workers, a long-term strategy to accelerate economic growth
    to create more opportunities and more jobs. It's now early December. The
    House acted quickly on my proposals to aid the unemployed and create
    jobs; the Senate has not.
        Americans at the townhall meeting in Florida seemed to agree on the
    importance of America becoming less reliant on foreign oil. Last spring
    I sent Congress a comprehensive energy plan that encourages conservation
    and greater energy independence. The House has acted; the Senate has
    not.
        At this season of the year we're especially reminded of the
    importance of compassion. I sent Congress a bill to encourage charitable
    giving and to support the good work done by people of faith without
    entangling government and religion. The House has acted; the Senate has
    not.
        I know that the Senate is closely divided among Republicans and
    Democrats, but the American people expect the Senate and its leaders to
    find a way to work together and bridge their differences. Now is not the
    time for partisan politics; now is the time for leadership. It's time to
    act.
        Congress has other important business to finish before it goes home
    for the holidays. Education is vital to our country's future. We need a
    new emphasis on reading, higher standards, more flexibility, and greater
    local control. Congress has made great progress toward the most
    comprehensive education reform in a generation, so no child is left
    behind. But this important education reform is stuck in a conference
    committee. And the Patients' Bill of Rights passed by both Houses of
    Congress also remains unfinished. These are important measures. They
    have bipartisan support. They should be law. I am ready to sign them.
        I hope you'll let Congress hear from you. Let them know you want
    action not just on national security or homeland security; you want
    action to protect America's economic security, as well.
        I thank you for listening. And during this holiday season, I wish
    Americans of Jewish faith a happy Hanukkah.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:03 a.m. on December 7 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December
    8. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on December 7 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.