    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 4, 2005]
    [Pages 936-938]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    June 4, 2005

        Good morning. America's economy is on the right track. Over the past
    2 years, we've added more than 3.5 million new jobs. More Americans are
    working today than ever before. Homeownership is at an alltime high.
    Small businesses are flourishing. Factory output is growing. And
    families are taking home more of what they earn.

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        These are hopeful signs for our economy, and we must work hard to
    sustain that prosperity. When Members of Congress return next week, they
    need to take action on four key priorities for the American people.
        First, Congress needs to complete an energy bill. America is growing
    more dependent on foreign oil, and that is driving up the price of
    gasoline across the country. For the past 4 years, I've called on
    Congress to pass legislation that encourages energy conservation,
    promotes domestic production in environmentally friendly ways, funds
    research into new technologies to help us diversify away from foreign
    oil, and modernizes the electricity grid. I applaud the House for
    passing an energy bill. Now the American people expect the Senate to
    act, so I can sign a good energy bill into law by August.
        Second, Americans expect Congress to be wise with their money. I
    proposed a disciplined Federal budget that makes tax relief permanent,
    holds the growth in discretionary spending below the rate of inflation,
    and reduces discretionary spending for nonsecurity programs. The House
    and the Senate have worked together to pass a responsible budget
    resolution that keeps us on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009.
    Now Congress must keep its promise to exercise restraint on spending
    bills and to rein in mandatory spending. The principle is clear: Every
    taxpayer dollar must be spent wisely or not at all.
        Third, Congress needs to ratify the Central American and Dominican
    Republic Free Trade Agreement, known as CAFTA. On Monday, I will travel
    to Florida to discuss CAFTA with leaders throughout the hemisphere. I
    look forward to telling them that CAFTA is a good deal for workers,
    farmers, and small businesses in the United States and throughout the
    hemisphere. About 80 percent of products from Central America and the
    Dominican Republic now enter the United States duty free. Yet American
    exports to those countries face hefty tariffs. CAFTA will level the
    playing field by making about 80 percent of American exports to Central
    America and the Dominican Republic duty free. CAFTA will lower barriers
    in key sectors like textiles, which will make American manufacturers
    more competitive in the global market. And CAFTA will make our
    neighborhood more secure by strengthening young democracies. CAFTA is a
    practical, pro-jobs piece of legislation, and Congress needs to pass it
    soon.
        Finally, Congress needs to move forward with Social Security reform.
    This past week, I traveled to Kentucky to talk about Social Security.
    Next Wednesday, I will discuss Social Security with builders and
    contractors in Washington, DC. At each stop, I remind seniors they will
    continue to receive their Social Security checks every month. I also
    remind everyone that Social Security is in serious trouble for our
    children and grandchildren. Americans of all ages have made it clear
    they expect their leaders in Washington to strengthen Social Security
    for future generations.
        By taking action on all these priorities, Congress will strengthen
    the long-term economic security of the American people. Americans expect
    members of both parties to set aside partisan differences and get things
    done. I look forward to working with Congress to achieve results in the
    days ahead.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 12:30 p.m. on June 2 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on June 4. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    June 3 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of
    the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this
    address.

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