    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [December 19, 2005]
    [Page 1889]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on the Legislative Agenda
    December 19, 2005

        I appreciate the House of Representatives for its work to meet key
    national priorities, including funding the war on terror, voting to
    renew provisions of the PATRIOT Act, assisting hurricane victims,
    reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil, and preparing against
    the threat of an avian flu pandemic. I also applaud the House for being
    wise with taxpayer dollars and approving a significant reduction in
    spending on entitlements. I thank the Speaker and the House leaders, Chairman Nussle, and the chairmen of the authorizing committees for their
    leadership. I urge the Senate to send these bills to my desk promptly so
    that I can sign them into law.