    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [July 3, 2004]
    [Pages 1234-1235]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    July 3, 2004

        Good morning. As Americans gather this weekend to celebrate the
    Fourth of July, we can take pride in our country's great history and
    look to the future with confidence. America remains a shining example to
    the world of all that free people can achieve. And our goal as a nation
    is to make sure that all Americans can share in the promise of our
    country.
        Our economy is showing steady progress. We've completed our 10th
    consecutive month of job creation. We added 112,000 jobs in June and
    have added more than 1.5 million new jobs since last August. The
    unemployment rate has steadily declined to 5.6 percent, from 6.3 percent
    a year ago. With more jobs and lower unemployment, we are seeing rising
    consumer confidence, higher incomes, continued gains in the rate of
    homeownership, and a restored sense of opportunity.
        Our strengthening economy is a tribute to millions of American
    entrepreneurs and workers. By their hard work and optimism, our Nation
    has overcome recession, terrorist attack, corporate scandals, and the

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    many economic challenges that come in a time of war.
        Our Government is also doing its part. With progrowth policies in
    Washington, we aim to encourage the hard work and optimism of our
    people. With tax relief, we are strengthening the spirit of enterprise.
    When people are allowed to keep more of what they earn, that is good for
    families trying to make ends meet, good for businesses looking for new
    customers, and good for those looking for jobs in our expanding economy.
        Now that jobs are coming back, we must build on this progress and
    help American workers and families continue to meet the challenges of
    our changing economy. My plan will help America continue to lead the
    world, help our workers gain the skills they need, and create an
    environment where small businesses will thrive and create new jobs.
        Our first responsibility is not to raise taxes on hard-working
    Americans. All of the tax relief we have passed should be made
    permanent, so families can continue to keep more of what they earn, and
    businesses can plan for the future with confidence. I have a plan to
    help businesses and families with the rising costs of health care and
    reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits that unnecessarily punish the
    job creators in America. I'm working to open more markets and level the
    playing field for American entrepreneurs and farmers and ranchers.
        Our global economy requires Americans to remain prepared for change
    and innovation. That is why I have proposed to help our public schools
    and community colleges teach our future workers the skills they need to
    succeed. For the sake of economic security and job creation, I proposed
    a national energy policy that encourages conservation and production at
    home and makes us less dependent on foreign sources of energy. All of
    these proposals are aimed at helping Americans prepare to meet new
    economic challenges, and I will continue to push the Congress to see
    them enacted into law.
        This Fourth of July weekend, as Americans celebrate our freedom, our
    thoughts are also with the men and women who defend that freedom as
    members of the United States military. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and
    elsewhere, they are fighting terrorists that threaten America and
    helping to build hopeful, democratic societies where the ideology of
    terrorism has no place. Our Nation honors their sacrifice. And one of
    our greatest sources of pride on this Fourth of July is that men and
    women like them wear the uniform of our country.
        I thank all of our service men and women for standing post. I wish
    all Americans a happy Independence Day.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 12:01 p.m. on July 2 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on July 3. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    July 2 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of
    the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this
    address.