[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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