    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [January 17, 2004]
    [Pages 79-80]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    January 17, 2004

        Good morning. This coming week, I will report to the Congress and
    the American people on the state of our Union. Over the past few years,
    America has been confronted with great challenges, and the American
    people have responded with strength and compassion and confidence. This
    Nation is meeting its priorities, both at home and abroad.
        America continues to wage a relentless campaign against terrorists
    who threaten our country. We're fighting this war on the offensive,
    denying terrorists refuge, identifying and seizing their secret
    finances, and holding terrorists and their sponsors to account. These
    terrorists are still dangerous, and we will stay on the hunt until they
    are destroyed.
        Across the greater Middle East, America is confronting dangers and
    promoting democracy and hope as the alternative to terror and violence.
    Afghanistan, once ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, has adopted a new
    constitution and is following the path of democracy, including providing
    fundamental rights to women.
        The leader of Libya has
    now pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his weapons of mass
    destruction programs. And in Iraq, the enemies of freedom are being
    systematically routed from their holes and rounded up. Iraqis are
    assuming greater responsibility for their own security and future
    Government. American troops in that country are performing their duty
    with skill and courage, and we're proud of them all.
        Here at home, we continue to build prosperity and economic security
    for our people. Tax relief has helped turn our economy around. We've
    doubled the child tax credit, cut taxes for everyone who pays income
    taxes, and increased incentives for small businesses to invest in new
    equipment and create jobs.
        The results are clear. Our economy grew at its fastest pace in two
    decades in the third quarter of 2003. Manufacturers are seeing a rebound
    in new orders in factory

    [[Page 80]]

    activity, and more than a quarter-million new jobs have been created
    since August.
        Our Government has also acted to strengthen our Medicare system. To
    keep our commitment to America's senior citizens, we're adding better
    preventative care and a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare
    program. Many thought these reforms were impossible, yet members of both
    parties put old debates behind them and fulfilled our promise to
    America's seniors.
        On Tuesday night, I will outline the steps we must take to meet the
    goals of this Nation. We will work to expand opportunities for all
    Americans to own their own business. We'll press forward on an agenda of
    economic growth so that everyone who wants to work can find a job. We'll
    take steps to help families and small businesses deal with the rising
    cost of health care. We will continue to help schools and students meet
    the high standards we've set so no child in America is left behind. We
    will encourage the good work of faith-based groups that bring hope to
    those in need. For the sake of our own freedom and security, we will
    continue to fight the war on terror.
        With all these actions, we will continue to confront the challenges
    of our time, and we will continue to make America a more secure, more
    prosperous, and more hopeful place.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 9:20 a.m. on January 16 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January 17. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 16 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    address, the President referred to Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi,
    leader of Libya. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of this address.