[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 11 (Monday, March 15, 2004)]
[Pages 377-379]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Satellite Remarks to the National Association of Evangelicals Convention

March 11, 2004

    Good morning, Ted. I want to thank you for your kind introduction. 
Thank you all very much. Thank you all. Ted, I think I need to invite 
you to Crawford so you can drive my pickup truck and learn the joys of 
that truck.
    I want to thank you for the invitation. It's such a pleasure to 
speak to all of you in Colorado Springs. The National Association of 
Evangelicals was founded 62 years ago with the highest of calling, to 
proclaim the kingdom of God. Today, your organization includes 51 
denominations representing some 30 million people. You're doing God's 
work with conviction and kindness, and on behalf of our country, I thank 
you.

[[Page 378]]

    America is a nation with a mission. We're called to fight terrorism 
around the world, and we're waging that fight. As freedom's home and 
freedom's defender, we are called to expand the realm of human liberty. 
And by our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than 50 million people 
have been liberated from tyranny, and they are reclaiming their dignity 
as free people. Our Nation can take great pride in these achievements. 
Yet I know that liberty is not America's gift to the world. Liberty and 
freedom are God's gift to every man and woman who lives in this world.
    I'm fortunate enough to be President during a time in which our 
country holds great influence in the world, and I feel that we must use 
that influence for great purpose. When we see disease and starvation and 
hopeless poverty, we must not turn away. And that is why, on the 
continent of Africa, we're bringing the healing power of medicine to 
millions of people now suffering with AIDS. From Southeast Asia, to 
Eastern Europe, we're working to end the modern-day slavery of sex 
trafficking. And throughout the Middle East, we're standing with the men 
and women who work and sacrifice for freedom.
    Here at home, we're pursuing an agenda to help more citizens realize 
the promise of this country. That's why we've passed major tax relief to 
help our Nation's families and to create new jobs for American workers. 
We've passed education reform that gives parents more choices and makes 
sure every single child has the opportunity to learn.
    My administration is firmly committed to rallying the armies of 
compassion in America to help our fellow citizens in need. All of you 
know the power of faith to transform lives. You're answering the call to 
love and to serve your neighbor. Our laws should welcome and encourage 
your good works. We should never discriminate against faith-based 
charities.
    My administration is also committed to defending the most basic 
institutions and values of this country. We're working to build a 
culture of life. We took an important step last November when I signed a 
law to end the brutal practice of partial-birth abortion. We will 
vigorously defend this law against any attempt to overturn it in the 
courts. I will also continue to support crisis pregnancy centers and 
adoption and parental notification laws. I proposed doubling Federal 
funding for abstinence programs in schools and community-based programs.
    In the past 2 years, I have been proud to sign the Born-Alive 
Infants Protection Act and legislation supporting maternity group homes. 
I strongly support the ``Unborn Victims of Violence Act,'' and call upon 
the United States Congress to send it to my desk. I oppose the use of 
Federal funds for the destruction of human embryos for stem cell 
research. I will work with Congress to pass a comprehensive and 
effective ban on human cloning. Human life is a creation of God, not a 
commodity to be exploited by man.
    I will defend the sanctity of marriage against activist courts and 
local officials who want to redefine marriage. The union of a man and 
woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in 
cultures and by every religious faith. Ages of experience have taught 
humanity that the commitment of a husband and wife to love and to serve 
one another promotes the welfare of children and the stability of 
society. And Government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves 
the interests of all. It is for that reason I support a constitutional 
amendment to protect marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
    It is my responsibility as the President to make sure the judicial 
system runs well, and I've met that duty. I've nominated superb men and 
women for the Federal courts, people who will interpret the law and not 
legislate from the bench. Yet some Members of the United States Senate 
are using unprecedented tactics to block up-or-down votes. Every nominee 
deserves a fair hearing and a timely vote on the Senate floor. It is 
time for some Members of the Senate to stop playing politics with 
American justice.
    All of us are living in historic times. We've been called to meet 
serious challenges. I have great confidence in America because I know 
the strength of our people. The world saw that strength on a September 
morning exactly 30 months ago and in the countless

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acts of courage and kindness that have followed. Together, Americans are 
moving forward with confidence and faith. We do not know God's plan, but 
we know His ways are right and just. And we pray He will always watch 
over this great country of ours.
    I want to thank you for the chance to speak to this distinguished 
convention. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless the 
United States of America.

Note: The President spoke by satellite at 10:42 a.m. from the Map Room 
at the White House to the convention meeting in Colorado Springs, CO. In 
his remarks, he referred to Ted Haggard, president, National Association 
of Evangelicals.