[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 50 (Monday, December 17, 2001)]
[Pages 1772-1773]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

December 8, 2001

    Good morning. Earlier this week I flew to Florida to meet with 
people who had lost their jobs because of the September 11th attacks. 
Then I took part in a townhall meeting in Orlando. I listened to 
people's concerns and answered their questions.
    I heard Americans are proud of our Armed Forces, and Americans are 
grateful for their sacrifices. Our country is on alert, and we are not 
intimidated. And as we wage war against terror, Americans made it clear 
they are also worried about the challenges we are facing here at home. 
Americans want action that will strengthen the economy and create jobs. 
They want greater energy independence, and they want reforms in our 
public schools.
    As I listened to the concerns of these Americans, I hoped Congress 
was listening,

[[Page 1773]]

too, because it became clear the American people want action on an 
agenda of economic growth, energy independence, patients' rights, 
education, faith-based legislation--all of which are important issues 
that are stuck in Congress.
    I heard hard-working people say they're worried about losing their 
jobs or seeing their hours cut. They know the terrorist attacks of 
September the 11th hurt our economy. That's why in the weeks just after 
the attacks I proposed help for those who need it most, immediate help 
in the form of extended unemployment benefits and cash grants for 
workers who have been laid off. I also proposed the most important help 
for American workers, a long-term strategy to accelerate economic growth 
to create more opportunities and more jobs. It's now early December. The 
House acted quickly on my proposals to aid the unemployed and create 
jobs; the Senate has not.
    Americans at the townhall meeting in Florida seemed to agree on the 
importance of America becoming less reliant on foreign oil. Last spring 
I sent Congress a comprehensive energy plan that encourages conservation 
and greater energy independence. The House has acted; the Senate has 
not.
    At this season of the year we're especially reminded of the 
importance of compassion. I sent Congress a bill to encourage charitable 
giving and to support the good work done by people of faith without 
entangling government and religion. The House has acted; the Senate has 
not.
    I know that the Senate is closely divided among Republicans and 
Democrats, but the American people expect the Senate and its leaders to 
find a way to work together and bridge their differences. Now is not the 
time for partisan politics; now is the time for leadership. It's time to 
act.
    Congress has other important business to finish before it goes home 
for the holidays. Education is vital to our country's future. We need a 
new emphasis on reading, higher standards, more flexibility, and greater 
local control. Congress has made great progress toward the most 
comprehensive education reform in a generation, so no child is left 
behind. But this important education reform is stuck in a conference 
committee. And the Patients' Bill of Rights passed by both Houses of 
Congress also remains unfinished. These are important measures. They 
have bipartisan support. They should be law. I am ready to sign them.
    I hope you'll let Congress hear from you. Let them know you want 
action not just on national security or homeland security; you want 
action to protect America's economic security, as well.
    I thank you for listening. And during this holiday season, I wish 
Americans of Jewish faith a happy Hanukkah.

Note: The address was recorded at 11:03 a.m. on December 7 in the 
Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December 
8. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 7 but was embargoed for release until the 
broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of this address.